The other night, a rainbow appeared at the end of our first thunderstorm of the season A big, bright, full rainbow. When our daughter Paige called to tell Michael and I about the beautiful rainbow outside her apartment window, I couldn’t help but think of the storm we’re navigating through as a country right now, and as a nation, and … Read More
Give, Care, Repeat…
For me, the spirit of the season means joy, peace, and the chance to reflect while spending meaningful time with family and dear friends. But, it’s not the case for everyone. In reality, it’s quite the opposite: a very lonely and sad time. As human beings we share the desire for belonging, to be cared for, accepted, and loved. We … Read More
Perfectly Imperfect
As a born perfectionist, I’ve learned many things the hard way, or simply put, through the wisdom and experience the gift of aging has provided. I have come to understand and embrace being “perfectly imperfect”. Many would agree hindsight is 20/20 and it’s something this stage of life gives us. But more importantly, how are we putting hindsight into action … Read More
Write Your Story, Tell The World
Who doesn’t love a great story? Especially one that comes from the heart, stirs emotion, and lends inspiration or learning? Storytelling is something we learned as children; stories of experience, adventure, or fairytales, always involving a journey and a life lesson. Isn’t it remarkable that, as we age, we learn the best lessons aren’t at the final destination of the journey, … Read More
Have We Forgotten How To Play?
Last week I was out walking our furry family member, Chloe, before heading to work. It was the best morning walk I have been on in a long time, and the reason is, I was behind a little boy on his way to school. He became my inspiration not only for those few minutes, but everyday since. He was by … Read More
Fly First Class: Because If You Don’t, Your Kids Will!
Years ago, a dear family friend gave advice to Michael and I when we were young parents. We never forgot these words of wisdom, and passed them along on many occasions ourselves. It’s a figure of speech, but one that holds so much truth: fly first class, because if you don’t, your kids will! In other words, get out and enjoy … Read More
The One Guarantee We All Share in Life: Death
There’s one thing for sure in life: death. Like it or not, we signed up for it the day we were born. Our time on earth is precious. Many are fortunate to experience the early years without the life-altering loss of a close friend or loved one, leaving the subject of death furthest from our minds. But by middle-age, most have … Read More
Zero F**ks Given
As women, we often feel the need to take on the world: to solve everyone’s problems, to complete all tasks, to “feed and water” those around us, to care about what others think, to provide emotional support and coaching on a whim, and to feel guilty when we haven’t perfected our family, our work, our house, our looks, our lives. But, … Read More
This Is 30 (Years of Marriage)
Last week, I celebrated 30. Not turning 30 years of age, but celebrating 30 years of marriage with my husband, partner, champion, supporter, and best friend Michael. It happened slowly and yet so fast, all at once. I’d be lying to say marriage is easy, but in reflecting on 30 years married to my high school sweetheart and having reached … Read More
Feedback: Are You On The Same Side of the Table?
Have you ever experienced a derailed feedback attempt, where you felt personally attacked and had to shield yourself in “armor” to fight back tears (or, did you just do that too)? Done well, feedback is expressed as a function of respect and is not supposed to cause shame, but instead raise an opportunity to engage in productive, balanced conversation and … Read More