Freedom is knowing that there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all forgiveness — the very moment you realize forgiveness comes in a million different shapes, sizes, forms and distances. There are two things about forgiveness that I know to be true. First, there is nothing simple about forgiveness. It’s complicated and layered, nuanced and complex in…
Turning the page on pretty much anything in life can be challenging under even the best of circumstances — but starting fresh (or simply starting over) gets especially difficult when it feels like external factors like seasons, and weather, and life relationships don’t want to cooperate. Technically, it’s been Spring for weeks, but New England…
Here’s a secret that took me way too long to learn: It’s okay to prioritize your needs over someone else’s expectations. You read that right. Your needs. Someone else’s expectations. Can you even imagine? At first blush, it feels so deeply selfish and inherently weak. So uncomfortable, so distasteful, so impolite —something I truly thought…
Most of us have experienced grief and loss in this life that, at least at the time, we felt like we would never overcome. The intrusive and unpredictable tidal waves of emotions that grief can bring vary from person to person. Still, I was sure that my early childhood and young adult experiences with grief…
It’s a new year, and the “new year, new you” messaging is everywhere. But for once, I am not going to be sucked into the New Year’s resolution hype. Instead, I’m opting to do something I never thought I’d do: I’m boycotting New Year’s resolutions in 2023 — and I think you should too. I…
The biggest lesson I’m learning this holiday season — build your traditions in the sand. I had a recent conversation with someone close to me who said she feels that when it comes to the holidays, most of us are just doing what’s expected of us out of an unwavering sense of obligation. And that…
No matter who you are, where you may roam, or how big and beautiful your life becomes, chances are you know a killjoy. A stick in the mud. A wet blanket. A doomsdayer. These people are the friends, families, or coworkers who have become so comfortable with their glass being half empty that they convince…
The eight-year-old zipped past me, confidently swooping down the hill, sitting up straight on her bike, with the bows at the ends of her braids flying. It was a humbling experience to be 41 years old and just learning to ride a bike. It was something I thought I would never be able to do. I…
Today is International Day of Failure— isn’t that the absolute best thing you’ve ever heard? An entire day dedicated to reveling in all the things that didn’t go according to plan. A day, according to NationalToday.com that “encourages people to try new and daring things; motivates and inspires others to succeed through sharing stories of…
I never wanted to be a teacher. For far too long, I believed the adage that those who can’t do, teach. Besides, in first grade, I had trouble learning to read and got a nervous bellyache at just the thought of being in a classroom. Why would I want to be a teacher when school literally…