I usually don’t play music when I write–too distracting. With one exception. When I want to get serious, I put this on repeat and listen to it over and over. I don’t know why but for me it’s perfect–perfect tempo, perfectly spacious. Love. From the “Diva” soundtrack from about 20 yrs ago. sentimental-walk.mp3
Just started “following” a woman on Twitter (this is not like stalking, you’re supposed to follow people) who blogs about stepmothering. Her stepkid is little, mine is 21. When I married his dad, he was 11 so I’ve been part of his life for a fair amount of time. There have been super-high pros and super-low cons. But—and I’m not... READ MORE
I am one of the luckiest people alive because I have some amazing friendships. Like the guy mentioned above who e-mailed me those comments about Dylan. I mean how awesome is that. This morning was talking to another friend who said, when I was telling him about trying to become a better, more disciplined writer, “Sometimes the energy of self-hate... READ MORE
Whenever I find myself in a conversation about interpersonal difficulties (“My boss is a screamer,” “I can’t get my boyfriend to ever be on time,” “My sister cannot commit to anything”) I always ask, “have you ever heard of the enneagram?” I get one of four responses: 1. No. Not interested in that kind of hoodoo. 2. Isn’t that some... READ MORE
Was e-mailing with a friend yesterday about the kookiness of trying to make a living as a writer when he said this: Being an artist is a risk. Risking non acceptance. Art has an interior dimension. One is groping for what has profound MEANING. Then to present that sense with integrity is vital. But it is a risk because it... READ MORE
Woke at 530 am. Was nervous about meetings today and after much thought and study, devised the following step-by-step strategy: 1. Feel nervous. 2. Rouse good cheer and trust in my own intelligence. 3. Drop all of that. 4. Click in with the atmosphere of the meeting and allow it to affect me. 5. See what happens next. Strategy was... READ MORE
Unlike fiction writers, we non-fiction, self-helpy people don’t submit books, we submit book proposals, a lengthy outline of an idea. Good news: The book is sold before you start writing it. Bad news: creative direction is subject to group-think.In writing 4 books, I’ve screwed this creative direction thing up every which way. I’ve acted the know-it-all and ignored valuable input... READ MORE
Yes, I was on Oprah. Two times in late 2003, early 2004. Without fail, when someone hears I’ve been on the show assumptions are made: 1. I must have pulled some wicked strings to get myself on. 2. I am now rich. If only it were that simple. I’d be spending money like water and jerking those strings whenever coffers... READ MORE
Good morning and hello New Year! I’m very excited that you’re here. This is a magical day. Can you feel it? No matter what else is going on, in some way most people are in a state of contemplation and hope. Yesterday and today are the two days in the year when reflection comes to the fore, and with it... READ MORE
Yesterday I did a radio interview with the Martha Stewart show on Sirius. It was about an article I wrote for the new Body + Soul Magazine, which is published by Martha. The article is called “Love Lessons” and is about how instead of getting all cranky when our loved ones don’t act right, we could employ something called The... READ MORE
I taped a short segment on the Tyra Banks show on Dec 5. It was about asking The Hard Questions before you get married. This is not the dress I wore, but it was basically this style: Here’s what happened: The roller coaster ride is over and I’m back at my desk in Boston wondering if the whole thing even... READ MORE
Taping an interview today on the Tyra Banks show!!! Totally came out of the blue. As these things do. I’ll be talking with Tyra and a very adorable couple about their plans to marry and why it’s important to ask The Hard Questions. I don’t know when it will air; perhaps Valentine’s Day. From past experience, I know that being... READ MORE
Get a new meditation from me every Monday morning