All in Personal essay
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.
Join Ellen Barone on a Scottish adventure. From the ancient charm of Edinburgh to the coastal haven of Charlestown, her journey unfolds tales of warmth, unexpected friendships, and the timeless allure of Scotland. This is more than a travelogue; it's a love affair with a place that becomes a cherished second home.
In a serendipitous twist of fate, a dream from the past and a series of uncanny synchronicities lead Elyn Aviva and her husband, Gary, back to Girona, Spain. Amidst the charming medieval streets, they feel at home in ways they don’t quite understand. The journey rekindles Elyn's passion for a long-abandoned novel, and though it remains unfinished, they trust that life's purpose will be revealed.
Embark on an adrenaline-filled adventure with Nancy King as she recounts her gripping tale of being lost while hiking solo at age 86 as she faces treacherous slopes, deep snow, and unforeseen obstacles. Discover how her resilience and unwavering spirit guided her through the toughest of trials, reminding us all of the indomitable power within ourselves. Share the triumph of finding her way back, and be inspired to tap into your inner strength.
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.
In this essay, Gary White explains how he and his wife use spiritual guides called "the Grandmothers" for assistance in their journeys. When Gary and his wife ask the Grandmothers to facilitate an easy transition from Portugal to Spain, they are astounded by the results.
What do farm animals have to teach us about free will? A lot, it turns out, as Eric Lucas sees it. As well as a lot about Leo Tolstoy's creative tension between free will and the boundaries of our universe. Tolstoy's philosophical question is eternal—and so is the love all our companions bring us, if we only open our eyes.
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.
With an MA in Soviet Studies and a Ph.D. in Slavic languages and literature, Rachel Mann, who has fought for sovereignty in her personal life, brings a unique perspective to the brutal Russian war of conquest raging in Ukraine.
Thomas Wolfe once said: “You can’t go home again.” Was he right? Carolyn Handler-Miller wouldn’t know until she tried. She was determined to find out.
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.
In this essay, hospice worker Sheila Barnes recounts her journey with James, an AIDS patient, during his final days of life, and all she does to convey that even in illness, his life is honored.
Seventy-year-old Richard Rossner was fully vaccinated when he went to a Los Angeles club to hear his son’s band play. He was careful to social distance and didn’t think he was vulnerable. That was Tuesday night; by Saturday morning, he couldn’t get out of bed. It was Covid. Then his wife, who was also vaccinated, got it. Now that they no longer test positive, they are grateful, but the after-effects leave Richard tired and cautious.
Have you spoken to any immigrants or refugees lately? In this essay, executive editor Judith Fein encourages you to reach out, if you haven’t already, and shares how your heart will be opened by the contact.
When Cliff Simon’s cherished vintage lamp is damaged, his distress leads him to the Japanese art of Kintsugi and the point of view that something can break and still be beautiful, and that, once repaired, it is stronger at the broken places.
In the film Citizen Kane, the viewer learns that the murmured word on his deathbed: “Rosebud” relates to Kane’s last moments of childhood innocence and happiness. Inspired by this flashback effect of memory, in this essay, Cliff Simon investigates the memories he might recall at the very end of his life. What will be that most important thing, moment, person, event of his life?
When a group of study-abroad students in France embarks on a spontaneous long-distance walk to Omaha Beach, they discover that though they may have little in common, the walk was the same.
Regular hikes in nature are an essential component of Nancy King’s well-being. Being in nature helps her to connect to herself and to heal the wounds of childhood trauma. But winter hikes, slogging through deep snow, one foot in front of the other, are exhausting. What kept her going this past winter was finding something she’d never seen before—snow and ice hearts. The more she hiked, the more heart stones she saw, and the more she saw, the more her heart healed.
No one knows when we’ll be traveling again. So for now, while we’re still staying close to home, lifelong gardener BJ Stolbov provides his suggestions for growing a vegetable garden, an exciting adventure right in your own yard.
