Personal Note

We are in charge of our lives, so we must own that reality and take responsibility for it.  Too often we hear, “it’s not my fault,” or “I am not responsible.” The reality is opposite. Yes it is and yes you are.  Sure there will always be things that are out of our direct control. […]

As we stand at the threshold of a significant milestone, watching our oldest son Conor graduate from 8th grade and prepare to embark on the exciting journey of high school, I find myself deeply reflective. This moment, filled with both pride and a tinge of nostalgia, is a powerful reminder of the inevitable changes that […]

It isn’t often I have the courage to share my writing, however as Mother’s Day draws upon us, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share a personal note to the most influential woman in my life—my mother. Writing about her is as effortless as it is challenging; effortless because my heart overflows with words, […]

It’s National Parkinson’s Awareness Month and a time to highlight the importance of movement, both physically and metaphorically. Throughout the nation, “Moving Days” are organized to raise awareness and funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation, supporting the fight against this debilitating disease. The Parkinson’s community’s focus on movement stems from the fact that exercise and moving […]

Each of our lives is like a good wine; there is an amazing story in every bottle.   With every sip, the tale of that year’s vintage unfolds.  So many variables influence the color, structure, and flavors of a wine.  The soil, the weather, the temperature, the kinds of wood used in the wine barrels, to […]

“Happy New Year! “ When we say those words we usually say them with a gusto fueled by joy, exuberance, and excitement. However, for some, this time of year can be laden with melancholy and laments of regret about time gone by or unmet goals and aspirations. Added to that may be feelings of trepidation, […]

Many of us have felt “stuck” or in a rut at some point in life. Oftentimes it’s due to the fact we become focused on the “end-game” and not the journey. If your happiness is dependent on accomplishing certain goals, what happens if fate intervenes and outside events interrupt? That’s the problem with allowing your […]

This month we celebrated our forefathers and mothers – a group of brave men and women – who declared independence from oppression, inequality, injustice, and tyranny.  Let’s follow their example and declare independence from the biggest tyrant in our own lives. Ourselves Yes. We are the biggest oppressor and the most unfair when it comes […]

There are many words to describe what a mother truly is to her children and family – the heart, the glue, the rock are just some among many others.  As I reflect on the mothers in my own life, all are very true. However, I can confidently add one more descriptor – pure gold.  Recently […]

This month we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, the coming of Spring, and the excitement of the NCAA Tournament.  Interestingly, if you think about it all three incorporate themes that involve the promise of future greatness – the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the coming of new life and summer after a […]

This month we celebrate that beautiful emotion with Valentine’s Day at the center of it all. However, you really don’t need the reminder as it’s hard to miss the explosion of red and pink hearts everywhere you look. As with many holidays, Valentine’s Day has become very commercialized over the years. As soon as the […]

Life can feel like one hard thing after another.   If it’s not this, it’s that.   The Capitol is stormed; a pandemic kills millions worldwide; Russia invades Ukraine and meters atrocity that Europe hasn’t seen in nearly a century; worldwide drought and famine pervade; homelessness is on the rise nationwide; crazy inflation and gas prices; Crypto […]

Many who know me, also know of the passion and reverence I have for veterans and those that serve in the military. So big is that passion that I often get asked if I’ve served (the trim haircut plays a part, too, I’m sure). No, I did not serve. I long-wished I did, and I […]

I was frozen with panic standing there on the edge of a piece of volcanic rock tenuously protruding 60 feet above the glistening and beautifully translucent aqua blue water. As I looked down, I could see big mounds of volcanic rock and coral below. Of course, they were submerged 20 feet underneath the surface, but […]