Embrace the glorious mess that you are. ~Elizabeth Gilbert It occurred to me as I stood, watching shivering participants in this year's St. Louis Women's March. In some ways, the Women's March is emblematic of the Democratic party and the progressive movement. It's well-intentioned. It's equity-minded. It's a little over-the-top. And it's a complete messy … Continue reading Why the Women’s March is a Beautiful Mess
We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say, 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes. ~Fred Rogers The government can do all sorts of terrible … Continue reading How Regular Americans are Taking Control
Great things are done by a series of small things, brought together. ~Vincent Van Gogh Oh, friends. It doesn't happen often, but on occasion life gets in the way. The best laid plans are often thwarted by a six-year-old, and time slips by like sand through my fingertips sometimes. So today's anecdote will be a short … Continue reading The Benefits of Being Small
What is to give light must endure burning. ~Viktor Frankl The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. ~Pablo Picasso *Followers may recognize that portions of today's post were first published January 2, 2018. For the many newcomers, welcome - we look forward to finding … Continue reading What is the meaning of your life?
This is the story of a little girl who inspired millions. Last week, a man was having a horrible, terrible, no-good-very-bad morning. He boarded his regular commuter train, slumped down at his usual spot, and looked out the window. Soon enough, he noticed a little girl holding some paper shopping bags get onto the train. … Continue reading How One Little Girl Brightened A Million Days
Identity is something that you are constantly earning. It is not just who you are. It is a process that you must be active in. It's not just parroting your parents or the thoughts of your learned teachers. It is now more than ever about understanding yourself so you can become yourself. ~Joss Whedon I … Continue reading What People Like You Believe
You never fail until you stop trying. ~Albert Einstein During a day trip to a small village in Asia, a tourist saw something (or somethings) strange. Elephants. Right there, in the middle of the village. These huge, hulking creatures with imposing strength and size were just ... standing there. As he marveled at the sight, … Continue reading You Don’t Have to Settle For Survival: Break Free
We have nothing to fear but fear itself. ~Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt It's no secret that Democrats think differently. Donkeys and elephants see the world through very different filters. Democrats are interested in individual equality, fairness, freedom of thought. We want everyone to get a chance to speak. While the traditional Republican values authority and … Continue reading New: Hand Sanitizer Turns Conservatives Liberal
“If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right.” ~Prof. Greg Scott “To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain and play with it.” ~Charlie Chapman Note: Some of you may recall this post, which was originally published on November 28, 2017 - almost exactly one year ago! Its message felt especially … Continue reading Joy to the Resistance: the Power of Good Cheer
Each one of us can make a difference. Together, we make change. ~Senator Barbara Mikulski It's a refrain I hear often. "I'm just not important enough." As in: "It's not like my comments really make a difference anyway. I'm only one person. That's just not enough." Or: "I've been donating $5 a month, but that's just not … Continue reading The Danger of Feeling Insignificant
Small Deeds Done 