When Does Devotion Become Obsession? (And How Would You Even Know?)
I woke up at 3 AM excited to blog. Then I debated whether I really needed to shower. This is my honest look at the line between healthy passion and quiet obsession.
JapanLife
Observations from two decades of Japan life, from the nuances of teaching and farming to the comfort of a small home and everyday routines.
The Relief of No Longer Being in the Game
In the past 18 months, the pressure to find a partner vanished. I didn’t expect to feel relieved about being single in my 50s. But here I am, quietly freed from a game I never wanted to play.
Still Learning Balance After 50 (What’s Working So Far)
For years, we try to keep all the plates spinning. But after 50, balance is about knowing which plates to drop. Here is why balance is a verb, not a destination.
Are You Too Comfortable? A Question To Consider
It is easier to teach English than to care for a parent with dementia. Sometimes we choose the service that feels good over the service that actually costs us something.
When You Get Good at Things You Never Felt Passionate About
I used to think passion had to come first. But after 505 days of Japanese practice, I realized I had it backwards. Here is why competence creates passion, not the other way around.
When AI Summarizes Your Life (And You’re Not Sure If It’s Being Too Kind)
AI analyzed my life choices and I wasn’t sure if it was being too kind. From helicopter pilot to Japan teacher to farmer – do my decisions show purpose or drift?
What Do You Hope Heaven Is Like?
I left my cat Simon behind when I moved to LA. My roommate said he used to call for me in my empty room. I hope he is the first one to greet me on the other side.
The Balance Between Talking About Pain and Getting On With Life
I have a slogan on my fridge: “Shut up. Suit up. Show up.” It reminds me that sometimes talking keeps you stuck, and action is the only way forward.
The Family Outsider: When You Love Them But Live Differently
My sister sent a photo of her and my dad eating at McDonald’s. It reminded me of everything I am missing. But it also made me realize something else: I am the family outsider.
