Category: Authenticity

  • The world was wrong about Naomi Osaka

    When her dreams of winning a fifth Grand Slam tennis tournament were dashed after her loss to Amanda Anisimova in the 2025 U.S. Open semifinals last week, Naomi Osaka just smiled. “I don’t feel sad…I just feel like I did the best that I could.” This more relaxed version of Osaka has been years in…

  • Not so different

    News and social media like to highlight our differences. Controversy draws viewers. Viewers drive up ratings. Higher ratings and more views mean more money. And sometimes we buy into it without even realizing it. People who don’t look, talk, or act like us – especially if they’re not from our country – get lumped together…

  • The question I never ask a recent grad (and what to ask instead)

    It’s that time of year again. Graduates everywhere are celebrating their achievements. Post-ceremony dinners, pool and grad parties, beach time, travel far and wide. Much time and effort went into getting that diploma, so live it up! Graduates inevitably hear one question more than any other from their friends and family: “So…what do you want…

  • When It’s Right to be Un-Just

    Becoming a mom was a huge adjustment for me. I adored my babies, but the change was hard. At first, I marveled that the hospital let us walk out with this precious creature, like I’d won a prize that I couldn’t possibly handle. Surely, I should be better trained before taking him home? I’d been…

  • The Survivor moment we should all be talking about

    I started watching Survivor three seasons ago on a whim. Some friends I don’t see often asked me to join their online fantasy Survivor pool. I figured it’d be a fun way to connect. But I’ll be honest – I had low expectations. I first watched the veteran reality show in the early days when…

  • How Musical Harmony Can Bridge Our Divide

    I love to sing, especially harmonies. In a large choir or a small group, the harmonies provide depth that even the loveliest melody can’t produce on its own. Imagine a song that begins with a simple intro by piano and guitar. After a few beats, the lead vocalist starts the first verse with the lone…

  • Telling Our Stories

    This week, thousands of people gathered for the 29th year at Weber State University in Ogden, UT – to hear stories. Yes, you read that right. They could’ve stayed home and read a book, but instead, they were drawn to hear students and professional speakers telling their stories during the three-day festival. For the “tellers,”…

  • My Least Favorite Four-Letter Word

    When the waiter first approached the table, I greeted him with a smile and a quick “Hi, how are you?” I expected him to come back with the usual “fine.” But after a split-second pause, his response was more insightful: “Crazy busy tonight but keeping up, thanks so much for asking.” His whole vibe exuded…

  • Where’s the mute button?

    Since the election last week, reports abound of racist texts sent to black Americans – including children – telling recipients they’d been “selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation” and to “prepare to be searched” on the plantation after being picked up in a van by slave catchers. Equally disturbing is the surge in…

  • Is the nature versus nurture debate finally over?

    I’m an identical twin. People have always naturally compared my sister and me. We accept that we’re a novelty. Yet it’s an interesting phenomenon as an independent adult to be considered (at least initially) as half of a whole. We look so much alike that we confuse people. We both love to sing. Sometimes we…