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: Life Unfiltered
Fallout After Loss
My Dad passed away when I was a junior in high school. While I was only sixteen, I had the maturity to understand a little about grief and processing emotions. I never thought this shouldn’t have happened, and I did not argue with the reality of the situation. I accepted that life is unpredictable, weContinue reading “Fallout After Loss”
Creativity, Boredom, and Sunday Supper
When did life get so complicated? How can we be connected 24/7 and yet, many of us feel lonely, isolated, or depressed? In this season of winter, I have been reflecting on my childhood. Every generation loves to point out things that have changed since they were young. Usually, it is to highlight how muchContinue reading “Creativity, Boredom, and Sunday Supper”
Crossing a Caregiver Threshold
My nose alerts me to what awaits on the other side of the door before my hand ever reaches the knob. Before opening and crossing the threshold, I stop and make a choice. It can be a Manic Monday or Easy like Sunday morning. Taking in a long pause, hold for a beat (or two),Continue reading “Crossing a Caregiver Threshold”
Comfort in a Silent Sunset
As I was driving to pick up Emily, I glanced in my rear-view mirror. The late afternoon sky was putting on quite the show. The swirl of colors and subtle changes from yellow, orange, and purple delighted my senses. Southern California sunsets in January are always spectacular. The memory of that day comes back. WeContinue reading “Comfort in a Silent Sunset”
A Holiday Playlist that Works for Your Family
Once upon a time there was a caregiver that exerted Herculean effort to fit her family into the typical holiday jukebox. After putting her children to bed, she stayed up late checking off names from a 3-page list of Christmas card recipients. She baked cookies to deliver to local family and friends. This caregiver wouldContinue reading “A Holiday Playlist that Works for Your Family”
Caregiver Truth Discovered On a Boat One Day
Caring for my daughter is the hardest thing I have ever done. Her care is ever-present. Emily does not possess the ability to assist in her care. Every day, I prepare her meals, feed her, dress her, give her medication, and handle her personal hygiene. The moment the last item is checked off the list,Continue reading “Caregiver Truth Discovered On a Boat One Day”
If You Give a Caregiver a Break….
If you give a caregiver a break, she may add a pauseIf you give a caregiver a pause, she may take a hiatus.If you give a caregiver a hiatus, she may just go MIA. billie short I am still here caring for Emily. I am still here working my day job. I am still hereContinue reading “If You Give a Caregiver a Break….”
A Gem Shines Her Light on Others
It was January 2022. I was sitting on a Zoom call and interacting with nine perfect strangers. We were on a Quest led by Bobby Kountz to discover more about ourselves, our purpose, and how we could use our unique gifts to impact the lives of others. Some had a clear vision and purpose andContinue reading “A Gem Shines Her Light on Others”
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”
Conversation for Change 