Weekends With My Sister: How Hiking Helped Us Grow Closer
There is a six-year age gap between my youngest sister and me. As children, we fought constantly, which perpetually baffled my mother. “You’re six years…
Why a Small “I Will” Is More Powerful Than a Flood of “I Wishes”
During fifth grade, our classroom became the temporary home to a traveling library of animals brought to us by a local college. To a child…
Why My Journalism Degree Is Useful (Even Though I’m Not a Journalist)
In college, I majored in photojournalism, a major that more than one person reminded me was a dying profession. I’m rather stubborn, though, so I…
3 Ways to Plan a Creative 4th of July Celebration
Coming from a family with a strong love of holiday traditions, I’m more than mildly surprised that our Fourth of Julys vary so much from…
Rethinking Conflict: How I Learned to Have More Honest Conversations
For most of my teens and early 20s, I had this idea that the best way to deal with discomfort or conflict was to pretend…
6 Thank You Cards to Write Before Graduation
In college, I was a stickler when it came to sending thank you cards. A jacket from an aunt, new socks from my folks, and,…
Why I Always Celebrate Friend-versaries
In September 2008, I rolled out of bed at the tender hour of 5:50 a.m. and started my first day of work making breakfast burritos…
How Creative Packing Made Trips More Interesting
My desire to become an efficient packer grew out of frugalness more than anything. As a childhood packrat, I never put much intention into packing.…
How I Accomplished More After Giving up New Year’s Resolutions
I’ve never felt drawn to traditional New Year’s resolutions. For me, the thought of creating a specific challenge that lasts 365 days felt a little…
How Alternative Gift-Giving Makes My Holiday Season Brighter
During my childhood, gifts were typically reserved for Christmas and birthdays. Whenever I spotted an advertisement for some fun new toy, I knew I had…
