Camino path in the fog, symbolising hope and perseverance through discouragement

A Cloudy Day Is Not a Climate

Discouragement is something I know well. It often shows up when you least expect it. Sometimes it comes after a disappointment or a setback at work. Other times, it just appears for no clear reason. The hardest part about discouragement is that it changes not only how we feel, but also how we see things. … Read more

ames Altham with a beer, reflecting on life’s acquired tastes

From Beer and Olives to Solitude

A friend recently asked me: “What do you love now that you hated when you were younger?” My first answers came quickly: beer, anchovies, and olives. As a child, I couldn’t understand why anyone would willingly consume something so bitter, salty, or strong. Yet today I enjoy all three. Somewhere along the way, my tastes … Read more

A sunrise breaking through the darkness, symbolising hope beyond “it is what it is” and the possibility of change.

Why “It Is What It Is” Isn’t Always Wisdom

Understanding the Limits of Acceptance Some phrases really get under your skin. For me, “it is what it is” has always been one of them. People often say it with good intentions. Maybe they want to sound calm, accepting, or realistic. But for many—myself included—the phrase can feel like a door closing. It can sound as if … Read more