The Gift of Receiving: Why Your ‘No, Thank You’ Might Be Costing You More Than You Think
Every time you deflect a compliment or insist on paying for your coffee, you're not just being polite—you're robbing someone of the joy of giving and yourself of the grace of receiving. In a world that praises the virtue of giving, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the endless demands to contribute—our time, attention, money,
Embracing Our Colors: Why Pride Month Hits Home
This morning, as I opened Facebook and saw a cascade of rainbows, I remembered—oh yes, it's Pride month. But this year, the colorful celebration feels more personal than ever. As an out lesbian married to my incredible wife, and a mom to our mixed-race child, each vibrant post resonates deeply with me. "Pride matters for kids
From Exclusion to Embrace: My Journey of Being Kicked Out and the United Methodist Church’s Lift on the LGBTQ Ban
Embracing the Light: My Journey of Faith and Identity In a time of profound personal revelation and institutional transformation, the news of the United Methodist Church lifting the ban on LGBTQ clergy marks both a milestone and a moment of personal reflection. My journey, intertwined with the rigid doctrines of the church, was one of seeking
The fear of being me…
I just tried to take a nap in the office I’ve rented at the Healing Society in East Nashville. Struggling to focus at home, I opted for this communal coworking space instead. It’s Friday at 11:51 am, and I’ve been here for exactly 51 minutes. I arrived a bit early, anticipating my session, but a
Melody of Healing: The Song for My Brother
Fifteen years. That's how long a few lines of a song echoed in the corridors of my heart, never finding the exit until now. They were lines of pain, love, and regret for my brother, who I lost when I was just sixteen. For years, I harbored the guilt that if I had just said
The Unseen Voyage: Navigating the Inner Tides of Emotion
This morning, I awoke on the literal and metaphorical wrong side of the bed, boxed in by dogs and pushed into a day that began with a feeling of
Embracing the Uncertain: Overcoming the Fear of Losing Control
Navigating through my personal labyrinth of fears, the towering presence of losing control casts a long, imposing shadow over my joy, creativity, and ability to be fully present. This often unspoken fear has a way of thrusting me forward into the anxious embrace of the future, distancing me from the beautiful unfolding of now. The Cost
Twizzle’s Twist: A Journey from NoWhere to NowHere
In the land of NoWhere, not far nor near, Lived a creature named Twizzle, with thoughts full of fear. Racing, dashing, thoughts like a storm, Twizzle's mind was never calm, nor warm. "Busy, busy, oh my brain," Twizzle sighed, "It's like a runaway train. Perfection, pleasing, a never-ending quest, In the land of DoMore, there's no time for rest." Twizzle twisted like a
Smolly I Am Not: A Tangle of Triggers and Triumphs
In a land of clutter and chaos named Spillville, Smolly's journey through triggers began with a shrill. Socks on the floor, dishes piled in the sink, Coffee spilled over, making Smolly rethink. "Triggers here, triggers there, triggers seem to be everywhere! In lines, in traffic, or when gum smacks, Each tiny annoyance feels like an attack. I huff and I puff, try
Ego Busters: Dialing Up Spirit in the City of Life
In the bustling city of life, where the hustle is rife, A phantom lurks, stirring trouble and strife. It's not a ghost or a ghoul that'll give you a fright, But your ego, my friend, that shadows the light. When you're feeling off-kilter, not quite yourself, When joy feels distant, like a book on a shelf. When you're yelling at kids,
