Open Minds Open Possibilities

I recently came across a card I wrote and sealed to myself at the beginning of our doctoral voyage. My little statement of fears, hopes, worries, and prayers from two years ago at Cannon Beach says: Comfort of the known, Fear of rejection/isolation, and Not having much in the way of a “team.” Talk about … Continue reading Open Minds Open Possibilities

We’re Conduits for Love

The more we love, the more we thrive. One of my favorite parts of our home is our large guest room. Family and friends are, literally, always welcome to enjoy its king-sized bed—while sharing our food and drink. Out of 3.5 years here, I estimate guests have stayed with us for 6+ months … and we’d … Continue reading We’re Conduits for Love

Love Al(l)ways

Life is a marvelously messy tapestry of threads formed by—not only—all the people, plants, animals, and rest of material reality; but also, by our thoughts, words, and deeds. Shaming, judgmentalism, holding oneself as “better than,” living from fear, cutting words, self-centeredness, an “us versus them” mentality, violence, defensiveness, seeking to “win,” and inner-criticism—for example—all tear … Continue reading Love Al(l)ways

Let Life Surprise You with Awesomeness

Sometimes, especially when our hearts are open, life will surprise you with awesomeness. A few months ago, Jonathan stumbled on an old blog of mine that resonated with him. Much to their surprise, since Jonathan and Jennifer were looking for a place to do yoga in Poulsbo when they're up here from 1.5 hours away in … Continue reading Let Life Surprise You with Awesomeness

Friendship & The Gift of Loyalty

Great friends, the kind you freely share the most blissful and brutal stuff with, are more precious than gold. Even while I walked through the desert of divorce twice, because of loyal friends, I considered myself lucky. Although I struggled to stay alive after my accident in 2008, and spent 6 months in hospitals recovering, … Continue reading Friendship & The Gift of Loyalty

A Solstice Blessing

On this Summer Solstice: May we remember, even when we can't see the Light, it is always shining on and through us. May the sun remind you, you are always and forever loved. Just as the infinite twinkle of the stars symbolizes your limitless worth; while the earth lets you know you are at home … Continue reading A Solstice Blessing

The Power of Appreciation

A major reason Lisa and I have a delightful marriage and partnership is: Appreciation. Daily, we tell one another how much we appreciate each other. Not just in a general sense, but by naming specific things. And do you know what the real magical, meaningful way we do this is? Lisa tells me, on the … Continue reading The Power of Appreciation

Transforming Our Impatience & Frustrations into Kindness & Gentleness

Someone shared with me how they struggle with impatience, are frustrated with the way that energy leads them to irritableness and unkind words to others, and that they long for a gentler spirit. I can SO relate! How about you? They asked me for some life coach advice on the matter, and five simple things … Continue reading Transforming Our Impatience & Frustrations into Kindness & Gentleness

Love/Live Like It’s Your Last Day

Cherish your people. Hug them deeply. Tell them “I love you”, as often as possible. I recently realized, ever since the day I should have died in 2008, that’s how I live. You never know when “this” time together, or goodbye, will be the last. What is more: Choosing to be fully with who and what is present … Continue reading Love/Live Like It’s Your Last Day

The Power of the Stories in Our Heads

Have you ever seen a message notification in passing, and created a whole storyline around it before actually reading it ... only to have none of what you imagined probable/possible turn out to be true? I got a FB message from a pastor friend about a shocking death 😮 with a link to an article about it. Since he'd never messaged me … Continue reading The Power of the Stories in Our Heads