The Speech I Gave Before My Life Fell Apart

What makes us who we are? We often define ourselves by our achievements, our decisions, and the lives we’ve built. But how much of that was ever really under our control? In this first episode, I explore the Japanese concept of ご縁 (Go-en): The countless people, chance encounters, and events that quietly shape our lives. Through my own story, from being born prematurely and living with cerebral palsy to studying psychology and training as a Buddhist monk in Japan, I ask a simple question: How much of your life was actually your choice? This is the beginning of a much larger story. Over the coming episodes, I’ll explore identity, resilience, loss, Buddhism, psychology, disability, mental health, relationships, and what it means to rebuild a life when everything you thought defined you disappears. If any of those questions resonate with you, I’d love for you to join me. #Japan #Buddhism #Psychology #Identity #Resilience #MentalHealth #LifeStory #Go-en