About The Authored Life

My name is Zach Dutra, and I started The Authored Life for people who have already been through the fire: recovery, grief, loss. And now find themselves asking, "What now?"

I've walked my own long journey with addiction and loss. I know what it's like to carry pain, shame, and heartache. But I also know those experiences don't have to be the end of the story. This isn't about fixing—it's about remembering who you are, reconnecting with your voice, and moving forward with intention. You're not starting over; you're starting from here.

My Background

Before becoming a coach, my background has ranged from environmental work on a local and global scale to ski bum to teaching college classes. I've cut grass and brokered seven-figure land lease deals. I've built outdoor education programs and launched fireworks professionally.

Which of these roles define me? None of them. Because identity isn't found in what we do, it's found beneath all the doing. It's found in our heart. And that's exactly what I want to help people discover.

Through all the completed projects and jobs well done, I found that the story often matters as much, if not more, than the output. The legacy we became a part of, the meaning behind the work, and the way those experiences brought people closer to themselves, each other, and the world around them. That's what I carry into my coaching today.

The triangle in my logo reflects the essence of this work: mind, body, and spirit. For the mind, it's about recognizing and working with our emotions. For the body, it's about caring for ourselves and listening to the signals we often overlook. And for the spirit, it's about connection to something larger than ourselves, whatever form that takes for you—be it nature, faith, community, creativity, or service. These aren't lofty ideals but everyday practices that help us feel more grounded, present, and whole.

At its core, my work is about peeling back the layers and getting real. It's about remembering who you are, in the midst of ordinary life, and living more fully in line with that truth.

Why I Do This Work

I do this work because I want to give back to the community that continues to give so much to me. Along my own journey, people who had been there before me showed up, shared their wisdom, and helped me find my footing. Without them, I wouldn't be here.

Now it's my turn to help lift others up. My mission is to help people understand that healing isn't just about surviving—it's about rediscovering the identity, purpose, and wholeness that's always been inside. We honor the past, but we don't let it define the future.

That's why I created The Authored Life: to walk alongside people who've made it through, and to remind them they're so much more than what they've survived.