On Resilience

In Light of Brittany Maynard’s Death, Go Where You Need To Go

For weeks now the world has followed Brittany Maynard’s story of life and death. Regardless of where you stand on the issue of right-to-die, there is much to be learned from this young woman’s passion for living. By facing her own imminent mortality, Brittany Maynard gave herself and her family the gift of living.

Write The Story You Want to Live

As silly as it sounds, there was a time in my life when my shadow became a kind of guardian angel, a surprising friend in what can sometimes be the loneliest of places: New York City.

Both Sides Now

Many readers know that my book Both Sides Now: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Bold Living, was published earlier this year. Still…other readers of Vivid Living might only be learning this now because proud as I am of the accomplishment, I have not yet dedicated a single blog post to the book itself. Which begs the question why?

They’re Teens!

Holy smokes, the twins are 13. The milestone birthday has them crossing the divide into teendon. MAJOR GULP.

Yes, it really does feel as though we’re entering a new era. They won’t suddenly sprout underarm hair or stubble – no, no, the transition to adolescence, or rather pubescence, will likely be more subtle. Still, the signs are everywhere.

WHAT I KNOW AT 48

An old friend called this morning to wish me a happy birthday. “How do you feel at 48?” she wanted to know.

A Life Coach Rekindles His Faith

I was moved to share this post by Gary Hawk, who, along with his wife Cathy, founded Clarity International. Their company offers business and life coaching that fosters clarity of vision, energy and focus. Cathy and Gary make a powerful duo…which is why Gary’s blog post for Clarity caught my eye. Even life coaches feel vulnerable at times.

His Name is Levi

It’s been one week since we welcomed the newest addition to our family — Levi Saunders. He’s a squirmy, six-pound Havanese puppy who has a face that can melt even the hardest of stares. Not that anyone’s face is hard here. We’re all gushing with love and tenderness, even amid the new responsibilities and schedule.

Keep Going. We Believe In You.

In fall 2003 I bought my husband Brett a card with the following passage from Oliver Wendell Holmes on the cover: “I find that the great thing in this world is not so much where we Stand, as in what direction we are Moving.” There was no particular occasion for the card – no birthday or anniversary – but with Brett’s health and spirits plummeting, his life and our entire future at stake, the card was intended to be a note of encouragement. Keep Going. We believe in you. Our toddler twins and I gave him the card along with a cinnamon roll.