Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught, will we realize that we can’t eat money. — Native American Cree proverb Why do we tend to value people, places and things more when we are at risk of losing them? That is true of our quality of life - the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. When there is plenty, we’re less likely to appreciate and care for what we have, taking for granted the abundance of our natural … [Read more...]

A minute seems so minuscule that we don’t give much thought to wasting it. “There are so many more in a day,” we say. But those minutes, moments, hours, days are precious and when gone can never be recovered. In less than 60 seconds, we can tell someone “I love you”, smile at a stranger, give a friend a hug, say a prayer for someone in need, call someone to wish them a beautiful day or let someone know: “I’m sorry”, “thank you”, or “I’m here for you”. Life is made up of a series of … [Read more...]

Today’s headlines made me gasp. Anthony Bourdain, the well-loved chef and traveling host of a popular gourmet TV series, died at the age of 61. When I learned that he had hung himself in his French hotel room, I was deeply saddened. What is it that made him – or any human being for that matter – choose to end his life? At the pinnacle of his career, he seemed to be living the life that others could only dream about. Despite the adulation and acknowledgment of what he and his work meant to them, … [Read more...]

Despite the constant stream of negative news, there are encouraging signs that hope is alive and well with this younger generation as they find new ways of promoting a kinder, more inclusive world. We are already seeing evidence of the ways that students are engaged in ensuring a safer environment for all school aged children after the Parkland shooting. Real change happens when we are proactive in our home, schools and communities. Here is an inspiring example. Ringling College of Art … [Read more...]

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. - Howard Thurman What is it that enlivens you and brings you joy? What do you love doing so much that you’d do it for free because it’s what nourishes you and gives your life meaning? My friend Francesco discovered his love of music early on. In his late 20’s he gave up everything to follow his passion and live in Europe. Whether it was playing for … [Read more...]

In this increasingly impersonal and divided world, it’s easy to feel discouraged and disheartened. It may seem difficult to find meaningful ways that we can make a difference. Many times, it’s the small, everyday acts of love and kindness that can help us to feel more positive and hopeful. Kindness can take many forms. There are countless ways to express love, respect, and appreciation. Even the simplest things done with loving intentions can have an immeasurable value, both to the giver and … [Read more...]

Even at five years old, I knew what was valuable, what I wanted to hold on to.  From a window of our third-floor apartment, as I watched cars floating down the flooded streets and people being lowered by ropes onto waiting rowboats, I wondered if we would have to leave too.  I felt safe with my younger brother, two male cousins and our two sets of parents . . . until my seven-year old cousin started to pray and then to cry.  Shortly after, we were told that we too would be evacuated.  I grabbed … [Read more...]

Here’s some News! And it’s REAL! “Kindness is alive and well and THRIVING!” We may not always notice because acts of compassion are quietly humble. Any acknowledgement comes from the gratitude that flows from the hearts of those giving or receiving random acts of kindness. Despite glaring evidence in the news to the contrary, there are grassroots movements, spawned by the deep desire to demonstrate that not only is kindness alive and well, it’s what makes us feel hopeful that we can make a … [Read more...]

“Life is brief and tender. Thinking about death clarifies our life.” ~Candy Chang Death may seem closer as we age, but the truth is that any of us could die at any time with no warning and no time to do the things that we truly want to do, want to give, want to say ... Last month, I went to the Heartwood Retreat Center with several women friends, where we had an opportunity to write on a huge outdoor chalk board, “BEFORE I DIE I Want to...”* It gave me pause for reflection. What if this … [Read more...]

We are experiencing dramatic changes - in our climate, our governments and financial systems – but the biggest shift may be happening within ourselves. Awareness doesn’t always come easily. Sometimes it takes a trip down the road of despair to discover who we are and what authentically defines us: What do we stand for? Who and what do we value? How are we showing up in the world? What kind of a future do we want to create? It’s disheartening to experience our country and world so divided … [Read more...]