Last year I decided to choose a single word intention instead of a resolution; Elevate. In spite of 2020 being kind of a nightmare, I found ways to raise my previously very low bar, set and achieve realistic goals and take the high road whenever possible. For the most part, it worked! The only minor…Read more e’s
J
“he never says anything off the top of his head”
― Alice Walker, The Color Purple
Wings
On our way there, we pulled over to take a picture of the profusion of wildflowers. Bordering on obscene, they sprung from the earth, tickling the belly of the sky which hung bright, blue and heavy over acres of untamed fields. While some flowers are edible; red clover, chocolate daisies, dandelions, this feast satisfied a…Read more Wings
Love Lessons
Admittedly, we'd had better hikes. Mom sat by me in the snow and dad stood next to us as we watched a flock of birds fly in descending waves across the sky. I couldn't tell them that, like the approaching solstice, my light was fading. All their extra love and care the last few days…Read more Love Lessons
For Give Us Our Freedom
My devotion this morning was Forgive. In order to forgive myself or others, I don't need to justify or approve behavior that's unwelcome. That's true, but I find it easier to forgive when I understand why we're doing things that are reckless, ridiculous or generally upsetting. Yesterday there was a protest downtown held by a…Read more For Give Us Our Freedom
Peace Be with You
In studying the art and lives of artists, I continue to learn about the nature of humanity. We can create the kind of beauty that makes all the cells in our bodies dance with inspired electricity. And sometimes, we can be absolute atrocities, full of rage, hopelessness, righteous indignation, violence, passivity, cruelty. Love is our…Read more Peace Be with You
Salt
I want to spit the Unforgiving truth across your unsaved face Slap your mouth with my sharpened tongue Fatten and split your lip In front of the empty fridge Where you picked apart my imperfections Just before the exam When I'd barely yet begun to be You hated hated hated me Hungry for the elusive…Read more Salt
Nourished
Unplanned adventure. My therapist has been challenging me to expand my definition of what it means to nourish myself at the intersection of ed recovery, pursuing my publishing dreams and living during a pandemic. We aim high. She’s amazing. A huge part of how I got out from where I started was mastering the art…Read more Nourished
Feeling Right
Many of us are asking ourselves if it's ok to feel a sense of vindication, even celebration, that certain people got some bad news this week. As a licensed clinician and survivor of complex trauma, I thought I'd share some insights about what's happening. When someone's behaved in ways that recklessly demolished the hopes, dreams,…Read more Feeling Right
Consider It
How do we end poverty? Those in power must first be willing to acknowledge their unearned privilege. Then, they must be willing to share by dismantling the systems they run which only work to their advantage. I know. It's a lot to ask. And super overwhelming. I mean, what's a guy or gal to do when…Read more Consider It
Hum
I can't remember if there was a tree, just that it was Christmas morning and the apartment had no furniture except for a sofa and metal folding chair in the living room. We probably weren't supposed to be there but I don't think there was another option. Hot silos of Dunkins sat on the counter…Read more Hum
Born in Providence 