For those seeking ideas and inspiration, as well as love and hope to keep moving forward.
Disappointment only happens when there’s a misalignment of expectations. -A Close Friend I stood in this cold, stark space filled with nothing but one bed and some boxes. This was my new home for the next year. We had set off early. The sun was still rising as we made the hour-long trip east, coffees … Continue reading No More Disappointment
Rigor and wonder. Hustle and flow. Which one? How much? I run. For what? To where? I rest. Why? How long? I live in the not knowing. Chaos is balanced When I find my place In that space...between. Moments pass Circumstances change I dial it up Then adjust again. I put things out. I take … Continue reading Balanced Chaos
Up until 2018 I was running hard and fast. I was involved in a ton of things, had a ton of "friends," and was traveling all over the country. Living what appeared to be a great life. What you couldn't see was my physical and mental health were at an all time low. I was … Continue reading When I made peace my #1 priority
I need you but I don't want to. Guidance, comfort, love are mine if I allow. I stay busy because it's what I know. Rushing, giving, and doing keep me distracted. You wait for me patiently, with grace and mercy. Desperation and exhaustion bring us together. You don't judge, but accept me the way I … Continue reading Necessary Dependence
My friend Patti introduced me to the concept My One Word, and I have found it to be a powerful and peaceful way to make positive change in my life for the coming year. Instead of making a long list of New Year's Resolutions, the concept is that you find one word that will help … Continue reading My One Word is Death
I spent a lunch hour this week with Kaya, a 2nd grader at Kenwood Leadership Academy. It was part of a program where F&M Bank matches female Kenwood students with female community leaders. The premise is simple and social, yet what I learned was profound. After several knock-knock jokes (she's got an amazing sense of … Continue reading When did we drop the “yet?”
Aliyah, you inspired me to write this piece. You are an amazing and loving young woman. We both share the loss of Grandmothers who were like Mothers. I can't say that it gets easier, but hope we can appreciate the time we had with them on Earth, and the small moments we get to spend with … Continue reading Grandma, I Feel You
In this season of reflection of the past year and planning for the new year both in my personal and professional life, I found myself overwhelmed and asking God for help. There are so many things to do, choices to make, and it's all changing so fast. How do I know which move is the … Continue reading You don’t have to do extraordinary things to live an extraordinary life.
This piece was inspired by the book Perfectly Yourself by Matthew Kelly, and an exploration in a writing workshop at the Iowa Writers' House where we were prompted to write about binaries we struggle with. I chose in control vs. free-spirited. So busy keeping it together we miss out on falling apart. We are hardened … Continue reading Life is not about having and doing, it’s about becoming.
I smile. I laugh. I open my arms. I look into your eyes. I give you a hand. A hug. An offer to help. I say yes more than no. I take an extra step. I let you in. You take. You talk. You tear down. I respectfully rear. I stand. I confront. I seek … Continue reading Please do not mistake my kindness for weakness
Grit, Gratitude, and Grace 