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Begin Again
Yesterday morning, while driving home from my PT appointment, I noticed the sunlight coming through the trees, highlighting the vibrant green new leaves that have begun to emerge.Is there anything that spells spring and new beginnings more clearly than the bright, translucent new leaves in early spring? I don’t think there is. I decided to go back, walk among these trees, and take photos of them to share with you. One of them is right above. It’s been a while since I felt motivated to publish a blog post or a newsletter. The chaotic energy of our days and the tsunami of bad news coming our way daily have made me…
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How to Find Our Footing at Times of Uncertainty
The new year has begun amidst troubling global events, causing anxiety and concern. Reflecting on a V-formation of geese, the author emphasizes the importance of community, self-awareness, and support. Finding connection, practicing kindness, and engaging creativity are essential for maintaining hope and mental well-being during challenging times.
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The Inspirational Story of Our Magnolia Tree: Perseverance, Growth, and Resilience
About 16 years ago, Neal and the girls gave me a magnolia for Mother’s Day. We planted it in the backyard, near the deck, and that baby grew and bloomed over the years, making me happy. In 2016, we were redoing our septic, and the magnolia had to be moved further. So, we moved her, and she thrived. A few years later, we had a harsh winter and heavy snowfall. One day, I woke up and saw that a heavy branch from a nearby tree had fallen on the magnolia, splitting it in half and breaking the very top. I was devastated. I thought she would never come back from this.…
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How to Find Our Way Through the Muck of Negative Thoughts and Emotions
This is the time of year when I write about the messages and metaphors of Spring as they relate to our new beginnings, and there are many. All one needs to do is look around and notice how everything is coming alive again, rapidly and undeniably, in glorious colors. The barren landscape of winter is giving way to life and new growth. In my garden, the trees are leafing out, and something new is blooming every day. The birds and the squirrels are keeping busy preparing for the months ahead. Every day, at 05:32 a.m., the birds begin to sing, announcing the beginning of a new day and urging me out…
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The Lessons and Possibilities of Early Spring
Spring in New England can test a gardener. She begins her slow unfolding on March 20 and proceeds at a slow pace. Spring will not rush, no matter how much we’d like her to. Be patient, she whispers. It will all happen in due time. Patience has never been my thing, but I have learned to accept the futility of picking a fight with nature. April tends to be the month of slow marching through warmer days, cool nights, frosty mornings, and unpredictable weather. The daffodils, slightly confused by this year’s erratic temperatures, have been attempting to bloom for a while now. The landscape is still bare, but there are swelling…
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How to Navigate the Flow of Change Mindfully
Our culture moves fast and is outwardly focused. We are driven by our goals and our to-do lists. Sometimes it feels as if we can’t see the forest for the trees. We tell ourselves that we will rest when we complete what we have set out to do. Of course, not everything goes smoothly, no matter how diligent, disciplined, or organized we are. Things can turn out differently than expected, and life takes us on detours. When this happens, what matters is how we manage ourselves. For example, you may be well into your new beginnings. You waited a long time to change a few things and step onto a new…
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The Sun Always Shines After The Storm
A few weeks ago, we were hit by a snowstorm. A friend on Twitter mentioned how she loves the sun shining after a storm. I replied by saying, “It reminds me of an essay I wrote in High School, “The sun always shines after a storm.” I was 16. Sometimes I wonder how I would write it today.” She followed up with this: “Why not write an up-to-date version for who you are today?” Invitation accepted! It was the mid-70s, and I was in High School. My favorite Greek Literature teacher had instructed us to approach the essay as a metaphor for life. After we handed in our papers, we had…
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After the Storm
I love fresh herbs. I think they make just about every dish taste better. In the summer, I grow basil, oregano, parsley, sage, and thyme. When it comes to basil and oregano, the more, the better. Oregano, whose scent and taste always transport me back to my childhood in Greece, grows with abundance. I use it fresh and also dry some to have through the year. I grow basil right outside the kitchen, on the deck, and I keep seeds going throughout the season. We love pesto in this house. I make as much as I can through the summer and always freeze some for winter. If you would like to…
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On Anniversaries
It’s 6:30 am on March 10th and the one-year anniversary of the declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic is upon us. Outside my bedroom window, I can hear this little bird calling out, a familiar and intimate sound, same time, every morning. Many people have commented on how tuned-in they became to the birds and their songs during the pandemic. There will be numerous articles, TV shows, and ceremonies commemorating this fateful day a year ago, and the journey we embarked upon as a whole. You too may be reflecting on what it has all meant for you and your loved ones. 2020 has been an unprecedented year. To date, more than…
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Powering Through
We’re approaching the one-year anniversary of the beginning of quarantine. A year! A challenging and emotional march through four seasons. How have we changed and what have we learned? Where do we go from here? Although we may be sensing the light at the end of this dark tunnel we’ve been walking through, there’s not much clarity as to how or even when this unexpected journey will end. This time of the year lends itself to being inside, reflecting, seeing, evaluating where we are and where we want to be. Given all that has happened this last year, many of us feel anxious about the future. We’re hoping for positive change…
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In-Between
Hello everyone, I hope this finds you healthy and warm. December 21st marks the darkest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and it comes on the heels of our first major snowstorm. People around the world celebrate Winter Solstice and the beginning of winter by bringing the light inside. We gather around the fire, decorate with fairy lights and candles, and participate in various rituals and ceremonies which remind us that, after a long journey through darkness, the light always returns. 2020 has been a year of immense change, widespread suffering, and, frankly, madness. We’re all being tested as we’re trying to navigate the turbulent waters of the pandemic…
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On Small Miracles
Our capacity for sharing love and celebrating hasn't diminished because of the imposed limitations. What if we gave ourselves permission to explore new and creative ways to celebrate? Our lives are held together by small miracles and infinite beauty. Pausing to recognize that which we take for granted can open up the vaults of joy right where we stand.
