There is something to be said about being in the right place at the right time. It feels fortuitous, almost like someone is watching out for us or that our interactions are predetermined.
But instead of hoping to be in the right place at the right time, I long to be more aware of my surroundings. I want to be attentive ... Read More
I went to a conference earlier this month that was basically a two-day party for people who love kindness. Every night, a few folks would stand up and share a five-minute story about their favorite acts of kindness.
I wish I would have had the foresight to record their messages. I would have had enough material to fill this column for ... Read More
If it had rained one hot July day in 2011, I would not be writing this column.
If I had felt too tired by depression to take my kids to the city pool, I would not have a found my purpose.
If one teenage mom in a shiny gold bikini had been too proud to accept the money I offered, I would ... Read More
I think two might be my favorite age. Not for my own kids, but for other people’s kids.
When my children were two, I was caught up in diapers and crushed Goldfish crackers and constant laundry duty. Now, as a mom of school-age kids, I can sit back and see how adorable other people’s toddlers are, because I don’t have to ... Read More
My brother saved a little boy’s life once. The boy was swimming and got out too deep. No one saw him go under except my brother.
It happened more than 30 years ago and I’m certain my brother never even stops to think about what would have happened if he hadn’t been in that lake that day. Maybe time has also ... Read More
A letter came to my house the other day, but it wasn’t addressed to me. It was for a 12-year-old boy named Marcus.
No return address and stamped at a post office two states away. Hmmm.
“Hey, Marcus, you got some mail!” I yelled from my office.
“Me? Who’s it from?” he asked as he ambled into the room.
“No idea. Open it.”
As he ... Read More
You know what’s super fun? Putting a post on social media asking people to share their favorite kindness stories.
Try it sometime. It’s an immediate boost to your day and a great way to remember there are a lot of kind things happening quietly behind the scenes in our world.
Here are a few stories people have shared with me recently.
From Beth ... Read More
The things that break our hearts are often the things that make us powerful. I am regularly reminding my children and their friends that someday they will have the opportunity to use each hurt to help another human.
A dear friend shared the following story with me, and although I was sad for her younger self, I know it is these ... Read More
Just when Darcy Barry should have been enjoying her senior year of high school and looking forward to future adventures, life threw her a fast-pitch curveball.
On Dec. 23, 1981, she was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a condition that causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Step by step, Darcy has gone on to live a full, beautiful ... Read More
When my son started bringing home information about his sixth-grade graduation, I thought it was cute. There would be a ceremony and a class party and even some donated prizes.
Then I found out some of the parents were giving their children gifts to celebrate the milestone.
I am all for using any excuse possible to celebrate life with ice cream, but ... Read More
