‘Bad Apple’ Situations: How to Prevent Yourself and Others from Spoiling

‘Bad Apple’ Situations: How to Prevent Yourself and Others from Spoiling

One Bad Apple Spoils the Whole Bunch. There’s a reason that this saying has survived for so long. It’s true – for apples and for people. Research shows that negativity is infectious and leads to rotting of moods, well-being, physical health, and relationships. A 2010 New York Times article found that one Bad Apple in […]

Coping with Cancer: How Simple Words Can Be a Powerful Support

Coping with Cancer: How Simple Words Can Be a Powerful Support

When It Rains, It Pours Last week, we found out my mom has breast cancer.  She’s having surgery tomorrow.  One minute, she was fine, and the next, she’s facing The Big C. My sister-in-law Angie was diagnosed with stomach cancer on February 22nd and died April 19th.  2013 has been one unlucky year when it […]

True Allies: Every Frodo Needs Their Sams

True Allies: Every Frodo Needs Their Sams

Hero’s Journey As may be obvious from the headline, I just watched the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy again.  I wanted to immerse myself in a true hero’s journey – where the good guys endure seemingly endless struggles, stay true to their mission even when all hope seems lost, and ultimately triumph with new […]

On Being a Nomad: ‘Without Home’ – But Never Homeless

On Being a Nomad: ‘Without Home’ – But Never Homeless

The Big Leap I’ve been a nomad for 20 months now, traveling and staying with friends and family.  I took this sabbatical to pursue study, travel and explore, and to have some unforgettable experiences. As I peruse Craig’s List apartment listings (it’s time), I’m reflecting on this incredible journey and what it meant. This is […]

Falling Up: Facing Fear of Failure

Falling Up: Facing Fear of Failure

Fear of Failure Bites Again Two weeks ago, at the World Domination Summit, I realized that I’ve been a bit stuck lately, as I’ve given in to my fear of failure around developing my business.  It wasn’t sudden, or it would have been more obvious.  But slowly, I’d stopped engaging in the playfulness of life, […]

9 Tips to Maximize Your Conference Experience: Lessons from WDS 2013

9 Tips to Maximize Your Conference Experience: Lessons from WDS 2013

World Domination Summit I just got back from the World Domination Summit (WDS).  This ain’t your ordinary conference.  Not by a long shot. Founded by best-selling author, world traveler, and thought leader Chris Guillebeau, WDS 2013 attracted over 2,800 amazing, creative people (mostly entrepreneurs) from all over the world for a weekend centered around community, […]