Chip Conley

Andre Iguodala is a dapper dude. He’s a GQ model with EQ on the basketball court. He was also the MVP of the inaugural Golden State Warriors NBA Finals run in 2015 (4 championships in 8 years).

I might as well have titled this post “Why I Breathe.” Writing has always been foundational in my life, my faithful guide for helping me figure things out—my emotions, attractions, repulsions, and curiosities.

TV jumped on the bandwagon a few years ago with a variety of compelling shows featuring aging as an opportunity, not an obstacle. “Grace & Frankie,” “The Kominsky Method,” “Hacks,” and “Only Murder in the Building” have all solidified that there’s a market for a pro-aging narrative.

My favorite time of year in Baja is the fall. The late summer monsoon rains create a lush green desert and hot tub-worthy ocean temperatures. Everything feels fresh, including this fall’s workshop calendar. Here are our 10 workshops this fall:

For many, getting older feels like receiving a lump of coal in their Christmas stocking: “Nice to be living longer, but how the hell do I pay for these extra years?!”

Many of us say, “I feel like I’m 30 years old,” and then wince as we catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror. Ouch, who is that old-timer?!!

Rabbi Abraham Heschel wrote this beautiful sentence long ago. It feels like a deep truth for me. I have always believed a culture of wisdom holds up awe as a primary value—awe humbles us and makes us curious about life beyond the ghetto of our ego.

Long ago, I planned to move to San Francisco upon graduating from business school. Over lunch on April 24, 1984, one of my favorite professors told me to seek out the “movers and shakers” in town. Fifteen minutes later, we experienced a 6.2-level earthquake. The movers and shakers were clearly seeking me!

“Not embarrassed.” That is the definition of “unabashed.” That word may define this era more than any other. It makes me sad. Not because I want to cast shame on anyone, but because the world could use a little more self-reflection and humility.

So happy to be back in Baja for a few days. I started spending lots of time in Mexico a dozen years ago but only learned Spanish in the past few years. One of the first pieces of advice I received from the gringos who relocated to Baja was, “when in doubt, say Que Bueno!” Or, in other words, “How Great!”