Columns

On a recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast, singer Taylor Swift said, “Think of your energy … as if it’s like a luxury item.” I repeat this phrase every day. Over the past three weeks, I’ve been on a typing hiatus, trying to heal muscle and…

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” — Seneca Labor Day on Sept. 1 marks the end of summer and the start of a new school year. For me, it’s always symbolized new beginnings, particularly regarding my health. I cherish the anticipation of a fresh start. While change…

“You can’t lose something you never had.” — Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson), from the 2003 movie “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days“ I write about several topics in this “Brave Butterfly” column: my hatred of hypoparathyroidism; my kids and family; sports (49ers season is…

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” — Forrest (Tom Hanks), from the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump” When I wrote most of this column on Sunday, I’d been confined to my hospital bed at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida for…

“It was amazing. It was a great feeling, a feeling that can only come once in your lifetime, so I’m definitely taking in this moment. I’m very appreciative.” — Ji’Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers safety, reacting to being drafted in the third round as the 87th pick in the 2023…

Recently, I was asked how I maintain a writing career with a chronic illness. My answer was that I ignore a lot of writing advice. Writing every day, maintaining a strict routine, and putting writing first are the most common tips thrown around. But for a chronically ill person, that…

“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” — A.A. Milne Summer is a time for escapades. From mountains to oceans and many places in between, life is an adventure meant to be lived, not passed by. I live each day fully, soaking…

I recently shared that I wrote a book for my late grandma while she was in hospice. She was able to read it before she passed, and she cheered me on when I took advantage of a publishing opportunity. I’m thrilled to announce that the opportunity worked out, and I…

“Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere.” — From the film “Van Wilder” I’ve been sitting a lot lately. I’ve watched every new show and movie released in the last six weeks. Ever since my sweet dog Princess Leia passed…

There’s a quote by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich that was later popularized by one of my favorite film directors, Baz Luhrmann, and that repeats in my head during shocking moments: “The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried…