2024

I’m starting this account sitting beneath the shade of a ficus tree in the arts district of Barranco, Lima, Peru. Writing about my life is a new venture for me, but it feels like a necessary part of my healing process. I turned 50 this year, and I've chosen to make it a year of self-discovery—a time to truly understand who I am, beyond the roles I play. On the surface, I’m a father, a therapist, a friend, an explorer—these identities are easy to name.

But understanding myself at a deeper level has been much more challenging. To do so, I’ve had to confront old wounds from my childhood and recognize the ways they’ve shaped my life. I've seen how I've repeated the same patterns in multiple marriages and failed relationships. It was my last toxic relationship that finally pushed me to face myself honestly. I could no longer ignore the inner struggles that held me back. It was time to silence the negative self-talk and dive into real self-exploration, much like I’m diving into the world around me.

In 2024, I embarked on a solo journey: I wandered along the serene beaches of Portugal, marveled at the tranquil lakes of Canada, stood in awe at two concerts in Red Rocks within a single month, felt the scorching heat of Death Valley, climbed to the heights of Machu Picchu, and roamed the vibrant streets of Lima. Along the way, I’ve dabbled with dating apps, but romantic success has remained elusive—and that’s perfectly fine with me and my inner child. This journey has been about learning to love myself first, recognizing that seeking love from others without first nurturing self-love only leads to disappointment. Read that again. Let it sink in.

This is my solo journey.