Introduction

A star exploded at the end of its life and scattered its heavier elements across the Universe. That’s how Earth happened. Humans share almost identical kinds of atoms as those present in the center of our galaxy, so I think it’s fair to say we’re all made of some stardust. But I was equally a child of the 80’s, so I spent a solid nine months in utero getting pumped full of Diet Coke. So I figure I’m a fair mix of both, which explains a lot.

In my blog, “Stardust & Diet Coke,” I share personal experiences that shape my understanding of how to live optimally right now. This has never come easily to me. Knowing how to just be in the present clearly isn’t coded into stars. Even the brightest wishing stars burned out long ago. And Diet Coke chemicals are all about preservatives and the future. Not sure that stuff ever breaks down in any galaxy.

No one has ever been able to convince me through logic how to actually feel better, only why I should. My degrees and licenses often feel like the Scarecrow’s diploma from “The Wizard of Oz,” framed pieces of paper saying I’m really smart. One degree is even in Latin calligraphy. Unfortunately, feeling good and balanced doesn’t seem to have a whole lot to do with being smart. I believe ‘being’ is a journey to be taken with humor and compassion, facing what we’re made of and exploring how to live. And ultimately discovering what else we’re made of.