Kendra Adachi, a favorite podcaster, just released a new book, “The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t and Get Stuff Done”. I mean, doesn’t that title alone make you want to read it? One of the principles she teaches is “Name What Matters”. The key here? Name what matters…TO YOU. Kendra applies […]
Well Being
The Grit To Quit
Strategic quitting is the secret of successful organizations. -Seth Godin 4 years ago last month, I walked off the job. Never in my life had I done anything like that. I was a responsible, conscientious employee who had been taught the American standard of character traits held high as a shining example: Perseverance Mind Over […]
- Parenting
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The Story Behind the Snapshot
“Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning….Make some light.” -Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux Last Saturday the boys and I hit our local farmer’s market to pick up some honey, fresh berries, lettuce, and flowers. At one point, baby Marshall and I were waiting at the […]
- Parenting
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What Is Sacred?
There is nothing so secular that it cannot be sacred, and that is one of the deepest messages of the Incarnation. -Madeleine L’Engle For most of my life, I pictured something like this upon encountering the word “sacred”: Or this: Or this: I pictured cathedrals, pews, heads bowed in prayer. Only very GODLY things. I […]
Braving The Messy Middle
Last week my three year old observed some kids behaving rather too boisterously at the park. “Is he bad mom?” he asked? Well no, he is just not making good choices right now. I’m not exactly sure where my son came up with this line of thinking but he asks frequently. “Are they good?” “Is […]
Breathe In, Breathe Out
The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. -Job 33:4 Does anyone else feel slightly short of breath as we look into July and the second half of this surreal year? I feel a like I’ve been holding 2020 like a tiger by the tail, reminding myself […]
- Parenting
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You’ve Got A Friend In Me
Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. -Oprah Winfrey Are you wondering how in the world to be a good friend to your black American friends right now? It can be challenging to […]
- Parenting
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The Power of And
All truth is a paradox. -Anne Lamott Years ago I read the book “Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work & in Life, One Conversation at a Time” by Susan Scott. My biggest takeaway (and there were many!) was shifting from the word “but” to “and”. Think about how these sentences feel entirely different with this […]
Connection: Top Five Benefits
I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship. Dr. Brene Brown Does anyone else silently cheer when an event is canceled and you can just stay home in […]
Connection: Let’s Make It Happen
Last week we talked about some of the things that keep us from connecting with others. Today I want to dive into ways to make it happen. The biggest shift for me was changing how I think about connection. I knew I should be more intentional about reaching out but the “should” made it feel […]