October was my mom’s birthday month, and if there was one quality (aside from joy) that she possessed in spades, it was grace.  She didn’t try, she just was. She didn’t force or manipulate, she allowed things to ebb and flow towards and away from her without ever seeming too troubled about their direction. And that includes lost entities such as mobility, independence, and then, finally, life. Hers was a grace built on the ...

  August, with its straw hat and freckles, has taken its final bow for the year. In its stead enters September, which, with its return to routine for so many families, gives one that sense that life is once again standing at attention with its glasses on. The mornings are crisper, the daylight shortens, but still, the spirit of renewal is in the air. This month invites us to resume activities we’ve abandoned during the ...

  Growing up, my family took my mom’s cue (who was able to find humor in her wretched MS) and laughed about everything. Mundane acts that were once effortless for her (like showering, getting dressed, eating, and seeing), became exhaustive endeavors requiring no less than three people to complete. It was too absurd not to also be downright hilarious at times. We laughed at her first electric wheelchair having a seatbelt, and we laughed when ...

When we talk with clients about making small changes that have significant impact, we often use the word “finesse” to describe the process that’s needed. Maybe that’s because we eventually bore of saying “optimize,” “improve,” and the colloquial “zhush.” It’s as much because the concept of finessing is apt. In my mind, finessing is the art of injecting style, refinement, and sophistication into the mundane or the complex. But, rather than achieving these ends through ...

  From the earliest age I can recall, I have been aware that health and the energy it affords aren’t guaranteed. That’s the blessing/curse of growing up with a chronically ill mom. From my perspective, health is the ultimate gift and responsibility. It is both my biggest blessing to be in good health, and it is my responsibility to do all I can to protect my physical and spiritual health. In short, I am present ...