Same is it ever was ...

Or was it?

I recently read a piece from Maria Popova’s Brain Pickings about the three elements of “the good life” as identified by legendary psychologist Carl R. Rogers—and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.

Specifically, the first element he names for a life well lived:

“In the first place, the process seems to involve an increasing openness to experience… the polar opposite of defensiveness.”

That line keeps repeating in my mind.

Because if I’m being honest, I often navigate my days on autopilot—as if I already know how they’ll unfold. And after years of doing communication coaching, I sometimes catch myself believing I’ve seen it all.

But Rogers’ quote stopped me in my tracks. He names autopilot not just as habit or routine—but as a kind of defensiveness. Defensiveness! Who knew?

So here’s the thought experiment I’m playing with this week (and you’re warmly invited to join me):