I have always loved supporting the accomplishments of women, acknowledging the long, hard roads they’ve paved, or taken, to achieve equality and success, especially when they’ve then created opportunities for other women. It would be impossible to write about their history and achievements in this blog, but I want to share some of the women who have informed my life and to honor them, during International Women’s Month - and every day - for how they have made positive changes in our world and … [Read more...]

When I think of all of the things that are affecting our health and well-being, there is one pandemic that we can actually do something to ease. LONELINESS! When there are 8 billion people living on this planet, why are there so many who are feeling less valued, lonely, and more isolated?  One important way that I’ve found to help is in being part of, or creating, community, where we can show up for each other in ways that can offer support, appreciation, and companionship, and … [Read more...]

There is something special about Kathy Fitz – the way that she truly engages with each person, deeply listens, and makes you feel like you matter. I always love being in her presence and I walk away feeling grateful for our time together. But when I learned that Kathy had decided to donate a kidney to a total stranger just because it was something she could do . . . I was awed and wanted to know more. Kathy, who grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, always remembers what her mother … [Read more...]

During this season of Thanks giving, I want to express how grateful I am for YOU! For the past 11 years, I have been privileged to share with you what has influenced my life in ways that might bring comfort, peace, and inspiration. Writing to you has kept me focused and committed to delving deeper to find what touches my soul and makes me grateful to be in this world at this time and place. Thank you for your notes, sharing your thoughts or simply reading my monthly blogs. With … [Read more...]

With so much uncertainty these days, the time to connect or be with those we love is ever more precious. Despite being in the projected path of Hurricane Ian’s approaching winds, I decided to take the chance to fly out to be with my mom in New England to celebrate her 94th birthday. Although we talk by phone almost every day, it was so special to be able to hug her and to let her know in person how much she is loved. I realize how lucky I am. On this same trip, I got to be with one of my … [Read more...]

"In community, we can do just about anything!" - Mary Boutieller I first met Mary and her husband John while writing stories on kindness for my book, Love Is the New Currency. You may remember them as the “Firefighters with Compassion,” who went to Nicaragua to bring much needed equipment and training to the Managua community. They, and 12 other Sarasota firefighters, spent heart-wrenching days helping families living at the local dump, then shoveling dirt and pouring concrete … [Read more...]

Do you sometimes feel like you are on a Merry-Go-Round, going past the gold ring over and over, not realizing that it is already in your hand? Does ‘TOMORROW’ seem to be getting here sooner and sooner? Do you find yourself saying, “I can’t believe another day, week, year . . . has gone by so quickly?” And yet, it’s not only possible, but probable, that we will let large chunks of our day and of our lives pass by without acknowledgement and appreciation, unless we stop and pay attention to … [Read more...]

Don’t you love seeing babies of any species? They are so innocent, so inquisitive, so playful, so open to exploring, and totally excited at new discoveries. Why can’t we be more like that? I once excitedly witnessed the birth of several chicks. Weeks later, I got to watch these ducklings waddling after their mom along a wall overlooking water. She decided to teach by example, and without warning, she jumped over the edge and started swimming, as her babies looked on in … [Read more...]