A life lived by four simple words.
Author's Note — May 21, 2026
When I wrote this post, these four words were the truest thing I knew about myself. They still are — mostly. Connection remains one of my primary values. But somewhere between then and now, through a lot of reflection and growth, something shifted. Inspiration has quietly and persistently made its way to the center of how I experience the world, and it has earned its place among my four words.
So while Connection, Wonder, Hope, and Joy were exactly right when I wrote this, my four words today are Inspiration, Wonder, Hope, and Joy.
I'm leaving this post exactly as I wrote it, because it was true then, and truth doesn't need to be revised, only expanded.
Connection. Wonder. Hope. Joy.
How do those words feel when you read them? How about when you say them? Do they stir something deep inside you? I know they do for me. But why?
My entire life has been about those four words. I love connecting with people, experiencing the wonder of the natural and manmade worlds, being filled with hope about the future, and living in a state of gratitude and joy. I know that people sometimes see me as weird, simple-minded, or even "innocent." Sometimes, when my back is turned, people make fun of me because I tend to see the world in such simple terms.
Do I care?
Not really. At least, not anymore. Everyone is entitled to view the world through their own lens, and that lens is shaped through one's life experience. My life certainly hasn't been a cakewalk. The past years in particular, I've endured more mental and emotional trauma than anyone should. But I'm grateful that despite a very long, dark night of the soul, I still believe that connection, wonder, hope, and joy are essential to our human experience.How did I reach this point?
I took a little time, tequila, and therapy and threw it in a blender with ice.
I was more messed up than I cared to be, spent a whole lot of lonely nights.
I was mad at myself, pissed at the world.
It was hard to get up, but I put one foot in front of the other, kept on keepin’ on,
Going through the motions until there was no hard feelings, no bad vibes…
– “No Bad Vibes” by Old Dominion
What I can tell you is this: I didn't do the tequila, but I definitely took a lot of time, therapy, introspection, rigorous honesty, reflection, acceptance, and surrender to reach the point where I can say that connection, wonder, hope, and joy remain the essence of my life experience. Full stop. And to my surprise, these values are shared by most of the people who cross my path.
That's why I'm putting myself out there again. Slowly, perhaps, but intentionally. Not to broadcast, but to gather — to build a space where we can share and celebrate the wonders of life, find hope in life's transitional moments, have conversations that support and uplift, and, most importantly, bathe in the joy that is our human experience.
Because, well, why not?
Be well. Be joyous. Be grateful. Always.
—Appio
