When I was eleven, I visited my grandparents at their summer beach home in California. When we stopped by the gift shop, I picked out trinkets for my parents and siblings. I didn't asked for anything for myself. Throughout my entire life, people always commented on or recalled stories of my selflessness and, for years,... Continue Reading →
Let Life Be Good
It took me a long time to learn how to let life be good. Far too often, I found myself sabotaging my happiness with toxic thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. Perfection or bust! I wasted so much time interfering in life's plan. Here are three tips for letting life be good: Gratitude Every day before getting... Continue Reading →
Choose A Man That Would Save A Fly
When I was in my early teens, my mom told me that how a young man treats his mother and service staff can serve as an indicator for how he will treat his partner. The gist was, when I was ready to start dating, I should seek out a kind and respectful man. Eventually, I... Continue Reading →
Forgotten Acts of Kindness
My boyfriend ventured to our local farmer's market to pick up our produce for the week. On this particular Saturday, the market manager called him aside to ask where I was, to make sure I was okay as I hadn't been in several weeks. I was at home, he explained, as I am at higher... Continue Reading →
7 Valuable Lessons From My 7-Year Relationship
Later this month, I will celebrate seven years with the love of my life. If feels like just last month I was nervously chatting with him on the phone for the first time. As with life in general, our time together has been filled with challenges, shared victories, and everything in between. What has remained... Continue Reading →
5 Valuable Lessons From My 5-Year Relationship
Later this month, I will celebrate five years with my better half. Oh, how the time flies! Our time together has been filled with the predictably unpredictable ups and downs, as well as plenty of surprises along the way. Through it all, one thing has held true: we are equally committed to ourselves, our partner,... Continue Reading →
Lightly My Darling, Completely Unencumbered
Lightly child, lightly. I have been repeating Aldous Huxley's words over and over in my head for days. It's become my mantra, a reminder that it's okay to lay low and go slow. Entering month five of treatment, my lab work has remained stable as my physical condition has declined. At time of posting, I'm... Continue Reading →
Tending the Garden of Life
Novice gardeners often claim wilting plants on inexperience, weather conditions, or being born without a "green thumb." An expert gardener will tell you that limited experience, extreme heat, and inconsistent watering routines matter less than we think. The key to a thriving garden is nutrient-rich soil. Healthy soil prevents disease and supports long-term growth. One... Continue Reading →
Warped Wood, Swollen Joints and Other Broken Things
Some days, it feels as if nothing is going right. Today has been one of those days. I was supposed to move back into my home over the weekend. The walk-through was a disaster--the contractors reinstalled the water-damaged wood, spot-painted the walls with mismatched colors, damaged several piece of furniture, and were generally careless with... Continue Reading →
Technological Advancement and Future Job Markets
You walk into a brightly-lit office, smile broadly and shake hands with the suited woman before you. She asks about your previous job experience, skills and perceived strengths. You, of course, response “productivity” because your get work done, and efficiently at that. Fifty years from now, if not sooner, “productivity” will no longer be a... Continue Reading →