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Cool tools really work.
A cool tool can be any book, gadget, software, video, map, hardware, material, or website that is tried and true. All reviews on this site are written by readers who have actually used the tool and others like it. Items can be either old or new as long as they are wonderful. We post things we like and ignore the rest. Suggestions for tools much better than what is recommended here are always wanted.
I love dogs. My last one reminded me to be who they think I am—loyal, present, kind.
I chase balance, but stay anchored in what matters: family, wellbeing, curiosity, and rest.
PHYSICAL
Phase 10: This card game is my favorite for casual gatherings. It blends strategy and simplicity, working well with any group size. The sequential phase challenges keep everyone engaged without the complexity of other games, making it perfect for game nights or spur-of-the-moment play.
Under-desk Footrest: After discovering the comfort of pull-down footrests on a luxury bus, I realized our workspaces were missing a key ergonomic feature. This small addition makes sitting at your desk that much more comfortable.
Remarkable Tablet: My Remarkable has replaced stacks of notebooks while keeping the feel of real paper with the convenience of digital. I use it daily for morning journaling, built my Bullet Journal system in it, and grab it as scratch paper or to take notes I can actually find later.
DIGITAL
Things 3: The task app Things 3 is beautifully designed—it’s no surprise it’s won multiple awards. And the Bullet Journal method by Ryder Carroll has a cult following for a reason. I’m grateful I combined the two: the app and the system.That’s how I built my digital Bullet Journal. And it transformed how I manage my time, my tasks, and my sanity.
Hey Email: This email service redefined my relationship with email and my inbox, treating it like a closed door instead of an open invitation for clutter. Every new sender needs approval before reaching my Imbox (yes "Imbox," the “important” inbox), cutting out the usual email chaos and putting me back in control. I no longer despise email.
INVISIBLE
"You are not in the present moment. You are the present moment"
Ray from the Dualistic Unity podcast. This reframing perfectly explains why Dualistic Unity resonates with me. Ray’s elegant way of dissolving the observer/observed divide has become a daily touchstone, changing how I experience life.
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