“Are you ready for your life to begin?” asks the judge on the reality television show, glowing as she looks at this young person who just belted out a verse of Proud Mary. Do you think, Yes! I’m so ready! And it will begin when…
Category: `The Healing Garden
We spend a lot of time making our creative work perfect. Diving in, we find the perfect word, the perfect note, the perfect brushstroke. We test and try and spend hours tweaking this look or phrase or shape. And we worry that our clients will…
In the depths of grief, horror, and panic, are you finding your regular paths to creativity closed? Even when you actively search for a way in, are the gates unassailable? Unfortunately, that is natural. Usual. Boringly normal. Join the club. Here’s a comfy chair! Would…
Teardrop-shaped aspen leaves flickered against the blue sky as I wiped my cheeks, looking up to help stop the flow. Instead of hanging out with the other hospice volunteer trainees during our break, I’d fled to this outdoor haven to stop weeping and call my…
And I’m not here to tell you what to do. Because telling you what to do or solving your problem for you isn’t empowering. It isn’t healing. It isn’t joyful. What is joyful and healing and empowering is showing you that you have the power.…
As I approached this piece, I looked at the blank screen and wondered, what if I insult people? What if I give people the wrong idea? What if I don’t write it “Right”? I sat and stared at that white screen and “what if”ed until…
As I write this essay, news travels around the country that a beautiful, accomplished, successful, strong, and seemingly happy young woman ended her life over the weekend. Two of the anchors on the morning news program we watch were almost in tears as they discussed…
Did you make a resolution this year? How is it going? I know. Enthusiasm takes over in that last week/first week of the year zone and makes grand plans and amazing promises! And most times the enthusiasm slides away after a few days or a…
“But if you don’t find fulfillment in something other than work, then you will fail those in the chair in front of you.” – Dr. Kovich, Star Trek: Discovery, “The Examples” When I heard these words on an episode of Star Trek: Discovery recently (I’m…
In the garish light of chaos, The disappointments The disasters The desperate grasping for the semblance of celebration I disappear Or try to. But then a jolly raven Maskless Filled with the joy of being alive, of the season, of the sincere happiness Of being…