This week was a whirlwind of emotional and personal overload. There were moments when I felt so overwhelmed that I questioned whether I truly belonged here—or if there was a parallel universe where I might feel more at ease. In those moments, I felt deeply grateful for the coping skills I’ve cultivated over the years. They became my anchor, helping me navigate the storm and find my footing again. As I reflected on these feelings of displacement, I was reminded of the importan

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about community. Now feels like the perfect time to establish—or reestablish—connections with others. There’s something profoundly energizing about being in the presence of like-minded souls, sharing ideas, laughter, and even silence. Science tells us that when we connect with others, our bodies release oxytocin, often referred to as the “bonding hormone.” This chemical response makes us feel good and strengthens our sense of belonging and

This week felt good. Resilience was my anchor, my go-to. I reminded myself that resilience begins with my thoughts—how I choose to frame challenges, setbacks, and even the mundane moments of life. It’s a practice, one that requires intention and awareness. But this week, I found inspiration in an unexpected place: my six-year-old granddaughter. As I watched her work through her math problems, I was struck by her focus and delight. She approached each problem with a sense of c

All about perspective This Sunday feels particularly challenging. The weather is dark, the cold is biting, and the weight of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) feels heavier than ever. I’ve navigated the winter months for years with a toolkit of coping mechanisms, but this season feels different—more persistent, more relentless. It’s as if even my usual strategies are struggling to keep up. In moments like these, I’m reminded that adaptation is sometimes necessary for survival

Smile for no reason As the weeks roll on, it’s hard to ignore the mounting stress that seems to permeate the air. The world feels increasingly chaotic, and the weight of it all can feel overwhelming. In times like these, the question arises: How can we not only survive but also thrive amidst the derision and chaos? The answer, perhaps, lies in focusing on what we can control—ourselves and our thoughts. It’s easy to feel powerless when external circumstances spiral out of han

take a deep breath February, the shortest month of the year, is often brimming with celebrations and love. Yet, as we step into this month in 2025, it feels like the year has already ushered in a whirlwind of change. Change, as we know, is inevitable, but it doesn’t always come with a welcome mat. It can be unsettling, challenging, and even overwhelming. But as Florence Scovel Shinn, a renowned spiritual teacher, once wrote, “There is a Divine Design for each man” (Shinn, 192

How to Transform Chaos into Clarity: A Guide to Cultivating Introspection and Gratitude in 2025. In our fast-paced world, distractions and noise are everywhere, pulling at our focus and making it hard to find peace. As we enter the fourth Sunday of 2025, now is the perfect time to reflect, look inward, and embrace the powerful forces of introspection and gratitude. This weekend serves as a reminder that despite the chaos around us, we have the power to cultivate a sense of

second: emotional intelligence As we find ourselves already 12 days into the new year, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the...

first: authenticity This post marks the beginning of a meaningful journey—52 Sundays filled with thoughtful reflections, affirmations, and insights designed to inspire emotional intelligence and fulfillment throughout the year. I hope these weekly musings will serve as a beacon of encouragement, grounding each of us as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. Feel free to comment and share your thoughts; let’s make this a space for collective growth. If you think s

Fall is upon us, a time of vibrant colors, crisp air, and the inevitable transition toward winter's dormancy. It's a season of reflection.

In the competitive world of grant funding, it's not just organizations that get funded—it's their programs. A well-presented, impactful...

In the grant world, a well-crafted business plan isn't just a valuable asset – it's often a necessity. It serves as the backbone of your...

Navigating the grant world can feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. Just when you think you've mastered RFPs, you encounter another...

RFPs, or Requests for Proposals, are the crucial first step in securing funding for your programs. They are essentially the blueprints...

All Things Grants!!!!

We hear the term "grant" thrown around a lot, especially in conversations about nonprofits, community projects, and even individual aspirations. But let's be honest, how many of us truly understand what a grant is and how it works?  Let's break it down and get comfortable with this often misunderstood concept. What is a Grant? At its core, a grant is money given to you by a funder (think government agency, foundation, or even a corporation) for a specific purpose. It's essent