Like any relationship, when we take more than we give—our actions destroy the very relationship we have come to depend on and rely on. Our dependence is especially clear when it comes to how we treat the planet and our cohabitants.

I like to support the brave voices choosing to speak their stories through writing. I firmly believe that the sharing of our stories can change the world. This has never been truer than with my latest list of books in the category of social justice.

The fast and furious days of summer are slowly giving way to the more structured days of fall. Children are heading back to school—and with that, a certain predictability returns to our lives.

The summer months are here! Are you waking up to sunshine spilling through your blinds or curtains each morning—the light reaching out to you like an invitation to begin each day at the dawn’s light?

I like to think of life transitions as the ultimate invitation. The call? To live more deeply. To be a bit more aware of our own fragility and strength. To practice compassion for ourselves and for others.

I thought I would share a bit of why I have decided to go silver and some products or strategies that have been working for me. My hope is that some of you will offer what is currently working for you too! Ready to get started?

This past week, Clara turned eighteen! I remember how when our children were small we would find ways to celebrate birthdays all day long! From meals to activities to reading favorite books to watching home movies to baking, we had endless options to choose from— that allowed us to fill the entire day with magic and joy.

As a parent, some of our most challenging times come when we lose ourselves in our own stress, anger or pain— and hurt our children.

Spring has finally sprung! All I can say is that I am receiving the sunshine and warmer temperatures (and even the rain) with open arms.

Spring is a wonderful time to reflect and edit on the various components of our lives. Our wardrobes. Our daily schedules. Our morning routine. Our night routines. Our eating plans. Our skin care rituals. Our relationships.

“Bidding” is a term that relationship expert, John Gottman uses to explain a reaching out to another person for emotional connection. It can be as simple as noticing a bird outside the window and mentioning it to your partner.

Books make my world go round. At any given time, I have a nonfiction book selection that I read during the day, as well as a fiction option for bedtime.

Lifting weights has been part of my overall training routine since my competitive running days—and I confess it has never felt particularly nurturing. I have noticed tightness and inflexibility over the years.

I thought I would share one of our family's favorite soup recipes with you today. Consider it a winter bonus! Years ago, I was "gifted" this recipe in a letter from a dear friend.

Instead of fighting our urge to slow down, to sleep a bit more, to watch that Netflix series, to play games, to cocoon--I offer an invitation to truly BE with the season--to utilize the beckoning of winter to turn inward.

New Year's resolutions seem to hit hard amidst the quiet of January. I must admit that I have mixed feelings about it.

The holidays are upon us. We are nearly at the close of a year-- with the beginning of 2019 beckoning us forward! Who is ready for a new year? Thank you for joining me here these past several months.

The natural fragrance of the orange, apple, cinnamon, and cloves blend together in the best way.

Here is the easy recipe.

One of my favorite ways to enhance any activity is to listen to a podcast. Do you have podcasts you love? I find that I am drawn to podcasts for a variety of reasons.

With the recent daylight saving time shift and our family's personal loss, I have been finding some simple ways to incorporate a bit of hygge into our home and our days. It has been so needed!