The holidays can be a very challenging time. You may have concerns about weight gain, family members, work, money, and all kinds of other things. The good news is that, even with all these concerns, you can keep your mental health strong and vibrant during the holidays. You can have great joy during the busiest of times with some positive choices...

Why wait until Thanksgiving to express your gratitude? You have the luxury of living your joyous life every single day of the year (even during pandemics!). So make it a point to recognize your blessings and remind yourself that showing gratitude for all you already have only does more to attract further blessings into your life.

While some families may look perfect from the outside, the truth is that perfection is hardly ever the case. Whether you rarely encounter challenges with family members or suffer daily as personalities collide...

The memories of the 4th of July that spark and pop deep in my brain are those of concussively loud explosions, blinding bright lights, the sound of trickling sparkled trails, watermelons & lemonade, hotdogs, the scalding dry heat, grass fires & water hoses, sparklers spelling out names in the dark, visitors, and laughter; with Lee Greenwood or Bruce Springsteen playing as the background theme song in my head. An outright smorgasbord sensory stimuli and emotional affects. As some might say… 'Merica!

As a small child, I remember sitting on my paternal grandfather's lap, his purpled and hazed eagle tattoo on his arm, signifying his time deployed. I remember the mix of curiosity, mystery, and awe I had towards my grandfather. Neither of my grandfathers spoke much about their time in the service.

The gentle flutter of the breeze, the only lingering sound where once raucous laughter reigned supreme. The warmth of the sun, the only remaining heat where once the rush of busyness furrowed brows…