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  • about ron
    • about ken
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    • Mountain Climbing for Beginners
  • the ronaissance
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  • second city
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    • Extraordinary Healers Vol. 7
  • media
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    • Costa Rica (June 2018)
    • Iceland (March 2020)
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ron stempkowski

  • the xanax diary
  • about ron
    • about ken
  • awards
    • Mountain Climbing for Beginners
  • the ronaissance
  • my faves
  • second city
  • publication
    • Extraordinary Healers Vol. 7
  • media
  • travel
    • Costa Rica (June 2018)
    • Iceland (March 2020)

ron stempkowski

love, loss, healing, and humor…in no particular order

  • the xanax diary
  • about ron
    • about ken
  • awards
    • Mountain Climbing for Beginners
  • the ronaissance
  • my faves
  • second city
  • publication
    • Extraordinary Healers Vol. 7
  • media
  • travel
    • Costa Rica (June 2018)
    • Iceland (March 2020)

Author: Ron Stempkowski

Double X

Double X

Posted on March 23, 2021March 23, 2021 by Ron Stempkowski
I met a handsome stranger in a little neighborhood bar twenty years ago today. Twenty years! Ken’s and my paths crossed permanently on March 23, 2001. And the universe just wouldn’t let me... Read More
A St. Patty’s Day Anniversary

A St. Patty’s Day Anniversary

Posted on March 17, 2021January 12, 2023 by Ron Stempkowski
2021 seems to be the place where 2020 stored its momentum while it was having a nervous breakdown. Given the shit show of 2020, I’m pleasantly (and unpleasantly) surprised to see we’re act... Read More
A Decade of the Xanax Diary

A Decade of the Xanax Diary

Posted on December 7, 2020December 7, 2020 by Ron Stempkowski
I was shocked to realize the 10th anniversary of this blog was approaching. Though I’d long anticipated having a blog for years, the idea of this one turning 10 fell off my radar. Not surprising tho... Read More
Still Greater Than

Still Greater Than

Posted on October 16, 2020October 16, 2020 by Ron Stempkowski
Today marks the last day of my 22-year career journey at Accenture. It’s strange to think about a day when I won’t be getting up and logging on to Microsoft Teams to collaborate with my te... Read More
A Stranger from the Past

A Stranger from the Past

Posted on September 9, 2020September 9, 2020 by Ron Stempkowski
I’m underwater and my feet aren’t touching bottom yet. How much deeper can I go? My Journal – September 9, 2010 During the “now normal,” I’ve tried to connect more ... Read More
I Miss Your Face

I Miss Your Face

Posted on May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 by Ron Stempkowski
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the face is the emotional barometer. Me, Just Now I remember first going out in public–to the grocery store, I think–and finding myself in a s... Read More
This Is Not the "New" Anything

This Is Not the “New” Anything

Posted on May 17, 2020May 17, 2020 by Ron Stempkowski
I know it’s easy to throw around the term “new normal” because it seems like the best way to describe what we’re experiencing amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. I think we desc... Read More
Do You Protect Your Energy?

Do You Protect Your Energy?

Posted on May 12, 2020May 12, 2020 by Ron Stempkowski
Most of us have taken the time to connect with our friends and family more than usual during our time in self-isolation. It’s really opened up fascinating dialogues–ones which wouldn’... Read More
You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone

Posted on May 2, 2020May 5, 2020 by Ron Stempkowski
Isolation by its very nature allows you to feel alone. Sometimes it’s by design (says the gleeful introvert). Sometimes it’s not. Clearly, the world in which we’re living is a place that... Read More
What You're Feeling Is Grief

What You’re Feeling Is Grief

Posted on April 27, 2020April 27, 2020 by Ron Stempkowski
When I was walking my dog the other day, I asked Siri to play an NPR news briefing. It was a clear, bright morning. I felt good and was happy to be up and getting a jump on the day. And I like getting... Read More
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Ron Stempkowski

Ron Stempkowski

I'm an award-winning essayist and audience-focused word ninja living in Chicago. I have a passion for storytelling with words and images/videos.

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