We go through a million phases in life: childhood, adolescence, college, marriage, kids, empty nest, retirement. I’m on the cusp of empty nest. For years I’ve watched my friends cry rivers over their kids leaving home. This year it’s my turn (my eyes are getting a little sweaty … [Read more...] about Fearing the Future
Fear
Persevering in Perilous Times
Joseph Chamberlain, an Englishman in the 19th century, once said, “May we live in interesting times”. Clearly, he didn’t see 2021 coming around the bend. I think if he had, he might have heralded a peaceful, boring existence instead. This year has been interesting, to say the … [Read more...] about Persevering in Perilous Times
Different Ways of Knowing
Knowledge is highly valued in our modern culture. We sometimes talk about those with “book knowledge”, those who are “worldly wise”, or those who had to “learn in the school of hard knocks”. Presumably the more you know, the more power and influence you have. To a degree … [Read more...] about Different Ways of Knowing
How to Define Trauma
In recent years, the concept of trauma has become normative in our daily vernacular. What I mean by that is culture is talking about trauma in ways that we have never seen before. In so many ways, this is progress! But like so many concepts, there is a spectrum of … [Read more...] about How to Define Trauma
The Healing of Our Nation and Our Marriages
I Long to Live in “Precedented” Times. You may have heard this phrase – or seen a meme on Facebook or Instagram “I long to live in precedented times.” What in the world does this even mean? We hear dozens of times a day on newscasts, on talk shows, and … [Read more...] about The Healing of Our Nation and Our Marriages
What You’re Missing By Avoiding Creativity
I’m trying my hand at keeping plants alive. So far, I’m 6 months into my new role as “plant mom” and everyone is still alive, which is a record for me. I’ve been known to let even the desert plants shrivel up, which is honestly a talent in itself. But this time was different. … [Read more...] about What You’re Missing By Avoiding Creativity