Category Archives: Empowerment
The Truth of Divorce
“Why did you and Daddy get divorced?” the Boy asked me about a month ago. Good question, I said. I told him I don’t know how to answer that right now in a way he can understand. But that I’d … Continue reading
Posted in Empowerment, Mindfulness, Parenting, Relationships
Tagged divorce, family dynamics, father son
5 Comments
The Power of Being Heard
It’s pretty bad when gang leaders are calling for peace. As you know, Baltimore is the backdrop of the current crisis of a significant portion of our population who are disenfranchised and frustrated. Of course criminals who resort to breaking … Continue reading
Posted in Empowerment, Mindfulness, Relationships
Tagged Baltimore riots, connections, validation
4 Comments
10 Life Lessons Learned From Being a Rock Star
After a lifetime of wanting to play the drums, I started playing less than a year ago. Fourteen weeks ago, I joined a rock band. We had our first gig this past weekend. I had been terrified and nervous … Continue reading
Posted in Empowerment, Mindfulness
Tagged courage, life lessons, resilience, rock band, rock concert
6 Comments
A Wonder of a Woman
I have to tell you, I’m still sort of on a high the day after our first gig. I know, you’re thinking I’m a bit intense if I’m still so worked up over a half hour set the night before. … Continue reading
Keep Calm and Rock On
“Are you nervous, Mama?” La Chica asked me about my gig tomorrow. See, I picked up the drums in late spring of last year. I’ve wanted to play since I was a little kid. I joined a rock band 14 … Continue reading
Family Secrets
A friend asked me what my parents’ reaction was after I told them I was published in the Huffington Post. I crinkled my eyebrows and said of course I hadn’t told them. I haven’t told them for a lot of … Continue reading
Posted in Empowerment, Mindfulness, Parenting, Relationships
Tagged dysfunctional family, family dynamics, family secrets, secrets, shame, writing
17 Comments
Recipe for Resilience
La Chica, age 8, wanted to make pancakes from her special princess recipe book. Yes, Hell has a bookstore section, and Satan sells this cookbook. Unfortunately for me, she was already feeling a bit verklempt that morning by the time … Continue reading
Happy Lights
“Happy holidays,” we wish friends and strangers. Happy. We want to be happy. We want others to be happy. New shoes make me happy. Vodka makes me happy. The beach makes me happy. My kids’ snuggles makes me happy. But … Continue reading
Posted in Empowerment, Meditation, Mindfulness
Tagged full life, happiness, joy, life well lived, satisfaction
18 Comments
Deserving Enough
I’m a writer because I believe words have meaning. We need to choose and use our words carefully. Words can hurt. Words can heal. And I’m a little grumpy today because I’m tired of all the pithy sayings we throw … Continue reading
Bookmarking Your Life Story
Guest post from The Boy, age 11. “If something sad happens, you should always move on. What you shouldn’t do is forget. For example, in a book you place bookmarks where you left off. Think about it like your life … Continue reading
Thrive Fully Creative 