in conscious parenting· emotional wellbeing· human connection· intentional living· positive parenting· relationships· What I Would Have Missed

What You Can Do Each Day to Help Kids Be Safe, Smart, and Strong

“I hope you find the love that’s true So the morning light can shine on you I hope you find what you’re looking for So your heart is warm for ever more.” —Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Shine When the kayak guide asked which of us would like to be in front of the boat, my 13-year-old daughter volunteered eagerly. This echoed…
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in compassion· conscious parenting· dying· elderly· finding joy· purpose

This Will Prepare You

It’s been a year since my ten-year-old daughter and I started visiting “Annie” at the nursing home. Avery felt compelled to “adopt” Annie when she learned she hadn’t had a visitor in years. In the beginning, Annie smiled all the time and shared fond memories of her past. We would take her to Bingo, paint with her, and Avery would…
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in human connection· life's purpose· living authentically· Memory Bank· only love today· relationships· simplicity· What I Would Have Missed

Having More Fun is Not As Elusive As You Think … And Why You Shouldn’t Wait

I used to trade loving goodbyes for on-time morning departures. I used to trade vacation days for getting home early to get things accomplished. I used to trade peace for pride … cuddling for career advancement. I used to trade authenticity for approval. I used to trade joy for control … happiness for perfection. I used to trade my safety…
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in courage· healing· human connection· human needs· life's purpose· living authentically

Five Miracles in Iowa

Miracle 1 – In one of my lowest of low points one month ago, I received a message and a photo from a blog reader. Laurel had just received a cancer diagnosis. The photo was her wrist wrapped in an ‘Only Love Today’ bracelet. I wiped my eyes and wrote back immediately, letting her know someone was on the other end…
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in emotional wellbeing· human connection· human needs· intentional living· life's purpose

The Wisest Words for Your Darkest Hours

“Oh that I would go through storms Know my soul is better for it Oh my heart to face the pain My mind, it’d move past yesterday No, I just want to be a better man No, I just want to be a better man As I go.” –Judah and the Lion, Better Man I went into my father-in-law’s calling…
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in dying· I Have Today· Memory Bank· only love today· relationships

Since Last Friday

Since last Friday, life looks different. It’s more fragile; it’s more sacred. Since last Friday, it’s become a gift to hold a hand. Since last Friday, I’ve seen a person’s most valuable possessions fit inside a small, wooden box. The items inside are not of monetary value, but sentimentally, they are priceless. Since last Friday, I witnessed a 13-year-old girl eagerly…
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