When I was fourteen, my family took a camping trip to the Grand Canyon. None of the children wanted to go; as one brother put it, "Why visit a giant hole in the dirt?"

     The grandeur of that canyon, carved out by time and the Colorado River, transformed me forever. Our parents allowed me and a younger brother and sister to hike down from the North Rim, sleep in Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor, and ascend Bright Angel Trail on the other side the next day, while they drove 200 miles around the canyon to meet us. I was overweight and out of shape. My younger, abler siblings ran off like jackrabbits in their ascent. That one day, long ago, I faced myself in ways I still hate to think about. I prayed for a mule or a helicopter to rescue me, but minute-by-minute and mile-by-mile, through heat and exhaustion, I placed one foot in front of the other and hiked the entire way.

     When I reached the top, I was so grateful for my success that I vowed never to be overcome by personal circumstances again. My family and friends might tell you how I have struggled with that goal. But I know now that at fourteen, I began my life's work: helping myself and others reach the top. Since then I've studied in and out of school, lived on a sailboat, circled the world, taught sailing and English and personal development to people of all ages and abilities, helped manage corporations, written books, stayed married to my lover and co-adventurer for 36 years (so far!), raised three children, recovered from breast cancer, and built sand castles on the shore with my grandchildren.

     I hope we connect soon to create ways for improving our lives and the world!

Nothing is permanent but change.
                                    - Heraclitus, ca 500 BC