When I pay attention I’m able to see all kinds of opportunities~open the door for someone, offer to assist carrying groceries or other items, invite someone to go ahead of me in line, text a quick note sharing how much I care or even a funny thing that happened, make someone dinner, Smile🙂

*Suit up: prepare myself for the chaotic world & remind myself to keep my “soft front, strong back & wild heart”(Brene Brown)
*Show up: Be present in the world where ever I’m needed
*Shut up: Listen & observe before opening my mouth
*Speak up: When injustice is happening, regardless of how “small” it’s my responsibility (it’s actually all of ours) to call it out. I also have great ideas & solutions. Don’t let fear hold me back.

When I give my time & attention to people it shows that I care. Life is filled with choices & there have been plenty of times when I was planning to engage in an activity & then BAM! life happened and someone needed me. It can be a tricky balance to shower our love on all our people & also take care of our needs. Continuing to find the balance is a lifelong project.

I’ve been working on “taming my ego” for several years. It appears my ego is defiant. She sometimes picks people apart & gets irritated by things that are are trivial. In the Big Picture the idiosyncrasies of others make life challenging & fascinating. I am working on embracing that philosophy on a consistent basis. 🙂

A world where we all recognize our vast differences & embrace them not shun them, where we take the time to protect one another, advocate for all & share our love and resources with one another. That’s my kind of world!

Dedicating time to my treasured people & activities is important. Being present & not getting caught up in distractions brings deeper connection. Focusing on the beauty & steering clear of dissecting flaws is a part of nurturing & holding treasured people & activities close in my heart cradles them when we aren’t together.

I have been extending more love & grace to people who “get under my skin.” I still have a lot of room for growth & can feel my body react, but I’m softer & able to connect by inviting the other person to share a piece of themselves. It helps me when I remind myself, “it’s not about you, Trish…” It’s about God & she’s filling me up.

There’s never been a time where I’ve had to worry about food, clothing, shelter. I wondered a few times how I was going to pay rent, yet I always managed. I was born into middle class w/ all its privileges. I work w/ families living in poverty & am constantly amazed by their creative solutions & resiliency.

I greatly appreciate the beautiful objects people can mold, carve, paint~almost like it’s coming out of the thin air. I don’t have those talents so I find them remarkable. Art is everywhere: I can create lovely meals & haunting poetry. It’s great fun to appreciate all the unique gifts of one another.

It’s important that we share our gratitude with one another. What goes unsaid is such a waste. So….I speak it: over coffee, in a note, send an email, through a phone call. Using specific language is so important. Telling someone they are “great” is one thing; sharing that you noticed the time & effort they put into making the cake/project/ party…Extra special & giving specifics really resonates. Sharing…..it creates connections.

Meeting imperfection with lightness & love seems to work the best for me. We all do & say such ridiculous things and there’s great humor there if we choose to see it. I’m a unique being, as we all are. When I crazy love myself, with all my flaws & quirks, the world gets to see how beautiful imperfection truly is.

Hi, Antoinette. I’m very healthy & incredibly thankful (& lucky.) My mom is a gem❤️

That’s such a perfect example, Judith! You saw the opportunity & honored it. Nicely done💜

Howie, your response is beautiful & inspiring! The Benedictine Way gives us solid guidance. Peace to you

I miss lots of hugs….

Expressive eyebrows💚

It’s a beautiful testament to your love.

Mountains of bread & butter… it’s a great way to embrace aging.

Yesss! I like to think of myself as a “gorgeous mutt.” 😀