I just spent a week with my family in California. We gathered together for a solemn reason—Grandma passed away—but despite the circumstances, the week was filled with beauty and silliness and music and love. A true celebration of life.
I learned a lot of things.
I learned that Grandma was a saucy minx who wore trousers long before it was acceptable, kissed lots of men, played the flute and the piano, and worked tirelessly to raise money for Tourette syndrome research. (Her youngest child, my uncle Adam, was born with Tourette's, a very misunderstood neurological
condition.)
I learned that my Dad will happily slurp down a disgusting, over-sweetened iced coffee from a fast-food restaurant (he has no shame!) if no other coffee is available.
I learned that my little sister wants to have lots of kids, grow her own food, study acro-yoga, and live on a farm.
I never knew.
It is amazing how—even when it comes to your own family—you never know the whole story. There's
always a new aspect to discover. People can be so surprising. And it's usually the quiet, unassuming ones who really shock you!
Also: "the story" is always changing. I am certainly not the exact same person I was 5 years ago—or 5 months ago for that matter.
After returning home to Portland, I felt inspired to update my website. I started with a brand new homepage and then wound up making little tune-ups to pretty much every other page, too.
It felt good bring "the story" up to date. Like unloading
a heavy backpack or sweeping the floor. Instant relief.
Is it time for you to do the same?
Are you telling the world an outdated story about yourself (online or offline)?
Or a "safe"
story without any rough edges because (GASP!) what would people think if they knew the truth?
Do you feel "guilty" because your story keeps changing? ("Why can't I just choose ONE THING and stick with it??") Could you let go of that guilt and just enjoy the swervy, curvy ride of life?
If
all of this self-focused contemplation makes you feel groggy, turn the focus outward. Turn to someone you know (or don't know) and ask, "Tell me about one of your obsessions..." or "Tell me a secret..." or "Do you believe in ghosts?" or "What were you like as a kid?"
See where that goes. Let the story unfold...
. . .
Here are some recent articles & projects that you might enjoy...
- No regrets. Inspired by a beautiful woman named Connie who emailed me recently. Thank you, Connie.
- Did you know that you can read all of my blog posts in alphabetical order right here? It's true.
- My client Theresa just released an e-course called Get In Charge. If you run a spiritual / healing business and feel
tired of giving, giving, giving but not earning enough money in return, you might want to check it out. (I helped write the lessons and I love how it turned out!)
. . .
Since I mentioned my family at the top of this email, how about a few... family updates!
:)
- If you love jazz and / or classical music you should really check out my brother Ben's amazing video project, The Seasons. It recently got a write-up in The New York Times. Ben inspires me so much! (And sorry ladies & gents: I know he's very handsome but he is taken.)
- My mom "retired" this year and then promptly decided to raise several hundred thousand dollars and produce a new "folk opera" based on the Greek myth of Orpheus in the Underworld. This is her idea of "chilling out." Ha! The opera is called Hadestown. It debuts next year and the music is phenomenal. I am so proud of you,
mom!
. . .
That's all for today.
See you in a week or two.
I hope your "story" today is a
productive, happy, and meaningful one...
-Alex
PS. I am obsessed with Christian pop rock right now. I love this song (it makes me cry) and this one so much. (For the record, I love "spiritual" and "devotional music" of all kinds, from Gregorian chant to Kirtan to Gospel and beyond. There are so many ways to express your love...)
PPS. I
also LOVE this song from the soundtrack for the movie Oblivion. Epic. Thank you, Ellie, for sharing it with me!
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