Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
Labor Day weekend is here, a time for Americans to enjoy a holiday intended to honor the achievements of our workers. Because this holiday comes late in the summer season, many of us coordinate our celebrations with a wrap-up of summer fun before fall temperatures kick in. I plan to spend a day at Cape... Continue Reading →
My son Hank is having the bittersweet experience of acclimating back to life at home after I picked him up on his last day of summer camp earlier this week. As the youngest in our family, all three kids have now officially aged out of camp, and we have mixed feelings about that. For those... Continue Reading →
Not all friendships are meant to be, and walking away can sometimes be in our best interest. You may be surprised to read that statement in this blog that champions friendship, but it's true. When a friend becomes a harmful or negative presence in our lives, we may have to prioritize our own well-being and... Continue Reading →
If you've ever wondered why female friendships can sometimes feel so messy and complicated when compared to male relationships, you may be interested in reading friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson's new book on the subject entitled Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships. I became curious about... Continue Reading →
On this Father’s Day, we pause to honor the steadfast presence that so many fathers, and father figures, bring to our lives. They’re the early morning alarm clocks, the after-hours homework helpers, and in the case of my dad, the person who always made sure my car was full of gas. Dads teach us resilience... Continue Reading →
Podcasting seems to have taken over from talk radio as the primary outlet for listening to long-form entertainment and news. Many popular personalities--including Oprah Winfrey and Julia Louis-Dreyfus--have migrated to the medium to interview guests, tell stories and explore topics ranging from unsolved mysteries to menopause. Early on, even Julia and I tried to integrate... Continue Reading →
Spending time in nature can be refreshing, and research shows it's essential to our well-being. Beyond emotional relief, nature plays a powerful role in stress reduction and often improves overall mood. When life feels overwhelming, retreating to an outdoor space can provide refuge and a sense of connection. The Mayo Clinic Press reported last spring... Continue Reading →
Our first post about friendship-themed poems continues to be one of our most popular to date, so we're adding a few more to our list. We hope you enjoy them - and please add poems you like in the comments so we can build on this list of favorites! On Friendship by Kahlil Gibran--A meditation... Continue Reading →
Longer days in May are a welcome reminder that summer is almost here. For as long as I can remember, I’ve lived for my family’s annual summer trip to the beaches of Cape Cod. And in June I’m headed back to the Cape for the first time since 2022 with my now larger, blended family.... Continue Reading →
One of the most important relationships in all of our lives is with our mothers. These relationships can certainly be complicated, but there's no question that they are powerful and impactful. Julia and I have written before about our moms and also about being moms. Since today is the day for celebrating moms, we would... Continue Reading →
Language of Friendship 