Things work out better when you're straight up.

And there's always a better time than right now and there always will be. But right now is what we've got.

It's a scary thing, when a person you admire is suddenly revealed to be absolutely, truly human.

Better to live your life open rather than exist on borrowed time, waiting for the great unmasking.

Seeing a patter doesn't mean you know how to put it all together. Take baby steps: don't focus on the folks whose skills are far beyond your own. When you're new to something-or you haven't tried it in a while-it can feel impossibly hard to get it right. Every misstep feels like a reason to quit. You envy everyone else who seems to know what they're doing. What keeps you going? The belief that one day you'll also be like that: Elegant. Capable. Confident. Experienced. And you can be. All you need now is enthusiasm. A little bravery. And-always-a sense of humor.

There's money, and then there's class. The two are often separated.

Life isn't a straightforward climb up the ladder. It can take a few slips to really gain perspective.