Self-reliance is usually regarded as a virtue. We admire people who cope without complaining, who take responsibility and just quietly get things done. What interests me, though, is why some people do and others don’t develop this trait. I count myself amongst the people who habitually handle things on their own without ever considering whether […]
When self-reliance becomes a shield Read More »
What hesitation is protecting Have you had those moments in life when you had to make a weighty decision and found it nearly impossible to choose between your various options? You watch others speak with confidence about advancing their career, a pivot, their five-year plan. But when you try to answer the same question for
The Wrong Question: Why Some Decisions Resist Being Made Read More »
Simon Baron-Cohen’s The Essential Difference: Men, Women and the Extreme Male Brain planted the seed for my We-mind vs. Me-Mind theory. It is a brave look at the scientific evidence behind the innate sex differences of the mind. I found it a riveting read, even if, after seven years of research, I came to disagree with
The Books Behind We-Mind vs Me-Mind Read More »
Moving through the paralysis of overthinking “Come on! Stop overthinking it! Go with what feels right.” Quite a few people told me that over the last weeks while I was trying to choose a title for my next book. Yes, the book that tackles how to stop overthinking and take action :). There is a
Overthinking vs. Clarity: one book, three covers and a lesson Read More »
Why smart, capable people still feel held back You’re driven, insightful, and capable. Your days are full, your mind is sharp, and yet something feels… stuck. You’ve ticked the boxes, achieved the milestones, and still you hesitate. You overthink, second-guess, over-deliver, or freeze just when you’re about to cross a threshold that should feel like
The story behind stuckness Read More »
A magical journey from inner conflict to clarity As a young teenager, I was sure I was a witch. A friendly one. I brewed potions with herbs from our garden, spoke with animals and plants, and was captivated by spirits and their mysterious power. My parents had a book that fascinated me, about a magical
Fairies, fires and finding myself in Findhorn Read More »
What Carnival Taught Me About Identity and Belonging My Dad used to love Carnival. It’s a time of revelry, of costumes and chaos, celebrated across Europe and South America. But beneath the confetti, dance and music, Carnival is an ancient tradition that speaks to the human need to escape, even briefly, from the rules that
Here’s a new way to regain momentum when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Do you know that feeling like when you’re navigating too many challenges? Perhaps it’s a nagging sense of dissatisfaction, overthinking, or doubt about where you’re headed, because you’re being pulled in too many directions. Often, too, others don’t seem to understand. What
Regaining Momentum Read More »
Do you ever feel the pull to keep creating, even when everyone around you is heading elsewhere? Work life balance for creative thinkers may seem tough, but creativity and connection can coexist and thrive. For those of us who are curious and driven, seeking solid achievements — writers, journalists, entrepreneurs, artists, leaders — that gravitational
When the World Slows Down Read More »
The hardest lesson to learn is the one that you don’t see When I moved to my new home city of Brussels, I decided to reinvent myself. I tried to fit in, but I was unpleasantly surprised. That was several years ago. Only recently have I understood the deeper meaning of that experience. It was
I Tried to Fit In. Here’s Why It Didn’t Work Read More »
Finding grace in grief “Did the Chinese pay you to scare the hell out of me?” The question was directed at the oncologist who had just given my friend some very bad news. Perhaps the doctor was aware that her patient was running an academic institute that researched Asia. It’s unlikely that she knew Lily’s
Love and Loss: Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone Read More »
Many of us worry that we don’t fit in. Here’s why being different is okay. In fact, it’s a good sign! This really hit home at the International Finance Corporation‘s Conference on regenerative agriculture in Dublin. What a feast it was to be in the company of so many brilliant minds who have been coming
Being different? That’s a good sign Read More »
