The human experience is full of life. The pain of love, when unreturned, that creates a fear that keeps us locked away from others. Then there is the heartache of watching others suffer, which all has the potential to push us into life. It’s the beauty of the dark nights when we finally let go. There could be times when people are mad at you, and you feel misunderstood and alone. Then you have a moment of joy and wonder how you can be happy with what life has dealt you. Then there is the...

I woke up this morning feeling the usual heaviness I’ve had since my family moved back to Seattle. My dreams are dark, and my body is achy and just uncomfortable. I wondered to myself as I was getting ready to take my son to school, " Will I ever feel good again”? Then my mind went to how people are stricken by war right now, and about how they must feel darkness every day. I’m not talking about any one particular party, religion, or country. I’m just talking about the anguish of war itself...

I come from a family that believes intelligence is the ability to memorize and regurgitate facts. I have never been good at remembering...