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
growth
Facing Reality
I'm typically an optimist. I believe in the goodness of people, and I try to be a good person myself. I like to believe that I have strong morals and values, and when I screw up, I apologize and change my behavior to the best of my ability. I believe that love is stronger than … Continue reading Facing Reality
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
Does Worry Ever Help?
My Tennessee grandmother had a ceramic porch decoration that said "Never Hurry, Never Worry" on it. It hangs in my home now as a reminder, mainly because I'm probably one of the biggest worriers on the planet and need the encouragement. I worry about my kids, I worry about employment for myself, I worry about … Continue reading Does Worry Ever Help?
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
Coming Out of Hiding
It's July 1, and I realized I had absolutely nothing to write in June. I was busy being quiet, watching, learning, absorbing, grieving, and trying to make sense of everything that's going on in the world. When I feel confused and scared, I don't have a lot to write about. I fear pissing people off. … Continue reading Coming Out of Hiding
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
