How I Learned to Confront Indecision
Several years ago, I decided to hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. In the months leading up to the trip, I scoured hiking…
How Creative Packing Made Trips More Interesting
My desire to become an efficient packer grew out of frugalness more than anything. As a childhood packrat, I never put much intention into packing.…
Weekends With My Sister: How Hiking Helped Us Grow Closer
There is a six-year age gap between my youngest sister and me. As children, we fought constantly, which perpetually baffled my mother. “You’re six years…
Rethinking Conflict: How I Learned to Have More Honest Conversations
For most of my teens and early 20s, I had this idea that the best way to deal with discomfort or conflict was to pretend…
How I Accomplished More After Giving up New Year’s Resolutions
I’ve never felt drawn to traditional New Year’s resolutions. For me, the thought of creating a specific challenge that lasts 365 days felt a little…
Long-Distance Family: Staying Connected Across the Miles
Nearly a decade ago, my family left Wisconsin, drove our minivan 1,500 miles to Montana, dropped me at my dorm, waved goodbye, and drove 1,500…
3 Ways to Plan a Creative 4th of July Celebration
Coming from a family with a strong love of holiday traditions, I’m more than mildly surprised that our Fourth of Julys vary so much from…
The Doubt Weasel
Doubt’s one of those weird feelings that can seem nearly impossible to control. A few years ago I was tasked with organizing a first-time event…
More Than a Workout: 5 Ways to Practice Healthy Living in Your 20s
I was 25 when adult life started settling into place. Job performance reviews took the place of class grades. Networking events became acceptable evening plans.…
Staying Curious: How Saying Yes Makes Life More Interesting
Several years ago, I found myself wedged under my car, staring up at the skid plate that stood between me and the oil drain plug.…