As a writer, the world presents itself to me in ways that I translate through the strokes of a keyboard. Similar to an artist with a brush, writing employs a much starker canvas than a palette of oil paint, while unique and different in its’ expression. I started writing at a very young age; prompted […]
In Robert Bly’s book, Iron John, he writes of the transformation a young boy makes as he descends from the heights of a great kingdom. The boy encounters a wild man in the forest that gives him various challenges to test his mettle. In one of the chapters, the boy works within the dirty ovens of the […]
On the steps by Lakeside Chalet, near Lake Merritt, there are words written on the ground: “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” When I walk by these words, it’s a reminder that service to others is one of the highest ‘good’ endeavors we can accomplish with our life. Since resigning from my job in the tech industry, I’ve […]
In my college years, I read heavily into the writing of Ayn Rand; the author and creator of objectivism. Objectivism, in more words or less, is the philosophy that your own happiness is the greatest pursuit you can achieve with your life, through capitalist endeavors, sexual gratification, and intellect. It places each individual on their […]
Last Sunday, our group was arriving to brunch to celebrate Michael’s birthday. As we were arriving, we lost our seats at a large table due to our party being incomplete/parking. Seeing a couple seated at a six-top, I asked them if they wouldn’t mind relocating to a smaller table being cleaned. They had no problem with […]
There’s a story in the Hebrew scriptures, telling the story of Moses. Upon receiving the message from God, Moses began to clammer about his inability to speak properly. T.D. Jakes does an excellent impersonation of Mashah during this story… When I think about that story, I’m reminded of my own inner voice that wants to […]
Last night, I sat in the living room to watch the golden state warriors game. (Dub nation – at least, I think that’s what it’s for.) I realized it was the first time I voluntarily watched an NBA game. My parents turned off the family TV during my kindergarten years; a choice I carried into […]
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” There’s a saying in the bible that says “don’t cast your pearls before swine” which refers to wasting your talents on things that do little more than trample them without appreciation/value. I’ve been unpacking this idea in my own life; seeking understanding […]
“Life isn’t fair. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.” I recently read an article that discussed the process we go through when meeting others. During the first few moments of conversation, we decide if we can trust, and respect, the other. I have found myself guilty of snap verdicts over people I’ve never […]
Last year, I moved to San Francisco, after four years in Dallas, TX. What brought me here was a job and the prospect of having a different life than the one I had grown accustomed in my early twenties. As a homeschooled kid that grew into a self-employed career, I didn’t get out of the […]