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Thailand to Tahoe There it was, sitting on the hotel desk beside him. A journal. I was checking into my hotel in Lake Tahoe when I noticed it next to the young man helping me. Since I seem to have developed a habit of noticing other people's journals, I asked him about it. And that's when I met Techin. I had no idea the question would take us 8,000 miles away. “I'm 8,000 miles from home,” he told me. Home is Thailand. And his journal, I quickly learned, has become one of the

Sometimes the best stories are the ones you weren’t looking for. This summer, while traveling through New Hampshire, Bob and I stopped at the Basin in Franconia Notch. Even from the side of the freeway, I was blown away by its beauty, and once we started exploring, I understood why so many people make it one of their first stops in the Notch. We started hiking alongside the water, where small waterfalls spilled over enormous smooth rocks and collected in clear pools below. Th

Recently, I wrote about The Gift of Not Belonging and a word I fell a little bit in love with: otrovert. Not quite an introvert. Not quite an extrovert. Both. Someone who can love a room full of people and also desperately need the quiet of an empty one. I like the freedom in that word. The permission not to choose one side of ourselves and make it the whole story. And lately I’ve been thinking that perhaps happiness deserves the same kind of nuance. I think most people who k

Sara eased the Subaru into the passing lane and accelerated around another truck. Soon we settled into that comfortable rhythm road trips eventually find—the conversation flowed easily, the miles slipped by, and Prince Edward Island waited for us across the bridge. Judy spent most of the morning reading Culpability, a novel the rest of us insisted she would love. By lunchtime she closed the book, rubbed her temples, and admitted she wasn't feeling well. Between the headache,

Real people. Real journals. Real lessons. I spent the past week in Prince Edward Island writing alongside three remarkable women. Somewhere between quiet conversations, bookstores, and cups of coffee, an idea kept tugging at me. I’ve always admired Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York and the way he reveals extraordinary stories through brief conversations with ordinary people. I began wondering what might happen if I asked strangers not about their lives in general, but abou

Confession. This week's Pen & Path post almost didn't happen. Not because I don't have ideas. Quite the opposite. I'm spending two full weeks immersed in writing. First, with three wonderful women at our own little "writer's camp" in Prince Edward Island. Next, I'll head to Maine for the writing retreat I've attended for the past three years. You'd think I'd be filling notebooks by the hour. Instead, somewhere between editing pages, reading drafts, talking about writing from

Capturing the essence of a life story in just six words may seem impossible at first. Yet, this brief form of memoir has gained popularity as a powerful tool for self-reflection and creative expression. The six-word memoir challenges us to distill our experiences, values, and emotions into a concise statement that reveals something meaningful about who we are. This post explores the significance of six-word memoirs, offers practical tips for creating your own, and shares insp

I recently read part of an Atlantic article by Arthur C. Brooks (The Bliss of a Quieter Ego) about our culture of “loud egos.” I couldn’t access the entire article, but I didn’t need to. The opening paragraphs were enough to get me thinking—not just about the world around me, but about myself as a writer. In that article, Brooks stated that researchers found measurable increases in narcissistic traits over recent decades, particularly among younger generations. Apparently, st

Before the world begins asking anything of us, there is a quiet kind of magic. This morning, my dog was still asleep on the bed while I slipped into the hot tub before turning on the jets. I sat in the stillness and listened. As I’ve gotten older, bird sounds have become something entirely different. What I once noticed as chirps here and there, now feels like a symphony. This morning, I could hear turkeys gobbling somewhere in the distance, while three owls called back and f

Letting go of the past can feel like an uphill battle. Memories, regrets, and old habits often weigh us down, making it hard to focus on what truly matters: the life we want to create. Journaling offers a simple yet powerful way to release those burdens and clarify your personal goals. Writing down your thoughts helps you process emotions, make intentional decisions, and build a clear path toward the future you desire. How Journaling Helps You Release the Past Many people car

Expressive writing is a gentle yet powerful tool that invites us to explore our inner world with honesty and kindness. It’s a way to connect deeply with our feelings, thoughts, and experiences, helping us heal, grow, and strengthen our relationships. If you’ve ever wondered how to begin this journey, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through the expressive writing basics together and discover how this simple practice can open doors to self-discovery and emotional well-bei

Journaling is a gentle, powerful way to explore your inner world. When you sit down with your journal, you open a door to understanding yourself better. But sometimes, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s where self-discovery prompts come in. They guide your thoughts, spark reflection, and invite you to dive deeper into your feelings, dreams, and experiences. Are you ready to embark on this journey of self-exploration? Let’s explore some effective prompts that

Writing has long been recognized as a powerful tool for self-expression and healing. The act of putting words to paper can help us process our thoughts and emotions, uncovering deep-seated feelings and gaining insight into our inner selves. "Pen & Path" is a new project that harnesses the healing power of expressive writing to help you communicate, heal, and grow. If you're looking to unlock your healing power through expressive writing, consider joining the "Pen & Path" com