The Examined Life

January 10, 2018January 9, 2018

The little things I do that feel like abundant living

My Life, Reflections, Stuff I Love, The Examined Life

Earlier this week I shared 10 things I learned last year, including “don’t overthink it,” something I said (and I’m not kidding here) could totally have been my motto for ... Read more

November 20, 2017November 20, 2017

On personality, emotional labor, and surviving the holidays.

Personality/MBTI, The Examined Life

I just finished listening to an old podcast where Dan Pink interviews Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. I’ve read ... Read more

November 1, 2017November 1, 2017

Anti-frantic

Reflections, The Examined Life

I’ve been experimenting with Eisenhower boxes lately to sort out my to-do list, that small grid that helps its user determine what’s important (or not) and what’s urgent (or not). ... Read more

October 9, 2017October 9, 2017

You can’t freak out about stuff like this

Inspiration, Reflections, The Examined Life

Some Monday motivation for you: A month ago, I was sitting on the sidelines of another kids’ sporting event, chatting with a friend, when her phone rang. I couldn’t hear ... Read more

September 22, 2017

Can I tell you one thing?

Reflections, The Examined Life

Last weekend I was in New Orleans with a bunch of booksellers and readers for the third year running, and it was a blast. (Readers: mark your calendars for September ... Read more

September 13, 2017September 19, 2017

Parenting the good kids and the odd ones out

My Family, My Life, Personality/MBTI, The Examined Life

A few years ago, I heard Susan Wise Bauer, author of The Well-Trained Mind, speak at a conference. She’s an old college professor of mine, and also a public figure, ... Read more

September 11, 2017September 11, 2017

When the planes hit the Towers on 9/11, I was over the Atlantic Ocean, in a plane bound for New York City.

My Life, Reflections

Readers, today I’m sharing a piece about my own 9/11 experience, which seems insignificant in the big picture, yet continues to be hugely significant in my own life, because it ... Read more

September 8, 2017

Turning the corner

My Life, Reflections, The Examined Life

Almost a year ago, we got a new-to-us puppy, a yellow lab named Daisy. She’s a good dog, we think, and has been right from the beginning. But she’s a ... Read more

August 24, 2017

Double up the dental floss

Reflections, The Examined Life

This week I kicked off my Tuesday with an hour at the dentist. (I know, I know, you’re tired of all the best stories you read starting exactly this way.) ... Read more

August 9, 2017August 8, 2017

Ask for the &$!@%! mug

Reflections, The Examined Life

I was in a local coffee shop last week, the shop that used to be my regular. I was there so often, and it was such a part of my ... Read more