At least once or twice a year, without fail, I stumble upon the same sentiment. “It’s okay to do nice things – but once you post about them on social media it’s self serving,” and it doesn’t seem to disappear. I’ve heard it for years, and yet, I’m not immune: I always feel driven to respond. If this is something …
The Holiday Season That Changed Me Forever
I’ve been thinking a lot about the “Season of Giving.” I wanted to write a post inspiring others to give back this holiday season. Up until now, I found myself lost for words that would truly motivate others to get involved. So many people just don’t feel they have the time or resources to give. For many, getting through each …
Why Are These People Abandoning Their Art?
I stopped at Robbie’s in Islamorada when I was in The Florida Keys this past spring. I got to talking to a local woman about art. She asked if I painted, and I began to tell her about the non-profit I created, Kindleigh, which uses 100% of our profits to fund random acts of kindness. She asked me if I’d …
The Commencement Speech I Wish I’d Given…
Twenty years ago, I was given the honor to deliver a speech during my high school graduation. I was, and remain, tremendously honored to have given that address. At seventeen, though, I’m not sure how much actual wisdom I had to impart regarding my classmates’ journey ahead. The speech I delivered was firmly planted in the realm of “what great …
When We Paid Away Their Layaways Something Magical Happened
This holiday season has been more memorable than years past. As I’ve done for a number of years, I’ve been doing a Random Act of Kindness every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve shared these acts on social media in an effort to inspire others… This year though, I had an even bigger wish, and I asked a bunch of …
37 Things I’ve Learned As I Turn 37
With each passing year, I like to take to time to reflect on the lessons that I’ve learned. These are the things that I’ve learned about life as I turn 37…. 1. Take accountability for your mistakes. If you find yourself blaming others (for anything, really) look for your part and take ownership. You can only work on yourself. 2. …
Five Life Changing Thoughts
I’ll admit that I spent many years unhappy. I never felt fulfilled and often had stressful relationships. I worried a lot about things that I couldn’t control and I spent a lot of my time trying to please others. It felt like I was riding a mediocre merry-go-round through life. Around 2008, when I went through a particularly tough time, …