Growing up in Florida, I never really got to experience the seasonal changes that autumn brings. Florida, for the most part, has two seasons: hot and hotter. I'm a beach girl, so it never bothered me, and I assumed it was normal to lie in the sun on Christmas. So when I moved to the … Continue reading My 5 Favorite Things About Autumn
gratitude
Check On Your People
We've got a lot of crazy stuff going on right now. Pandemics, elections, remote learning, working from home, civil unrest, you name it. Because we've been asked to be home so much, it's really easy for people to start feeling isolated and alone. When you feel isolated and alone, it's really easy to start sinking … Continue reading Check On Your People
The List
After my divorce, I knew I wanted to be in a healthy, adult relationship. This may sound nuts, but I did my share of soul-searching during my ex's affair, and that was one thing I decided. I want to grow old with someone who truly loves me, and although I was very sad that it … Continue reading The List
The Pool – a Memory
I lived right down the street from the neighborhood pool as a kid. This was a good thing because no matter how much I begged my parents to put a pool in our backyard, they said no. I cannot remember a time I couldn't swim, I love to swim, and the water is my happy … Continue reading The Pool – a Memory
Threshold
At the start of this decade, I had just turned 40 and celebrated my 14th wedding anniversary to my kids’ dad. My older child was about to turn 10, My younger child had just turned 6 and had just been diagnosed with autism. I had no idea my life was going to blow up and … Continue reading Threshold
Life’s Lessons
I’ve learned a lot over the last 50 years (and still have much to learn). I think my most significant moments of growth have occurred, though, during life’s challenges. In the middle of them, it felt awful. But when I got to the other side, I realized I was smarter and maybe a little more … Continue reading Life’s Lessons
Are You Excited? I’m Excited!
I get excited about a lot of things, but at the moment, I think I’m most excited about finishing the year (decade!) strong. I’ve never been much of a New Year’s resolution person, and as someone who is a lifelong learner and educator, I tend to equate September with fresh starts. This year, I was … Continue reading Are You Excited? I’m Excited!
Letter to Myself Five Years Ago
Dear 2014 Kristi, I’m writing to you from five years in the future, and there are some important things you need to know. The pain you’re in won’t last forever. The dark thoughts you’re having are understandable considering what he’s been doing, but I am here to tell you that you’re going to … Continue reading Letter to Myself Five Years Ago
50/50
Turning 50 was a quiet big deal for me. Quiet in that I didn’t celebrate in any elaborate way, and big in that it’s brought with it a half century of growth, realization, and humility. I recently read a list about 50 things a woman over 50 should have, and I thought I’d write my … Continue reading 50/50
Funk-Be-Gone
Every now and then, I get in a funk. It’s not quite a depression, but it’s a place where my motivation is lacking, my thoughts spiral down into old could’ves and should’ves, and I have some trouble focusing on what’s going right in my life. Generally, I’m an optimist, but we all have our moments … Continue reading Funk-Be-Gone
