Essence Blog

We’ve been trying to sell my parents’ condo since it went on the market last September. The sale was necessary so my parents could move into an independent apartment in a senior living community, one that offers memory care for my dad when the time comes. It took so much longer than we imagined, and there were times when I feared we wouldn't.

Last week was a finish line. My parents were packed up, moved, and unpacked. The condo finally sold. And we got an offer on the condo within a day of the ...

For the past two Thursdays, I have tried to write an email to you about what I was feeling and thinking about the world right now. I couldn’t get the words right.

It’s ok. They will come.

But what I do know is that focusing on keeping ourselves cared for and grounded 🌿—and then extending that care into our communities, both local and online—is more important than ever. One of the ways I personally stay grounded is through reflection and ritual, which brings me to this special Friday email.

As...

Bonjour  

Last Thursday, I asked you what you most wanted to hear about regarding my trip to Paris. 

There are many stories and lessons from our trip, but I’ll distill them down to 10 short takeaways. 

• A croissant tastes so much better in Paris. I’m still dreaming about the eclairs. 
• Getting too comfortable made my world small. Getting uncomfortable is how we find adventure and new things to fall in love with. 
• You can express your unpleasant emotions and opinions without carrying that ...

Since I was a little girl, I’ve been afraid  of looking stupid.  

It started in 3rd grade with the popular math game “Around the World.” Processing math quickly when put on the spot sent me into a panic. I made a huge math error, and the entire class laughed and called me stupid.  It was a day no one would remember in that class except me and my nervous system.  

And while it’s the first time I can remember feeling that way, it certainly wasn’t the last. Especially when you consider I was an a...