Thankfulness is the ability to express appreciation in response to something that we've received. Many of us have been taught as (and teach it to) kids when we're given something or are served. Thankfulness is a huge step in connecting our ability to appreciation with our ability to express through words and action. There is no doubt about how important expression of thankfulness is, however, contrary to popular belief, thankfulness is actually different from gratitude and gr

I've learned to use a more appropriate "measuring stick" in the years that followed Nelson's death. One end is the reality of nature, and at the other end is potential. Whenever I start noticing that I'm getting "off-center" (feeling that my peacefulness and balance are disturbed), I can trace it back to my self-care practices being de-prioritized or completely tossed by the way-side, even if only for a day or two. If it gets to be more than 3-4 days, my self-compassion serio

Living life after loss can be extremely challenging...probably the most difficult challenge you'll ever face. You might even be thinking "Designing my life? That sounds CRAZY!" I get it. Once upon a time, it sounded ludicrous to me, too--but it's literally what has helped me transform existing into living. Lifestyle design is an art-meets-science kind of process. It's seeing a goal and embracing the gap between. It's the willingness to both look for the hidden gems and to be