We all know that 2020 made it challenging to find moments of joy -- the pandemic, the economic crisis, civil unrest, not to mention family health issues. But just as we all found ways to adapt, we found joy when we looked for it. Since it's so easy to forget about the good things that… Continue reading Holiday greetings for 2020
Category: Friend
Resilience
Sometimes you have to take a step back and admire the sheer resilience of others. Oh, sure, the world is full of resilient people, continuing on with their lives against all odds. Citizens of war-torn countries. Minorities in America dealing with the inherent threats our society imposes on them. Whether Celebrities or Average Joes, there's… Continue reading Resilience
The unexpected death of a friend
Of course there's not much joy in death, especially an abrupt passing that gives no one time to prepare. Grief and mourning are natural and necessary. No one ever said a joyful life wouldn't have moments of sadness, moments of outrage, and moments of despair. We each go through the stages of denial, anger, bargaining,… Continue reading The unexpected death of a friend
Gifts
Both giving and receiving gifts are paradoxical activities. On the surface, they're signs of generosity and gratitude. However, forced-gift-giving events (birthdays, Christmas exchanges, house warmings) can be troublesome. When you're the giver, you have the time pressure of buying something before the event combined with showing that you give a damn. That adds a lot… Continue reading Gifts
Self-care and recovery days
There's a lot on the calendar some weeks. It could be fun stuff like holiday celebrations and gatherings of friends. Or it might be a nonstop schedule of family chauffeuring. Sometimes it's long hours at the job for a crunch week. Sometimes it's an array of previous commitments (choir rehearsals, weekly basketball, networking events) --… Continue reading Self-care and recovery days