Storms will always be a part of life. There isn’t any way to avoid them. We pray they will pass quickly, but we are at their mercy. How do we ride out the inevitable storms? What strategies can we use to weather them with less damage? How do we come through the season of badContinue reading “Gratitude Can Cut Through the Darkness”
Category Archives: Kindness and Gratitude
Retreat or Workshop? Nope. It Was Magic
Did I agree to attend a workshop or a retreat? This thought came up less than a week before I would be flying across the country to spend 3 days in a cabin in the woods with nine perfect strangers I had never met in person. Didn’t I read a book like this by LianeContinue reading “Retreat or Workshop? Nope. It Was Magic”
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”
When It Rains, It Pours
I worked at Morton Salt for ten years. I have used their motto for years to describe times when it seems God is piling a lot onto my plate. “When it rains, it pours.” The motto was never meant to be used the way I use it, but that never stopped me. When it rains,Continue reading “When It Rains, It Pours”
Are You Really Just Fine?
Self-reliance is a characteristic that is admired in our culture. People that figure things out and get things done are respected, admired, and emulated. I have always taken pride in the fact that I am self-reliant. I wear the badge with honor. No matter the problem or obstacle comes my way, I will figure itContinue reading “Are You Really Just Fine?”
Clean Teeth and Kindness
As I take Emily to the restroom to begin her evening routine, I engage in my mental routine to prepare. My inner chatter commences. You can do hard things. You were made for this. You are a caregiving badass. Tonight will go well. You have enough energy left to do this. You are doing thisContinue reading “Clean Teeth and Kindness”
It’s Just a Tea Towel
I received snail mail this week that filled me with delight. I love to get things in the mail. I am not talking about the countless Amazon boxes, but handwritten notes or cards. Joy mail makes my heart sing. The package was from Zatuilla. She is a friend I have made through the Pause BreatheContinue reading “It’s Just a Tea Towel”
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”
The Dog I Never Knew I Needed
Our dog, Lucky, was diagnosed with lymphoma about the same time I started my weekly blog post. Lucky was taking steroids and other medications to reduce the size of his lymph nodes and provide him comfort. Some days he was full of energy. There would be a pep in his step. The medications extended hisContinue reading “The Dog I Never Knew I Needed”
A Letter of Gratitude to The Wiggles
This morning Todd and I were trying to reset Emily’s FireTV. Nothing we did seemed to restore YouTube. We worked at it for what felt like hours, but it was only ten minutes. What are we going to do if we cannot get this fixed? How will we survive without The Wiggles? Todd and IContinue reading “A Letter of Gratitude to The Wiggles”
Conversation for Change 