Self worth, lunch dates, sounding selfish and writing any way…

Self worth, lunch dates, sounding selfish and writing any way…

When did we start measuring ourselves? Sizing up our worth? Is it a curse of the human condition? Some humans can live content, settled into a comfortable rhythm with confidence to spare. While others stare into their worth like it's some sort of abyss. I am the second, obviously. I don't know about you, but [...]

Strangers & parking cars – learning how to let our light shine

Strangers & parking cars – learning how to let our light shine

Sometimes I wonder if I would survive better with my heart hardened in this world. Whether it is unprovoked war, pandemic, death, famine, or hate focused on the vulnerable the news seems to spew despair in some form or the other on a daily basis. Well, I am not sure we should even call it [...]

What to remember on a not so good day…

What to remember on a not so good day…

These past eight weeks I have been part of an online course called Soul Shift Lift hosted and taught by Rachel Macy Stafford, otherwise known as the Hands Free Mama. She is a best selling author and formal special education teacher. Her class has been uplifting, life changing and eye opening in so many ways. This class will continue to teach me things for the rest of my life if I continue to pay attention and be present...

When the Light Goes Out

When the Light Goes Out

His natural, thin-lipped, wide-mouth grin carried so much sunshiny warmth I felt like I had just been placed center stage; in the spotlight. His shoulders were broad, yet slender and tilted forward in a slight hunch. The charcoal gray T-shirt that hung loose on his frame was light and the fabric seemed sheer and soft. [...]

Finding Answers in the Redwoods: A Perspective on Grief

Finding Answers in the Redwoods: A Perspective on Grief

Lately, I have been praying a great deal about what I should be writing about. I know I haven't been corresponding to you all as frequently as I should. Maybe you haven't even missed it. I guess I worry about that too much. If there is an audience. That they dwindle or are bored of [...]

Surrender – there is no answer key to life

Surrender – there is no answer key to life

"When am I going to die?" "When is __________ going to die?" "Should I have another baby?" "Am I going to have another baby?" "Are we moving?" "Should we move?" "Should I be married to my husband?" "I am thinking of switching careers; is it the right thing to do?" These questions are none of [...]

What happened when I chose faith over fear

What happened when I chose faith over fear

Recently I was asked to speak at event organized by one of my favorite business owners, Ahnna Goossen. She owns Yoga Bella and the Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic in Gilroy. The evening was a beautiful event that included Qi Gong instruction (there is a class each week at Yoga Bella) and sound healing with the [...]

How to live with a ghost…my thoughts on how we can coexist with energy

How to live with a ghost…my thoughts on how we can coexist with energy

Can you imagine being kicked out of your house? The place where you watched your babies take their first steps. The home where you celebrated holidays, birthdays, and took pictures of your babies as they ventured off to graduations, dances, first dates. Your grandchildren laughed and ran through the halls, sharing cousin secrets and playing [...]

An open letter to myself…

An open letter to myself…

The rain came down yesterday. Puddles litter the ground and this afternoon's storm is imminent. In fact, the call came through while I was at breakfast with a friend that all after school meetings and activities are cancelled, except high school athletics. So I am still waiting to hear from my son's soccer coach if [...]

Notes on a life well lived

Notes on a life well lived

Dozens of self-help books litter my bookshelves from Anne Lamott, Gabby Bernstein, to Shauna Niequist. I have also read Marianne Williamson, and I can't quite stomach Rachel Hollis, but I have read more than half of Girl, Wash Your Face; sorry people she is way too overzealous and tough love for me. Brene Brown's Gift [...]