How Can You Feel More Alive?
We all have days that drag or feel blah. Sometimes life is hard, but we don’t have to languish. With the right tools, we can flourish and feel more alive. I’ve been struggling some lately. Like you, the news of the world wears on me. I’ve had some health issues, but...
We All Need a Dose of Nature
I take a walk pretty much every morning. It’s not about exercise, though I know that’s good for me, but about starting my day in nature. Nature is like vitamin C for our soul. It boosts our resilience. The truth is nature keeps me in the moment instead of ruminating....
The Hidden Power of Friendship
It can be hard to make friends as adults — and hard to keep friends as well. You may have read about the challenges, and likely have experienced them. We can face loneliness or a lack of close friendships at any age. I recognize this at my age and see it also in my...
What Do You Do When You See Suffering?
Earlier this year, bad weather forced a plane to land in Gander, Newfoundland. People from the community voluntarily showed up to shuttle stranded passengers to the local hotel — and were lined up the next day to get them back to the airport. Instead of simply...
Finding Points of Light in the Darkness
The days are short. Darkness comes early. That darkness can feel heavy. But even in a dark season you can find points of light. In this season, we have multiple holidays incorporating candles and light, our communal need for light in the darkness, for hope. For me,...
You Get to Choose
Things feel uncertain right now, unsettled. It’s easy to feel that things are out of control. It’s true there is a lot we can’t control, a lot we can’t change on our own, but that doesn’t mean we’re helpless. It doesn’t mean we should give up on hope or joy. “Remember...
Rest for Resilience
I grew up in New York City. Autumn was my favorite season there. I loved the changing colors of the leaves in Washington Square Park, where I was lucky to live. And I was happy to have cooler weather, as Summer in New York City could be brutal, especially without...
Is It Time to Shake Things Up?
The seasons are shifting. Days are still warm and summery here, but mornings are often chilly. Other colors are showing up among the leaves, and the night sounds are changing as dark comes sooner. Is it time for you to shift your daily rhythm? Our schedules and...
Making Joy and Resilience a Habit
There is a stack of books on my desk that I want to read. I love learning from others through reading. So I collect books from classes I take, from thinkers I love, authors I admire. The book a friend recommends, the one on display at the book store or library that...
How Do You Cultivate Joy?
My birthday is in the summer. July to be more specific. As a kid, I loved my summer birthday. My mom and dad hosted a small birthday party in June while we were at home in New York City. And then, I had another small birthday party in Wellfleet on my actual birthday...