We may wish for the Norman Rockwell version of Thanksgiving, family smiling and laughing joyfully as they surround a table with a big ol’ turkey. But let’s be real. Someone will say something provocative. And then someone replies in anger. Old slights resurface. New ones leave a fresh cut. Tensions run high when people who normally don’t spend a lot of time together come together for an … [Read more...] about Keys to Surviving and Thriving in the Holidays
Will You Be Vulnerable Today?
You won’t be vulnerable today. Me, neither. We all want to belong. The ways we can do that now are vast, particularly when we consider our online communities. But belonging is different than finding true connection. Belonging is being part of the running club, the worship team, the school improvement team, the neighborhood BUNCO group. But True Connection, which often begins … [Read more...] about Will You Be Vulnerable Today?
Self Care vs. Self Sacrifice: Which Do You Choose?
One of the most difficult concepts I ever had to learn – and that I still sometimes struggle with - was the importance of putting me first. As Moms, our lives revolve around other people, especially if we take care of little people. We make sure they get where they need to be. We put meals on the table. We help with homework, volunteer at schools, assist with extracurricular activities, give … [Read more...] about Self Care vs. Self Sacrifice: Which Do You Choose?
The Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen
If you’ve ever found yourself at the grocery store, confused by whether to choose an organic option over a conventional one, here’s some help. Each year, the Environmental Working Group publishes two lists. One, the “Dirty Dozen,” is those vegetables and fruits that you’re best off buying organic, because the conventional ones are highly sprayed with pesticides. The “Clean … [Read more...] about The Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen
Join in on The Great Thanksgiving Listen
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I am grateful that I can spend time with people I love, eat delicious food, and remember the blessings in my life. I love having the Macy’s parade and the football games on the TV in the background as I prepare for our guests. Now that we host the family meal, though, it takes some effort for me to be intentional ALSO about capturing memories on that … [Read more...] about Join in on The Great Thanksgiving Listen
You Signed Up for This
As I trained for my first (and to date, only) marathon, the words of a longtime friend kept coming to mind. Always remember, YOU signed up for this. I laughed when he said it, but I didn’t know how true his statement was. Yes, I registered online and paid the registration fee. I printed out the training plan. I bought new gear. The anticipation was pretty exciting, before I had put in any … [Read more...] about You Signed Up for This
