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The Dual Nature of Journaling: Insights on Structured vs. Free-Form Writing
My recent journey with two distinct journaling practices has revealed fascinating insights about how different forms of writing serve different purposes in our creative and emotional lives. Using both a structured stone paper journal for prompted writing and a simple notebook for free-form thoughts has created a complementary system that supports both intentional growth and…
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A Birthday Letter to Myself
So here I am, staring down 45. It feels both significant and entirely ordinary. The memory of my 40th is hazy – a milestone that passed without much fanfare when I felt particularly burned out. Sometimes the universe has other plans for our celebrations. Missing out on a proper 40th celebration taught me something unexpected:…
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Alvin & The Chipmunks Gave Me the Wrong Idea About Ad Agency Pitches
In Alvin & The Chipmunks, we watch Dave Seville navigate a high-stakes client pitch while wrangling the unruly chipmunks. It might seem like a catchy tune for young viewers, but a dash of charm and a bit of last-minute improvisation are all it takes to win clients. But for those of us working in marketing…
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My Inktober Experiment: When Prompts Got in the Way of Creativity
Participating in the Inktober challenge is often celebrated as a way to build consistency, push creativity, and explore new ideas. Founded by artist Jake Parker, Inktober encourages artists to create one ink drawing each day for a month, following a list of prompts. I embarked on this artistic process to dive into structured creativity. However,…
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Invasion of the Ranking Snatchers—Competing for Clicks in the New Era of AI Overviews
Tomorrow, I’m excited to join a panel of SEO experts for the highly anticipated webinar Invasion of the Ranking Snatchers: Competing for Clicks in the New Era of AI Overviews. I’m especially looking forward to working with my former colleague Colt Foutz from TransPerfect, who will lead the panel. Colt and I go way back…
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What I Learned by Completing the Botober Art Challenge in 90 Minutes Using AI
Participating in art challenges is often about dedication, creativity, and pushing your boundaries. But what happens when you take on the challenge of creating art using AI—specifically trying to complete an entire month’s worth of prompts in just 90 minutes? Well, that’s precisely what I did during the Botober 2024 art challenge, and here’s what…
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Embracing the Freedom (and Responsibility) of Life
You Are What You Do—Literally Sartre says it plainly: we are condemned to be free. That sounds paradoxical, but it’s his way of saying we don’t have a pre-determined “essence” or nature that defines who we are before we start making choices. Unlike a rock, which just is, humans have the unsettling burden of deciding…
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Fear, Lies, and Living Through the Spectacle
In 2024, we find ourselves living in a world where anxiety is not just a side effect of modern life but a daily weapon used against us. Fear has become the currency of power—manipulated, exaggerated, and repackaged in ways that amplify the most unsettling aspects of our existence. We are bombarded by stories so extreme…
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Lessons in Wit, Kindness, and Resilience from Dame Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith was more than an iconic actress—she was a master of dialogue, wit, and resilience. Over her seven-decade career, she captivated audiences with her sharp delivery and heartfelt performances. From playing the no-nonsense Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter to the shrewd and witty Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, her characters often carried a depth…
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What Pete Rose’s Career Teaches Us About Reputation
Pete Rose’s career is like a marketing masterclass in both triumph and disaster. He was the ultimate hustle guy—a scrappy underdog who outperformed expectations and became the all-time MLB hit king, a record that still stands. He branded himself as Charlie Hustle, the embodiment of effort and resilience. But in the end, he tarnished his…