Seven Shades of Sick

Now pay attention. The next sentence will be the most important words I write. I have loved being alive. I’d like you to pause and remember it as we move through the uncomfortable. It’s 4:00 AM. The house has gone quiet. I am tucked in bed safe and sound, baby Read more

When Psychological Manipulation is a Good Thing

“I can’t get in,” the student came back to me and said. The convention center in Los Angeles refused to let him into an invite only event. The other students joined him in their plea to me. They wanted to skip this task, as it was “impossible to gain entry Read more

Discover the Magic of Your Life

Perla Batalla, a backup singer for Leonard Cohen for many years, was in concert in Los Angeles recently. In her second act she shared the story of the time Mr. Cohen asked her to sing one of his biggest hits, Bird On A Wire at a party. She demurred—panicked, actually—and Read more

The Art of Being a Woman in a Man’s World

Sugar and spice and everything nice that’s what little girls are made of. Sunshine and rainbows and ribbons for hair bows that’s what little girls are made of. Tea parties, laces and baby doll faces that’s what little girls are made of. —Unknown Cinderella and a prince. Straight A’s and a Read more

Finding Freedom through Reinventing Myself

Just a few years ago I felt like I was dying. I felt like my life was over. Life felt like a crushing ton of bricks on my back. I was depressed. I was constantly ill with a wide variety of illnesses. I had gained more than 70 pounds on Read more