I am a DIY philosopher. My entire life, physically and mentally, has been DIY. I’ve been making up ways to survive since childhood. My attempt at a traditional life was a big enough disaster that it made the 11 PM news. Making up rules as I went along, I single parented my son and daughter. And my personal evolution continues. For several years, I’ve chosen a word or concept to incorporate into my life. It started with simplify and has moved through compassion, hope, comfort, clarity, peace and practicing contentment. At this point, I am a compassionate, peaceful malcontent addressing a new phase of life.