Hard Questions Worth Asking
At times, it may feel like a luxury to ask yourself what you want. It can also feel like a risk, particularly if you’ve been disappointed wanting things that haven’t turned out as expected. As a Career Coach, I know these weighty questions are worth asking. They help us focus and prioritize. Where do we want to put our efforts? That’s how we get results.
Poster by Anthony Burrill
The Single Summer Lift
Before moving south to L.A. with its unending warm weather, I’d feel wistful with the start of summer. In San Francisco, where I lived, July and August were shivery months. As couples bolted the city for romantic weekend getaways to the wine country, I huddled alone in my apartment by the heater. Summer exacerbated being single. Not anymore. Relentless sunny skies can have its drawbacks (barely), but it’s a relief to live in a place from which you don’t need to flee.
Photo by Sarah Illenberger
Favorite Way to Relax
Saturday on the couch reading The New Yorker’s print edition. And you?
Illustration by Christoph Niemann
What’s for Dinner?
These chicken pot pies take hours to prepare. I made them for a dinner party at my place on Saturday. And there was one left over. I’m so excited to be eating this tonight. What food are you looking forward to?
Audacity
On the wall in my apartment is a framed letter from the White House replying to my request for the President to attend my 9th birthday party. Whenever I look at this, I’m reminded that even as a child, I was fearless about writing to strangers on my behalf. It’s a skill that I’ve used successfully in my professional life. And yet, when faced with opening a pump jar of any kind, I’m petrified. Tell me about your audacity.
Illustration by Daisy Emerson
Our Guilding Lights
It was a little more than a year ago that Betty, one of my great inspirations, passed away. She was 88, and I’d known her from ballet class. There was no one like Betty. She’d had a career in musical theater, danced with the San Francisco Ballet and regaled us with stories from her glory years. Even at 88, she took class 5 days a week. Her body was strong and fierce, her skin barely wrinkled. She never seemed to have a bad day. Betty was beautiful and ageless, and she showed me what’s possible. I’ll never forget Betty. Who is your guiding light?
She Lights Up the Night by Jean Jullien
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