Being in My Own Way

Life is a rich, complex, noisy, bumpy journey. This book is a companion for your travels along your unique path. It is a collection of stories that shaped me and of the lessons that are available if we are present enough to pay attention and learn from the experience. This isn't a traditional self-help book, but it can be a personal growth book if you're looking for a little push towards thoughtfully questioning the weird and wonderful world.

In my journey, I have discovered the value of being considerate about how I go through life. I am happiest when I pay attention-when I am aware of my thoughts and feelings and how they impact the people and the world around me. I designed this book for people like me to slow down. My recommendation is to read one entry per week for a year. But I also suffer from the affliction of rejecting authority. So, read however many you want. If you opt to follow my advice, assume each topic applies directly to you. Your mission is to determine how to apply my story, and the stories and lessons from others that have inspired me along the way, to your circumstances. Be creative and be open. The less a subject seems relevant to you, the harder you should try to prove that impulse wrong. Consider discussing the topic with those in your life. Each week, intentionally apply the ideas. Check in to see how it went. Be honest with yourself if it doesn't go well.

Be curious, be kind, be whole, do good things.