Courage
15 essays
I grew up preparing for the apocalypse. My childhood was defined by my father's fear—of nuclear war, economic collapse, the end of everything. At 16, I had to choose: follow him to a farm in the Australian outback, or stay and build the life I wanted despite the terror. These essays are about that choice. About taking the first step when every instinct screams to run. About beginning without a map, making decisions in the face of uncertainty, and learning that courage isn't the absence of fear—it's living past it. This is where my journey begins. Maybe it's where yours begins too.
The Build
Big Island, Hawai'i, 2011
The Recruitment
Northern California, 2011
Off-Land
My father's plan to outlive the collapse
What Fear Costs
On my father and the end of the world
Fear Sounds Like Wisdom
Learning which voice to trust
Living Past Fear
Growing up preparing for the apocalypse—and learning to defy fear
I Didn't Think I'd Make It
Reflections on my college journey
The Courage to Begin Without a Map
Why real work demands trust more than mastery.
How to Stop Worrying About the Future
Why controlling the future keeps you trapped—and how to find freedom
For the Young Soul Who Wants to be Extraordinary
A lesson in ambition and stress
An (Actionable) Alternative to "What's My Passion?"
Or how to create a career you love
My #1 Lesson from Living in Japan
How to life a free, inspiring, and professional life.
Choosing Without Fear
On courage, trust, and the space between options.
The Space That Makes You New
On the quiet power of letting go.
How to Be Happy Alone
How accepting loneliness transforms suffering into peace