Category: self-growth
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Seasons

Originally published April 2023 – reposting after disappearing mysteriously . . . . Dad’s passing is not my first rodeo with loss and grief. I know that seasons of grief often require a certain kind of energy. Wrestling with acceptance that life has, yet again, changed significantly. Riding an unpredictable rollercoaster of emotions. Toggling between…
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A Kind of Kindness

Writing again feels so good. I’ve been navigating a swept-away season since the birth of our LO 3 years ago. Stretch-and-grow moments have been plentiful since then. Time for capturing those moments here? Not so much. But, seasons change and mine is evolving again. So, onward we go. And, I’ll start with a lesson that…
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Endings & Beginnings

It’s hard to believe that we’re quickly nearing the end of this very special pregnancy. I think back to last fall, when my eyes kept adjusting to the pink lines on the home pregnancy tests (I took 2, remember?). In shock, all I could think was, are you kidding?!? I have more than enough “life”…
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At This Moment

“Are you getting ready for the baby?” (Pause) “Uhhh . . . no.” My response to this popular, well-meaning question has likely surprised some folks. So, let’s be clear: We are over-the-moon happy and excited for Baby Dancy’s arrival this spring. And we’re equally grateful for a healthy pregnancy and growing baby in my tummy.…
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The 4th Reaction

Ever since sharing our surprise pregnancy at age 47, my hubby and I have received quite an assortment of reactions. He has his own stories of responses from guys (let’s just say they involve a lot of high-fives). For me, reactions from women have varied but ultimately fall into 1 of 4 categories: 1. “Wow.…
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About Those Masks …

Every October 31st, we went a-begging for candy. And what fun it was: Putting on makeup and wigs and masks and whatever else was required to become a werewolf, princess or superhero. By the time I was about 10, I preferred to be any character that didn’t require wearing a mask. More specifically, those plastic…
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Road Bumps

So, the other day, I messed up. Hubby was out of town overnight, so I was parent-on-point. I looked at the calendar. Only one Saturday morning activity? No problem, I thought. I got this. Well, it turns out that I didn’t “got this.” Our son was scheduled to play his first game with a new…
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Back to Basics

Writer’s Note, 8.31.2017: I wrote this post a week ago, but held on sharing it. Doing so seemed insensitive in the face of tragedy and devastation due to Hurricane Harvey. But, I’m posting it now, without hesitation. Why? Because, especially in extremely difficult times as this, we really don’t have time to mistreat, dislike or…
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Bees & Buttons

I’ve always been industrious, busy as a bee. As a kid, I could keep myself occupied for hours by creating art using typing paper, tape and crayons. As a teen, I stayed busy with homework, school clubs, music, and church. And none of that changed as a young adult. Yet, I’m not a high-energy person.…
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Hurry Up and Wait

You’re driving long distance to an event—perhaps a business conference or a friend’s graduation—and time is of the essence. You prepared well. You packed up needed items, placed the mail on hold, and hit the road on time. “I’ve got snacks and a full tank of gas. No need to even stop,” you brag to…