About Christen
Christen O’Brien is a Silicon Valley-based writer, marketing executive, and author. Her work and writing has impacted millions of people worldwide, and has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, CNBC, and Medium, and shared by celebrities, world leaders, and everyday people. Whether about humanity or technology, she endeavors to find a deeper understanding of life, work, and the ties that connect us. Learn more ›
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Essays
The Year I Lost My Way — & My Wildest Dreams Came True
January 1, 2020
On January 1st, 2019 I was lost. But something unusual happened...the more I let go and lost things I’d been holding onto, the more I lost other things that were holding me back from lifelong dreams.
How it Felt to Come Back to Life
May 28, 2019
Coming back from near-death was a gracious endeavor, but it was also deeply heartbreaking.
What It Felt Like to Almost Die
January 18, 2019
My near-death experience taught me not to fear those final moments.
11 Powerful People Who Changed My Destiny (Without Ever Knowing It)
December 31, 2018
As I’m nearing the end of my 30s, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how ridiculously fortunate I am to have learned from some of our generation’s greatest minds.
The Girl Who Cried Woof
December 17, 2018
The vet gave us a checklist. It was a simple piece of paper with boxes next to words like “Loss of appetite” and “Uninterested in things that used to bring joy”.
Freaks Like Us: A True Story from a San Francisco Bus
December 10, 2018
I used to ride the San Francisco city bus (Muni) to work many years ago. One day, something happened that has stayed in my mind ever since.
“We listened to this as a family in the car. I’m in tears now. Absolutely beautiful. Beyond beautiful. Please listen and share.”
— Bindi Irwin, daughter of “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin
“What a bold, beautiful and intimate thing to give all of us to share ... hope, love, grace, peace all came to mind.”
— John Edward, host of TV show “Crossing Over”
“Christen, you are a gifted writer. Your use of words clearly touched my soul...I hope that your message reaches many people.”
— Gerry Bakker
“Beautifully written and expressed. It drove me to tears, as I realized how many of my everyday’s useless worries are simply driving me away from the appreciation and the beauty of being alive.”
— Elena Francesca Frattani
“Nothing but respect and applause for writing this. Keep sharing your story, people need to hear it.”
— Melese Michael
“Thank you for sharing. A story that carries a great message and with it, the possibility to impact so many others for the better.”
— JP Smith