Gifting on a Budget

With so much commercialization around the holidays, it can be hard to remember what makes this time of year truly meaningful – savoring connections and feelings of gratitude for the special people in our lives. At Language of Friendship, we’ve found that gift giving can be both enjoyable and memorable, especially with personal touch. Sara... Continue Reading →

Putting Gratitude into Action

Last weekend Sara wrote about how practicing gratitude positively impacts our well-being. The recent Thanksgiving holiday served as an opportunity to notice the good, and it helps ground us in appreciation. But gratitude doesn’t have to stop at reflection; it can also be a good motivation for action. Reflecting on the many things we are... Continue Reading →

Honoring Veterans

The company where I work, Abbott, sponsored a Veterans Day event on Tuesday that focused on the 25th anniversary of the release of the documentary film They Drew Fire. The film told the story of artists sent to the front in World War II to create art that would help sell U.S. war bonds. In... Continue Reading →

Helping Our Planet Together 🌍

When it comes to saving our planet, there's no need to wait until spring when Earth Day or World Water Day are recognized. Making sustainable choices should be a year-round commitment, and even small efforts can lead to meaningful impact. At the same time, we all know how hard it can be to create new... Continue Reading →

Getting Away Together

Despite the 900+ miles that separate us, Sara and I usually try to connect at least once a week. Sometimes talking, more often texting, we find ways to stay closely connected. But nothing replaces the quality time enjoyed with a friend in person. We both realized we were long overdue for a few days of... Continue Reading →

Reconnecting

Earlier this week as I walked out of my local Starbucks with my mobile order, I made eye contact with a driver pulling out of her parking space. We immediately smiled and waved, recognizing each other as colleagues from the two years I spent working for Northwestern University more than seven years ago. That moment... Continue Reading →

Practicing Gratitude

Today--Sunday, September 21--marks World Gratitude Day. Formally recognized by the United Nations in 1967 and credited to spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy, the day's objective is to create a global movement of thankfulness.  Since then, research has demonstrated a correlation between gratitude and lower mortality rates, with the Mayo Clinic reporting “Studies have shown that feeling... Continue Reading →

A Gift of Life

Every few seconds, someone around the world needs a blood transfusion. It might be due to an accident, during surgery, or even as part of cancer treatment.  While medical innovations have led to everything from artificial limbs to devices that keep the human heart running, there’s still no true substitute for human blood. The first... Continue Reading →

Back to School for Grownups

Earlier this year I heard a story about one woman's love of ballet. Unfortunately, her family didn’t have the money for her to take lessons when she was a child, so she thought she would never learn to dance. But eventually she did learn ballet - and even performed in a production of Swan Lake!... Continue Reading →

Savoring Summer

Although the arrival of August may signal the end of some favorite summer pasttimes and back to school for some students, I’m not ready to let summer go just yet! With temperatures still in the 90s and daylight lasting until 8 pm, the season is by no means over. The following is a list of... Continue Reading →

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