A Parable of Baggage
There was once a traveler who carried a heavy bag. Inside were memories of betrayal, loss, hurt, and broken dreams. When the traveler met another along the road, they hoped to share the journey. But instead of compassion, the other scoffed: “You carry too much baggage.”
...Introduction: Owning the Disruptor Identity
Someone once asked me why I describe myself as a system disruptor. To me, disruption isn’t about chaos or rebellion for its own sake. It’s about questioning the stories we’ve been taught to believe our whole lives — stories about success, love, wort...
Preface
I come from a lineage where storytelling and reflection were central — my great‑grandfather was a preacher, and though I’m more spiritual than religious these days, I’ve inherited that love for stories that carry wisdom. What draws me in are the timeless human experiences they reveal.
A...
Repetition, Devotion, and the Spiritual Practice of Showing Up
“The only way to get good at something is to work on it every day.” — an unnamed martial arts instructor (shared with respect, as I don’t have permission to use his name)
On Wednesday night, that same martial arts instruc...
“Don’t get too comfortable. You are only walking home.” — Rumi
“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” — Michael Jordan
Over the last couple of years, I’ve taken some of the biggest risks of my life: starting my own business, letting go of...
It starts early.
You’re five years old, and someone says, “Be good.” You’re praised for being quiet, polite, helpful. You learn that approval feels like love—and that love must be earned.
Later, you’re a student, an athlete, a sibling, a star. You get gold stars, trophies, compliments. You lear...
Our obsession with sameness and screens is eroding empathy, diversity, and resilience. The next generation is watching.
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” — Brené Brown
We live in an age of constant contact, yet genuine connection feels inc...
How martial arts, Bruce Lee, and resilience teach us to rise again
Last night in Jiu Jitsu class, the instructor paused as my partner and I practiced a strike. He looked at both of us and said, “You can hit harder—because you’re learning to protect yourself. You can take the hit and not be hu...
“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.” — David Morrison
There was a recent article in a UK magazine that described having a boyfriend as “embarrassing.” Not toxic. Not problematic. Just... embarrassing. That word stuck with me. It felt like a symptom of something deeper—som...
I was criticized recently for sharing my vulnerabilities. I expected it. Still, it stung. I felt myself get defensive. But here’s the truth: I will not stop. I will not shrink. I will not silence myself to make others comfortable.
Because sometimes people lose hope—not because they’re weak, but ...
1. What Is Spirituality—and How Is It Different from Religion?
Spirituality is the personal, intuitive pursuit of meaning, connection, and inner truth. It’s about exploring the deeper layers of existence—our values, our purpose, our relationship with ourselves, others, and the universe. It as...
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” — Kahlil Gibran
The Phoenix and the Fire
In ancient myth, the phoenix is a radiant bird that lives for centuries before building its own funeral pyre. It burns in the flames, only ...
