In 2007, my life took an unexpected turn when my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Up until that point, she had been the epitome of health- living independently and enjoying her retirement. I, on the other hand, was a driven businesswoman, immersed in advising multinationals on marketing strategies (primarily in the Japanese…

This year’s Mother’s Day inspiration came to me in the form of a beautiful dream. It was the morning of April 20th. I had been sleeping blissfully without the pressure of having an alarm clock to wake me. My emotional state had been rather agitated – a manic cocktail of international jetlag mixed with near-overwhelm-with-work…

This month is special to me for many reasons – but mostly because it is the month in which both my Mom and my Dad passed away. This year is a really big one – it’s the 15-year anniversary of my Mom’s passing. She would be 91 if she had lived. Daddy (who passed away…

I recently read an article about how things that happen in our first 20 years can have an enduring impact on who we are. Reading this made me think back on our family’s story, and how that might have shaped my beliefs, values, and behavior. Another recent trigger was my cousin’s visit to the place…

About this time 14 years ago, I was planning on driving my mom into the mountains to view the turning leaves in the foothills of the Carolinas – a truly beautiful sight. It was less than one month before my mom died, and we both knew it would be her last autumn leaf viewing. As…

The women in my family have what I would call a “don’t stop ‘til you drop” mentality – there is very little that can stop us. But let’s face it. That’s a really dangerous way to operate. It’s a struggle for me to fit self-care in, and to tell the truth, I have to really…

My Dad – if he were still with us – would’ve been 91 this Father’s Day. But that was not to be. Instead, we lost him at the early age of 58. Daddy, like my mom, was a catalyzing force in my life. My memories of him continue to comfort me and to propel me…

My Mum – if she were still with us – would’ve been 89 this Mother’s Day. But that was not to be. Instead, we lost her at the early age of 76. She was a catalyzing force in my life, and my memories of her continue to propel me. Every Mother’s Day since I started…

Thinking about self-care this month, I’m reminded of how it takes quite a bit of effort to stay on track! I’ve been feeling neglectful on this front, and the prolonged pandemic has definitely taken its toll. I’m not as physically strong as before, and I think my flexibility is more limited as well. I certainly…