All in Life Lessons
Forty years of travel have taught James Hazelwood that laundromats offer something sightseeing rarely does: a glimpse into the everyday life of a place. From Vienna to Maine to Lake George, his recurring search for clean clothes becomes a funny, affectionate story of local encounters, life on the road, and a wife who knows when to bring a good book.
A romantic day in the Italian countryside takes an unexpected turn when an old Fiat breaks down on the road to Florence. For Sarah Jean Benvenuti, the mishap becomes something more: a funny, chaotic reminder of the capable, adventurous woman she feared she’d lost—and had come back to Italy to find.
In the depths of the northern “Big Dark,” Eric Lucas makes the gentle case for doing nothing—and finding peace there. As rain lashes the windows and ambition goes dormant, a gray winter day becomes a kind of true nirvana: no striving, no guilt, just rest, reflection, and the quiet wisdom of letting the season be what it is.
B.J. Stolbov reflects on how three simple phrases—"Not my problem," "I don’t know," and "I have no opinion"—help him cut through the noise of daily life. With warmth and honesty, he shares how these words keep him grounded, free from unnecessary stress, and focused on what really matters. His personal story might just inspire you to embrace a simpler, more peaceful approach to life.
In Waiting for Godot, Estragon and Vladimir’s squabbles capture life’s absurdity and, as Eric Lucas reflects in this essay, the vital role of human connection. Lucas draws on Beckett’s tumultuous life and his own encounters with the play to reveal its message: amid a chaotic, uncertain world, our shared bonds—however imperfect—affirm our existence and sustain us.
On an ordinary thrift store visit for sweats, Irene Sardanis' life took a drastic turn. A fall resulted in a broken hip and a challenging recovery journey. The journey to recovery was tough, but her husband's unwavering support made all the difference. Humbled and more grateful, she embraces her new self, learning to navigate life with patience and resilience. Discover her inspiring story of transformation.
Embark on an unexpected journey with Carolyn Handler Miller through Vietnam and Cambodia, where an accidental injury confines her to a wheelchair. From VIP treatment at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to forming bonds in the 'wheelchair women's club,' this is a tale of resilience, camaraderie, and unexpected discoveries amid unforeseen challenges.
Embark on an extraordinary odyssey with Dr. Allen Steven Lycka as he defies the odds, conquering the Minnie Mine trail, not as an athlete, but as a survivor of misdiagnosed ALS. Tackling the uphill battle with a weakened body and unwavering determination, he weaves a narrative of resilience, unexpected kindness, and the triumphant spirit that prevails against life's most formidable challenges.
In a gripping account, Eric Lucas recounts a near-death experience due to drugs and alcohol four decades ago. Handcuffed to a gurney, he shares an exchange with a paramedic, leading into his journey of addiction recovery. Lucas emphasizes the daily commitment to sobriety and expresses gratitude for the support that has kept him going.
Nature-lover Bindu Gopal Rao shares her transformative journey from expecting too much from a wildlife safari to finding joy in the unexpected. Her heartwarming story serves as a reminder that the true beauty of the wild lies in embracing its unpredictability.
Join Noor Anand Chawla on a powerful exploration of self-empowerment and the celebration of individuality as she explores the transformative impact of Indian art, challenging conventional beauty ideals and inspiring a new perspective on self-worth.
One day Megan Moore made the courageous decision to quit her job and embark on a cross-country road trip with no set plan. Along the way, she finds freedom in being alone, experiencing new things, and meeting people who have taken the road less traveled. This uplifting story reminds us that it is never too late to take risks and explore the world around us.
A snowy March weekend hike and bike in upstate New York reminds Kit Fruscione that adventure can be found anywhere and that creating your own sunshine is important, even in the cold and gray days of winter.
At age sixty-four, Ellen Schecter signed up for a Tour du Mont Blanc hike despite her fear of heights. Pushing through nerves, she managed to trek along the steep and narrow trails, climb a ladder secured to the side of a mountain and cross a long swinging bridge high above a canyon. But it all came to a shuddering halt when she found herself petrified on all fours atop the rocky terrain. The mantra she had been repeating—“Feel the fear and do it anyway”—was no longer working.
Six months after losing her partner John Lamkin, Susanna Starr wrote this remarkable letter to Judith Fein, the executive editor of YourLifeIsATrip.com. We share Susanna’s letter with permission as a chronicle of her journey through loss and a source of honest inspiration and insight.
Joan Virginia Allen was 80 years old when she told her 50-something-year-old daughter Cami: “When I grow up, I want to be like you.” Thus began an amazing journey that included travel, exploration, inspiration, transformation, and the creation of Allen’s first business.
Fifty years ago, writer Nancy King was in a bad marriage, lacking authentic friendships, and focused on professional success with no idea how her life would evolve. At eighty-six, she looks back on her life and her younger self, pondering the differences and grateful for the life she’s created.
When a challenging, off-trail hike puts Nancy King’s apprehensions about aging and her physical abilities to the test, she comes out feeling strong and elated.
Cliff Simon blamed his mother for much of his discomfort and unhappiness, recounting her faults and his wounds, over and over, and with great humor to hide his sadness. But now, in retrospect, with the insights and compassion of age, he revisits the relationship and his role in it.
Can charity be as contagious as COVID? This was what Marlan Warren pondered during her walk home one morning after a surprising encounter with a man on the street in her East Hollywood neighborhood.
