Learning our ABCs is the beginning of learning how to communicate. They are the foundational building blocks upon which languages are built. Once the alphabet is committed to memory, one can never unlearn it. When letters are combined, they hold meaning. Acceptance, Boundaries, and Communication were the ABCs of 2023 for me. Combining these life…
It’s easy to forget to show ample appreciation to those closest to us. The people we interact with daily and share the minutia of our lives are the ones who most need to be sprinkled with gratitude. Our daughter did just that when she arrived home from school the other day. She gave my husband…
Not long ago, my friend gave me a greeting card. The card reads, “Your crazy is showing… you may want to tuck that sh*t back in. The inside inscription continues, “Or not…depends on what look you’re going for. Holidays have nothing to do with the card, but I can’t help thinking of them when I…
Evergreen forests are home to a variety of pines. These needled trees retain their beautiful shades of green year-round. Their never-changing color makes them appear strong and healthy. Despite growing to soaring heights, pine trees are deceiving in their stature. Their strong branches can support a heavy snow load. But they can easily be uprooted…
Recently brought to my attention is the acronym W.A.I.T. It can mean, why am I talking? or what am I thinking? I thought it was brilliant. When put into those terms, the acronym supports the word by suggesting a pause before acting or reacting. A split second of pausing can make a huge difference. Comments…
“The world is round” are the words my husband is most known for saying. More than just a phrase; it’s a way of life for him, one that he has instilled in our family. His statement has nothing to do with the shape of the Earth and everything to do with being generous. He’ll gladly…
No matter how ugly life gets, a bounty of beauty is nearby. You need not look further than out a window. Better yet, step outside and be inspired by how seamlessly nature exists. When we pause and observe the beauty of our surroundings, we can witness unexpected joy. Reminders of the farse of perfection can…
Ensuring you have the right words when saying goodbye isn’t easy. When dropping my daughter off at college, this was the challenge I faced. There were so many things I wanted to impart to her. Being a writer and an empath makes me guilty of being too wordy. I knew my mushy tendencies would not…
Technology is great, but one thing that can’t be improved upon is a good, old-fashioned note. Remember the excitement you felt as a kid when something just for you came in the mail? It could be junk mail, but it had your name on it, indicating it was meant for only you. Eventually, seeing your…
Oreo cookies in our house are more than a cookie. Those little round cream-filled treats are a small and special sign of my affection for my girls. Since they were little, Oreos have been a favorite of theirs. They love being surprised by what flavor they’ll find in the jar. The originals are a solid…