Originally sent by email on March 11, 2024; subsequently sent with minor variations in the months following.
Editor’s note, July 2026: This is an archive of how I understood and described my life in early 2024. Some of the medical framing is no longer current: Below I mention PTSD; I later came to believe this may not be an accurate diagnosis. In addition, I was subsequently diagnosed with Lyme disease and sleep-disordered breathing caused by airway obstruction, which I've come to believe has played a much more significant role in causing my symptoms. I have otherwise left the original text substantially unchanged.
Happy March 2024.
Honestly, this is the best I’ve felt in a long time.
For context, the last three years were by far the most difficult of my life. A series of events led me to have severe PTSD in 2020–2022, which in turn led to chronic illness, something I’m attempting to heal now.
2026 annotation: My understanding of root causes and diagnoses has since changed, as noted above.
But the healing process has been unbelievably rewarding in terms of shedding layers of fear and inauthenticity in my body and psyche, and in my better moments, I would say it has been worthwhile.
If I can ever support you with your own trauma or healing journey, please reach out. I’ve learned a lot about topics including PTSD, narcissistic abuse and trauma bonds, the nervous system, and chronic illness, and can suggest resources or just provide empathy.
A few more updates…
I’ve been living in Mexico City for 1.5 years. It’s verdant for a megacity, has a warm culture and great food, is surrounded by nature, and has decent weather year-round. I’ll forgive you if you move here, despite further driving up the once-affordable cost of living.
I started indoor rock climbing, and it’s the most fun I’ve had in 30 years. I never push myself—with my health issues, I don’t need any injuries. But it’s worth it. Like meditation, a puzzle, and a workout combined, plus a culture of camaraderie.
I’m learning guitar! And I’m writing on LinkedIn about living authentically. I’m entering a more creative phase and it feels great, after having zero creative capacity for several years.
Last year I dated in a “conscious” way for the first time, being intentional and communicating honestly and clearly, which was surprisingly hard. The hard work is paying off, though, and I’m a few months into a rewarding relationship. Relationships have been a lifelong struggle, and I’m proud of my progress, but have a lot of work left to do.
2026 annotation: The aforementioned relationship has since ended. The work continues...
I’m slowly edging into the world of teaching and hosting personal development experiences, especially focused on authenticity, relationships, and healing. I hosted an epic men’s retreat last October, and I’m excited to do more.
And, last but not least, I’m building Focusmate, a virtual coworking community, now with members in over 150 countries globally. Members use the platform to set up video calls with one another, wherein they keep each other company and hold each other accountable while working on their respective tasks. In 2023, we surpassed 100 million minutes hosted on our platform—not bad!!
I hope you enjoyed this update. I appreciate you reading. I can’t promise the next one will be anything like this; we’ll just have to wait and see!
In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you, hear how you’re doing, and know what is most alive for you right now. No pressure to respond.
Warmly,
Taylor