One year ago, I redesigned my website to simplify the user experience. I added features like direct scheduling and Google Office, but within six months, I found myself stretched thin across too many platforms, chasing (and resisting) “useful” marketing advice. What started as simple had become complicated.

Squirrels may run up to 20 miles an hour, but it’s not always fast enough. 

As a kid in our family station wagon, I’d shut my eyes and silently send goodwill to each squirrel that didn’t make it across the road. I don’t know when that started—it just did.

photo by Dave Poore on Unsplash‍ ‍

My most recent “teacher” was an avocado. 

It was one of many gently palpated by a customer at our local market. Hunched over the wooden crate, he whispered to each avocado "are you ready?”

photo by Estúdio Bloom on Unsplash‍ ‍

Looking briefly into the washroom mirror on the day of my daughter’s wedding, I recalled where I was in relation to death almost a year earlier. In that moment, I felt life taking the lead.

photo by alliegoodrich.com