In the swirl of prepping syllabi and other things to get ready for the semester, I am feeling exhausted and scattered. Trying to remember that I don’t have to do everything (or even anything) perfectly. This piece from the Harvard Business Review was very helpful, which I found surprising because I don’t think of theContinue reading “Being kinder to yourself: Strategies for self-compassionate talk.”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Blank space
We listen to a lot of Taylor Swift in my house, as I am the parent of three “Swifties”. Some of the lyrics get into my head whether I want them to or not (though I am a moderate Swiftie myself). “Blank Space” is one of those songs I like even though I am sureContinue reading “Blank space”
Loaves and Fishes
A few weeks ago, on a sunny day, I put my students in pairs and told them to go for a 15 minute walk and check in on each other, and to specifically ask “What are the words you need to hear right now?” When they got back from their (much appreciated) walks, I askedContinue reading “Loaves and Fishes”
“A writer’s heart is always breaking…It is through that broken window that we see the world” (Alice Walker)
One of my laments in life these days is that I don’t have time to read as much as I would like to do. I know a number of people who feel the same way. On the eve of the beginning of Black History month, I wanted to share 5 of my favorite authors, voicesContinue reading ““A writer’s heart is always breaking…It is through that broken window that we see the world” (Alice Walker)”
Surface Pressure
Pressure like a drip, drip, drip, drip that will never stop. Woah. This line is just one of many apt descriptors in Luisa’s song (“Surface Pressure”) in Encanto, and it is what I am feeling these days. January has felt like it has had 74 days in it, minimum, and we still have the restContinue reading “Surface Pressure”
“Don’t you get weary” (Dr. Bernice King)
Just finished watching Dr. Bernice King this morning at the Beloved Community Commemorative Service. Talk about speaking truth to power! It is still streaming live now, and I am sure recordings will be available later on their YouTube channel:
From “eh” to “ah” (and “aww” and awe)
I had limited time in the fall semester to write. I feel like I made it through the fall semester with the skin of my teeth, whatever that means. I had no desire to write over our very short break (winter graduation on Dec 17, classes began Jan 5) and then the semester started virtuallyContinue reading “From “eh” to “ah” (and “aww” and awe)”
“This joy that I have”
About a year ago I heard the Resistance Revival Chorus “This Joy”. I listened it to it multiple times a day for probably months in a row. It got me through a lot of the pandemic. I still listen to it regularly. If you have never heard this version (or have never heard the songContinue reading ““This joy that I have””
Healing
Today has been pretty gloomy and it is only 9:20. Drove my daughter to school in the chilly rain on a few hours sleep. It is a busy season at work and home. Even amidst the temporary gloom, reflecting on a bright spot from last week, as well as an a-ha moment, I was remindedContinue reading “Healing”
Confronted with the “fierce urgency of now”
I had conversations with two people today that were reminders that the world is full of hate and loss. I also had the chance to go to a celebration of life for someone who was 95 when he died, and who leaves a legacy of love and faith and steadfastness. There is something about someone’sContinue reading “Confronted with the “fierce urgency of now””
Teaching (toward) Beloved 