Forgive someone. Make amends. Recognize that you share many of the same challenges from different spaces. Acknowledge the value of their experience and perspective, even if they lack the capacity to value yours.
Any time we claim certainty on a given issue, we claim omniscience as to that issue. A sense of certainty is one of the strongest signs that some, perhaps important, things are being overlooked. Recognition of uncertainty is one of the most solid, dependable assumptions underlying the American system of politics. It’s the assumption that…
Love never fails. That eternal, profound realization hit me long ago when my kids were small and I was still struggling just to keep my patience. How incredibly all-consuming and eternal. It extends universes beyond human politics, philosophies and bottom lines. It has no geographical limits or borders. It has continued to hold me accountable…
Show compassion broadly. Give generously. Sacrifice endlessly. But embark on friendship cautiously. Not all who show themselves friendly are safe.
There are endless hiking trails nearby, many much closer than this one. But I return to Big Mountain more often than not. It’s where I work out the stresses of recent weeks and the sorrows of recent years. “I climb so I can feel tired and sore in places other than my heart.” At first…
If there were anything I could change about American culture, it would be to increase the value we place on what older generations bring to the table. They may not keep up with technological trends. I promise you. No one can. But the wisdom and experience they possess is far more valuable than a younger…
We all have wounds. Some visible. Some not. Some we had the opportunity to properly mourn. Some not. Some healed. Some not. We can’t begin to identify who is or is not in pain. Go easy.
I’m learning not to weigh the good against the bad—the gains against the losses—in determining the sum of things. The good is so much better standing alone where the bad has no hold over it by comparison. I’m taking the moments as they come, crying over some, rejoicing over others, and letting each be what…
We make positive advances during times of crisis, disruption and uncertainty. We make amazing discoveries under pressure when our efforts are focused on what is most important. We’re capable of rising to the occasion. We’re capable of learning how to do old things in new and better ways. We’re capable of recognizing challenges as opportunities…
There will always be demand for another new story. For another new song. For a new chord progression. For a new perspective. For a new sunrise. For a new sunset. For a new day. For a new in between. There is room for every new thing. Even while there’s a repeat of every old thing….
Thinking of the many little things that have tipped big scales this year and of all who are impacted by them. Little swerves, little germs, little remarks, little drinks, little pills, little stories, little glances, little decisions, little regard, little respect, little empathy, little vision.
Do not think that you will find truth or justice in a court of law where two sides are equally interested in telling only part of the story. That is a last and often ill-advised resort. Whenever possible, resolve issues sooner and in more constructive ways. Whenever you hear someone say, “The evidence says…,” or…
Fragmentary Life 