Just for today, let’s set aside the word “goal,” shall we? Just for today, let’s also set aside the word “happiness.” (Although I had an interesting discussion about happiness while I was in Breckenridge this past weekend. Another blog post.) Small joys. I want to talk with you all about small joys. So often I laser in on the goal — whatever …
In Others’ Words: Present, Past, Future Living
I got away to Breckenridge, CO this past weekend, enjoying some down time with my husband and youngest daughter — including the best gluten-free French onion soup I’ve ever tasted. On the way home, we listened to a talk by Andy Stanley on the topic of how to have a drama-free life. No drama? I’m all in. He had …
In Others’ Words: Ignite!
It’s back to school time, friends. Not for me … no, no, no. But it is back to school for my youngest daughter — who is a junior in high school — and a gazillion other people, of course. My daughter is finishing up her required summer reading. (Three books. And papers.) And we’re also doing all the necessary prep. …
In Others’ Words: Redefining Failure
Failure used to scare me — the thought that I would attempt something and not succeed. And because I was afraid of failing, I said no to a lot of things. Why try something if I couldn’t guarantee success? If there’s one thing my writing journey has taught me, it’s that I’m going to experience times of success … and I’m also …
In Others’ Words: The Beauty of a Broken Heart
When I was younger, I thought there was only one way my heart could be broken. I blame my limited thinking on all the Harlequin romances I read as a teenager — and back then, Harlequins were quite innocent. Years later, I know a person’s heart can be broken for many different reasons: the end of a relationship — think of …
In Others’ Words: Milestones and Moments
Life is both moments and milestones. Yesterday, my daughter CJ just accomplished a major milestone in a teenager’s life: She got her driver’s license. An hour later, she drove off in my car, heading to a volleyball workout. Did we celebrate that milestone? Oh, yes, yes, we did! Photos were taken and posted on Facebook and Instagram and there was …
In Others’ Words: The Multiplication of Applause
It’s the most natural thing in the world to applaud when someone does something good, isn’t it? Well, yes … and no. I love to attend Broadway shows. I don’t hesitate to start the applause after a moving duet or rousing dance performance. I’ve clapped my way through more school productions than I can count, not to mention sports competitions, and even …
In Others’ Words: Living Expectant
How often do we look for our big opportunity somewhere out there — expecting the thing we’ve been waiting for to show up tomorrow, or next month, or even next year? With a “somewhere out there” focus, what kind of right-here-right-now opportunities do we miss? The danger? Being so intent on tomorrow’s possibilities we overlook what’s happening today. Lessons to learn.Relationships …
In Others’ Words: What are You Ignoring?
Sometimes … sometimes I get too focused. On my laptop. My iPhone. The laundry. The errands I need to run. (Grocery store. Check. Dry Cleaners. Check. Drop my daughter off at volleyball camp — only she does the driving, not me. Check.) I’m getting things done, yes. But that thought I keep having — the longing inside to take a …
In Others’ Words: Haves versus Wants
If I could sum up today’s quote in two words, they would be: Be grateful. We can spend a lot of time thinking about what we want — what we don’t have or what we think we deserve. Oftentimes what we have is never enough and setting our minds on “wants” creates a mindset of discontent. And then we get …