Laura Gassner Otting

How do you measure a life? Four years ago last week we lost a giant whose thoughts on how to measure his own life were formative for so many, including me. Though emanated from his religious faith, this exercise is one we can all do. It’s been a minute since I’ve sat down to think … Read more

My word for 2024 was supposed to be EASE. But then everything changed. Last year, my word was ELEVATION. If I am to launch a new book, how do I do it in such an elevated way that I make the Wall Street Journal bestseller list? If I am to go big on public speaking, … Read more

A couple of years ago, I gave a giant keynote to my biggest audience ever. It was one of my first talks back after COVID shut down the world. And, I was recommended to the event planner by a friend whose reputation I would never want to sully. So, you might excuse the fact that … Read more

Do you have problems? I like logistics. I like efficiency. I like maximizing opportunities. In short, I like solving puzzles. But sometimes I am drained by all the small annoying things, and I’m exhausted by the big, overwhelming things. The problems sometimes seem just too hard. This week, I was whining about some of those … Read more

How’s book launch going? It’s gone. Done and dusted.Kaput.It’s over.Goodnight. I just gave my very last keynote of the book launch. Three months of pedal-to-the-medal, go, go, go. And, y’all, I’m tired. Like, emotionally, mentally, physically — metaphysically — tired. It occurred to me to maybe go take a look at this post that I … Read more

This is not your usual banana bread. It’s also not even a good banana bread. It’s the banana bread of exhaustion. Sure, it looks pretty from the outside. But on the inside it has an extra half cup of flour. And in addition to its usual teaspoon of baking powder, it also has a teaspoon … Read more

A little real talk. I was texting with a dear friend this morning and I asked her how she was doing. She replied, “I have more energy for the things I love to do, if that makes sense.” And, oh boy, does it ever. 2021 was super rough for me. I almost didn’t make it … Read more

Should all the people in your life really be in your life?Which of them should be getting a vote about what actually works for you?And how much do you want to bet that the number should be smaller than it actually is? It’s that way for me, too. For years I let everyone in my life … Read more

What would you tell your 8-year-old self? Hi, it’s me. Here’s what I would tell this girl: – You are stronger than you know and everyone else is weaker than they let on. Be nice to them, because you have no idea what they are going through. And be nice to yourself too, because it’s … Read more