Sometimes we can only find what we’re looking for if we’re willing to get a little lost. This was never more true than when I was an innocent and hopeful freshman at college on my first night away from home. I was insanely excited to begin my adventures on Michigan State University’s campus in the…
I Failed the Kindness Challenge
It only took five days for me to fail the 30-Day Kindness Challenge. Five days. If I was being graded, I’d get a 17%. That’s worse than an F. What kind of kind, generous and compassionate person am I? Last week, I heard about the 30-Day Kindness Challenge and immediately decided to do it. It…
Happier and More Kind in 30 Days? Sign Me Up!
I’m going to be happier 30 days from now, and all it’s going to take is a little bit of kindness. I’m sick of feeling sick and sad, and I’m ready to spark some life back into my life again. Want to join me? I was intrigued by the promise I heard today from Shaunti…
The Carpool Octopus (Wasting Time I Should Be Maximizing)
“I’m not an octopus!” That was the sweet phrase that left my lips as I happened to catch a glimpse of myself in my rearview mirror. At that moment, I was simultaneously attempting to fill a bowl with bunny crackers, skip past the previews on the “Sid the Science Kid” movie playing on our portable…
She Might Be a Jerk – But What If She’s Sick?
What would happen if we saw a person’s struggles before we judged their actions? The worst experience I ever had at a Denver Bronco game had nothing to do with the score. It was a picturesque fall day in 2013 – sunny, bright and festive as we tailgated before a preseason game. The Broncos had…
Why You Hate Me (and I Hate You)
“Can you believe what Porter tweeted today?” “I didn’t realize that Alucard was a person-ist. He’s never talking to my child again!” “I am going to have to unfriend Quartz.” “Anyone who thinks that kittens aren’t cuddly – I just can’t even deal with them.” “That’s it – there’s no way I’m volunteering for that…
Tell It Like It Is
“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and to be understood.” – Ralph Nichols “You’re not listening to me!” “Don’t you hear what I’m saying?” “You don’t understand me at all.” “You’re twisting my words.” “That’s not what I said.” “Stop putting words in my mouth!” Is there any human…
Where’s My Emotion Drawer?
Do you have a place in your home where clutter seems to grow? I do. It’s my kitchen counter. It’s like a petri dish for extraneous stuff. Sometimes just an hour after cleaning, you can no longer even decipher the color of my countertops because they are so riddled with unopened mail, dead batteries, flashlights,…
What I Learned from the Strange Man in the Hot Tub
One night over winter break, I was stressed and sore, so I decided to skip my usual workout and head for the hot tub at the gym instead. Just as I settled into the bubbly heat, I heard someone say, “Can I ask you a question?” I glanced around the hot tub and saw only one…
When ‘Not Enough’ is 8 Too Many
“I wanna watch a movie,” Huckleberry Finn screamed at me yesterday, in exasperation. “But I don’t have enough!” It was a snowy day, I was preparing lunch, we had been homebound all day, and I was losing my mind. A movie sounded like a fabulous idea. I was confused by Huck’s proclamation of not having…
YOU Unfriended ME?!?!
I was scrolling through Facebook before bed a few nights ago when I got had a brilliant idea to look up an old friend I hadn’t heard much from recently. Let’s call him Joe. When I got to Joe’s page I was a little startled to see an icon next to his profile encouraging me…
Why Snow Days Can Kind of Suck
The blaring strains of “Livin’ on a Prayer” racketed out of my phone at 5:07 a.m. today, startling me out of a deep sleep. I shoved my poor snoring cocker spaniel out of the way to grab my phone, pushed a few wrong buttons, and then eventually heard a recorded message from the school district. …
Good Enough 