A Reflection on my 'Why'
Revisiting the roots with fresh perspective
I wrote this piece back in 2021 on my 'why' for this blog—May 21st to be exact—and it felt only apropos to revisit it with a kind of director's commentary layered on top. Each original section is followed by a reflection and takeaway from today's perspective.
Original piece right here 👇
Original
I love movies. I do. I challenge anyone to a game of the original Scene It?. I played it once at a friend's house (Colin, Matt, and Kari—for my DC crew), and they were super annoyed with my playing after about 10 minutes. 😂 Okay, I'm not a cinephile to the degree that I relish the AFI 100, though I've probably seen 70 of them... [continues into Tarantino, Nolan, Memento, Following, etc.]
Reflection
Movies were my first real introduction to narrative structure, pacing, and emotional depth. At 23, I didn't fully understand that my love for film was more than just passive viewing; it was a form of training. I began studying storytelling long before I considered myself a writer or a coach. I was learning how to feel, think, and remember.
Thinking of my friends in Washington, DC, still brings a smile to my face. That version of myself was eager to learn, create, and impress. While I may not yet have a script optioned or a short film featured at Sundance, the sensibility I developed during that time continues to shape how I coach, parent, and write. I now view storytelling as a practice of deep listening, rather than simply clever structuring.
Guidance
Don't downplay your obsessions—they're often clues. That thing you geek out on? Follow it. Study it. It might be pointing to a lifelong thread. Even if it looks "off-topic," it might be your superpower in disguise.
Original
I traveled on the Nascar circuit in a Marketing Coordinator job in 2002 at the ripe age of 23... [continues with diet experiments, learning Spanish, cultural education on the road, etc.]
Reflection
This section serves as a time capsule. I see my younger self as curious, ambitious, and slightly scattered in a positive way. Back then, I had no concept of "presence," but I was fully immersed in life, even if that meant relying on gas station protein bars and exploring used bookstores.
Reflecting on those times, I realize I was unknowingly gathering insights about regional identity, class, race, language, and food systems. The journeys I took taught me about America's contradictions and quirks, which later shaped my empathy and coaching style. My desire to write wasn't driven by ego; it was a way for me to make sense of everything I encountered.
Guidance
Stay alert in unfamiliar environments. Write down the details. You may not understand the lesson in the moment, but your future self will appreciate your attentiveness to it. Embrace road trips as spiritual journeys.
Original
Returning to the screenplay angle: I learned why I loved to write and why I was intrigued by learning more about film and the story-making process behind it... [continues with learning to write, getting feedback, amateur status, etc.]
Reflection
This marked the beginning of my understanding that writing is a craft. I appreciate the humility in that realization—I knew I wasn't great, but I was still showing up. It's something I often forget. It's easy to become caught up in metrics, growth, or impact. However, the essence remains the same: curiosity meets discipline.
I've improved significantly, not because I aimed to be a "content creator," but because I committed to practicing. Through repetition, feedback, and adjustments, I learned to appreciate the quiet, invisible aspects of creation—those moments when no one is watching.
Guidance
Embrace the idea of being unskilled at first. Learn to appreciate the chaos. When you write (or create) regularly, your voice transitions from a whisper to a powerful song. That voice is significant, especially when it stems from a place of service rather than mere self-expression.
Original
I love my health. I value my healthy lifestyle... [continues with reflections on health coaching emails, the pandemic pivot, consuming and evaluating health info, etc.]
Reflection
This was the inspiration behind the creation of Simple Fun Health. What strikes me now is that I was trying to determine "who it's for" while still struggling to acknowledge that it was my own body of work. I recognized its value, but I was still negotiating my self-worth.
Now, I understand that personal health is a universal concept. It encompasses not just the physical aspects, but also emotional, relational, and creative dimensions. I take pride in how I've continuously shown up, adapted, and sought the truth throughout this journey. It doesn't have to be perfect; it just needs to be honest.
Guidance
When in doubt, serve the version of yourself who needed it five years ago. Let that be your guide. Don't be afraid to evolve your medium. Email, blog, podcast, coaching—formats can be flexible. Your perspective is the true offering.
Final Thoughts
My early writing contains many clues about my identity, values, and relationships with others. This reflective commentary serves as a reminder that we don't always need to discard the old; sometimes, it's best to hold on to it. Sometimes, it's necessary to engage with it longer and allow its meaning to develop.