In this picture, we just completed a 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Mt. Ryan at Joshua Tree National Park, gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation. The shoes I wore were new, and I never walked in them more than around the house. My pinky toes had blisters halfway up. I still had to make it to the top and back down again. All I was focusing on was putting one foot in front of the other. Even though my blistered toes were still there, once I reached the top, I experienced a sense of freedom. What...

Being on the road for most of the past month got me thinking even more about being human and our job on this planet. This week is the first in months when I can get back into a routine: add vegetables and fruit to the fridge, not worrying about leftovers, no rush with laundry and packing, and not having to figure out the airport status. It almost feels relaxing. What I am noticing is that we are seeking peace and contentment in something that's not at home. We believe somewhere else, life is...

Every human being has a life before them. We all have personalities, habits, and world views that were passed down, like it or not. Beyond that, so many experiences are stored in our bones and nervous system, which we never lived through. Sometimes we don't realize that embracing the parts we don't want, or others comment on, can benefit us. Growing up, some of my characteristics and habits were being a minimalist, expressing my emotions freely, and being organized. Reflecting on them now, I...