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A stranger’s bold move in a Paris cathedral
A friend told me a story recently that stuck with me. Would I make the same bold move a stranger did for my friend, for someone I had never met and would likely never see again? Would you? Hear the story and judge for yourself.…
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How simple social connections can energize your winter
We made it. The first full week of the new year. Begrudgingly or not, we crawled out of our blankets and PJs and got back out in the world. Count that as a win! Even if your holidays were joyful, the overstimulation and overindulgence –…
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What hundreds of thousands of people hope for in 2026
On New Year’s Eve, the hopes and dreams of hundreds of thousands of people rained down on revelers in New York City’s Times Square. “In 2026, I hope to be on track to commission as an Army officer.” “We wish to become parents.” “I’m wishing…
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How to find – and hold on to – that Silent Night peace
One of my favorite Christmas traditions holds meaning that goes beyond a single holiday, resonating with anyone – whether you celebrate Christmas, another tradition, or are simply grateful to make it through the year. Every Christmas Eve, my family heads to our local church. Outside,…
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The night the lights came on in Georgia
About a month ago, something extraordinary happened in Georgia. Brilliant shades of pink, green and yellow flashed brightly across the sky. The aurora borealis, a spectacle usually reserved for the far north, paid an unexpected visit to the South. The brief wonder of the Northern…
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Unwrapping the Secret to the “Perfect” Gift
With the holiday season in full swing, the excitement we should be feeling is increasingly overshadowed by pressure to buy the perfect gifts. The frenzy begins weeks before Black Friday, with sales pitches drawing us in, each claiming to offer the best gadgets or the…
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Wishing you joy so profound you (almost) shoplift
A certain 20-something I know nearly lost her mind in Trader Joe’s on Monday. Since finishing college a few years ago, she’s worked hard to support herself while exploring career options. Recently, she chose a path and applied to grad schools. As she stood in…
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Gratitude is an action
The last few minutes before we start playing music can feel a bit chaotic. People chat as they get their coffee and take their seats. Parents try to corral their kids who are running around with friends. Band members get into position, tune instruments and…
