I’m James F. Hickey, a writer and creative consultant who’s spent years figuring out how to balance ambition with a life that actually feels good.

I started my career in New York’s publishing world, working behind the scenes at magazines like ELLE, ELLE DECOR, Woman’s Day, and Travel + Leisure. Later, I pivoted into the tech world, where I helped shape digital experiences as a Creative Director at Amazon. It was exciting, intense, and—like a lot of high-powered careers—unsustainable in the long run.

Now, I live in a small village in Portugal with my husband and a house full of animals. Life here is slower, and that’s by design. I write about self-improvement, mental health, and the lessons I’ve learned (mostly the hard way) about building habits, navigating change, and staying creative without burning out.

If you're looking for honest insights, practical advice, and the occasional story about failing spectacularly before getting it right, you’re in the right place.