Writing is something that has always brought me joy. Taking pen to paper or tapping out words on a keyboard are tools I have used to process the experiences in my life. The good. The bad. The ugly. For the past several months, I have chosen to keep the thoughts in my head. Rarely haveContinue reading “From Martyrdom to Mindfulness: Embrace Gratitude”
Category Archives: Joy
The ABCs of Caregiver Gratitude
Rarely do my days flow without any hiccups. Challenges and obstacles are more the rule than the exception. It is easy to go down the rabbit hole of negativity. The martyrdom life is not a hard sell for extreme caregivers. Because it is easy to complain and wallow in self-pity, I make it a practiceContinue reading “The ABCs of Caregiver Gratitude”
Emily Goes to the Lizzo Show
For all of you who came back this week to get the Lizzo concert 411, I want to say THANK YOU. I appreciate the support I received via texts, calls, and posts prior to the event. The encouragement and cheerleading did not go unrecognized and were needed. I barely slept on Thursday night. The anticipationContinue reading “Emily Goes to the Lizzo Show”
Experiencing a Heart Smile
What makes you smile? That was the question we pondered in our listening circle group today. It was an easy question for me. “The better question to ask me is what doesn’t make me smile? I smile all the time. I smile at puppies, kittens, babies, commercials, and my kids, and when I connect withContinue reading “Experiencing a Heart Smile”
Recovering Puddle Jumper
I went from whimsy to woeful and back again in the past several weeks. I appreciate those of you that have come along for the wild emotional ride. Amid life being Lifey, I have neglected to celebrate some wins. Noteworthy things happened in the past few weeks, but I have minimized them. This is commonContinue reading “Recovering Puddle Jumper”
The Power of a Kind Word and a Smile
“Remember that your smile alone can save a sad soul or heal a broken spirit.” -Unknown My mom always smiled at strangers. (She usually talked to them too.) The example I was shown by mom was to always be kind. Long before we all had tees in our drawers to remind us to “be kind”,Continue reading “The Power of a Kind Word and a Smile”
Concert Connections
A group of people gathered together for the same reason…a concert. The one thing they all have in common is a connection to the group, ensemble, or artist they are all there to experience. If you have ever been to any live show or concert, you have experienced that feeling of connection and belonging. TheContinue reading “Concert Connections”
Joy Does Not Mean Happy
I have not been happy these last two weeks. I expected that I would bounce back from foot surgery. I mean, they only cut my toe. It should heal in no time. I had an ablation five years ago. The doctor gave me enough pain medication for two weeks, and I was fine in 24Continue reading “Joy Does Not Mean Happy”
Dogs, Beards, Emily, a Wedding, and God
Looking at all the incredible photographs from this past weekend fills me with gratitude and joy. My favorite nephew (please do not tell the others), Collin got married. The wedding was in Santa Barbara. The weekend included the rehearsal dinner on Friday followed by an incredible cocktail party on the rooftop of the Hotel Californian.Continue reading “Dogs, Beards, Emily, a Wedding, and God”
Curiosity to Connection
Have you ever been drawn to someone? There is something about their energy that is attracting you to them. I am taking a course that meets via Zoom on Saturday mornings. The first week I logged in, I was filled with nervous excitement. As I stared at the Brady Bunch squares, I was drawn toContinue reading “Curiosity to Connection”
Conversation for Change 