Do you feel like “The Weight of the World” is on your shoulders? I’m reminded of the Talking Heads song “Once in a Lifetime,” where David Byrne croons, “Well, how did I get here?” It’s a good question. What is this “weight?” Are we really serving what is on our shoulders by heaving it around with us wherever we travel? What would happen if we just let it all go?

Think of your life as a tapestry. Which specific stories fill in the gaps and make you feel completely whole? If your memory feels a bit blank right now, don't worry. You can hunt for those missing, soul-stirring stories in many rich landscapes. We’ll begin the search together.

As we celebrate American’s 250 birthday, let’s return to some first principles. We speak of the American experiment at times as if we are lucky to have made it this far. Yet, early Americans understood some things perhaps more recent generations have forgotten. Take this idea of “The pursuit of happiness.” It didn’t mean “live your best life” in terms of having fun and accumulating wealth, but it meant a pursuit of ongoing learning, of embodying virtue, and endearing friendship, the kind that could withstand even the most fervent disagreements. These more than anything, are the foundation of a long-lasting democracy not only of country, but of spirit.