The way we see the world reflects our inner landscape. It’s that landscape we must strive to navigate and understand. — The pattering sound echoed throughout the empty station as a gentle rain fell upon the thin tin roof. It rained all night and through the morning. I sat on a bench waiting between two opposing platforms on the outskirts of town. It was Saturday. I was headed to work. A…

Finding the flow between working and living — This week, I’ve felt the need to slow down… I worry that if I don’t keep up, I’ll somehow fall behind in this arbitrary race; perhaps I won’t get to where I’m ultimately meant to go. I’m afraid that if I don’t turn my current experience living abroad into something…

Begin the journey to live the life you were born to live. — As an English teacher in Japan, when I ask my high school and middle school level students, how are you? I usually get the reply, tired, so so, okay. There’s always another test on the horizon. Ah, I say, you’re going to do great, don’t worry! But inside I’m thinking…

The first touch of spring is in the air. Observations and contemplations from life in Japan. — After my Japanese lesson, I often stand outside of Temmabashi Station, watching the boats move along the river. The day unfolds and I’m merely an observer, watching as waves of people cross the arching blue bridge. People like me. …

I get more emotional in the gym than anywhere else — Without question, I get the most emotional while in the gym. It’s something about the endorphins pumping through my veins, the powerful music in my ears, and the overcoming of physical limitations which fires me up inside. My favorite time to exercise is early in the morning. I try to…

An otherworldly city, a complicated future, and the sincere, international community that calls it home. — Late winter, early spring. This is one of the better times to visit Hong Kong, as the subtropical region is known for long, hot and rainy summers. After my winter living in Japan, I was ready for some short sleeves and cool nights. The Saturday sun felt brilliant. We ventured…

We can’t know if things will work out. If we did, life would be a terribly boring endeavor. — I want to share the experience of writing my next book. I’m not composing it in secrecy, tucked away in a tower wearing nothing but a cape like Victor Hugo writing The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I want to let the light in, so hopefully the story shines brighter in…

An otherworldly city, a complicated future, and the sincere, international community who calls it home. — High-rise buildings came into view as the plane sailed through the warm and dusky Hong Kong sky. An indelible smile formed on my face as I thought about meeting Morgan, my oldest friend and soul brother, for a long weekend. I watched the piercing icons of modernity branch through the…