Purpose

As we drove away down a windy road in a musty, hot van, I watched out the back window as young children began running after us over a dirt road covered in glass, garbage, and rocks. They seemed numb to the pain as they ran barefoot over rough conditions, still so full of joy and laughter. Even though we were beginning our long journey back to the United States, it was as if this moment in time was in slow motion, allowing our hearts to feel and experience things like never before. The things that we experienced; the sights, smells, and sounds of children and adults fighting for their lives will forever be ingrained in our minds. I remember coming home and

What defines a strong woman? Can I become strong? How do I find my purpose? Do I have to know my purpose? These questions can become increasingly difficult to answer as the water becomes muddier in today’s society. As a place for strong women and those who want to be, we know you have everything it takes to face each day with strength, grit, and grace. And as for your purpose… well, that’s personal, deep, and ever-changing. Just know that you are not defined by one box, one title, or one role in your life. You are defined by your heart and character. Living each day of this #gritandgracelife means facing them head-on and being confident in who you are. These articles

Back when I was newly widowed, I emailed a farewell letter to the community I served in my position at the cancer center. A friend wrote back, pleased that I was able to take an early retirement: “Define your purpose; live your reason.” These words were his mantra as his young daughter was dying of cancer. I had a clear idea of my purpose for the next season of life: I wanted to write. I wanted to speak hope and courage to other people through my writing. And so I listened to podcasts, signed up for an online course, redesigned my website, and drafted a list of goals and action steps. In his study on strategies for achieving goals, Dominican University’s psychology professor,

It seems like everywhere we turn the news is bad. We can’t turn on the TV, scroll through the internet, or meander through the casual, water-cooler conversation without some dire news striking us in the heart. People are hurting out there. It’s plain to see. Divided politics, anger, bitterness—it can sometimes seem like these are the currency of modern culture. Quieter, though, are the good things happening. Under the radar and around the world, people are doing spectacular things to help others, to share the good. To reach the underprivileged and share love where love is so sorely lacking. These are the things we need to focus on and to seek out actively if we are to cling to hope and faith

I need to tell myself to get “back in the swing of things” about every two and a half months. I begin by being on target for what I need to do, goals created, focus established, all tools gathered, and I head off. Then, for some reason, I find myself off the rails… looking around, trying to figure out what I need to do, and how I got off track. When I get to this point, I know it’s time to gather the same “Here’s what I need to do” tasks that—when I do them (truth is, I don’t always)—work every time. Here’s what they are: 1. I stop and I shut down. Whether it’s a very long walk in the woods, a movie marathon day,

“You can make today great or not—the choice is yours!” With a quick wink and point at the camera, our beloved elementary school P.E. teacher slides out of the shot. The camera then pans over to the fifth-grade anchors to cap off the morning news broadcast. This whole segment lasts about five seconds, but the truth of the statement is lifelong. We alone possess the power to determine not only our attitude for the day, but how we handle the situations we come across in life. We can’t escape the uncomfortable circumstances, the sad occasions, the hardships, the loss, the stress, and anxiety. As much as we don’t like to admit it, these qualities are hallmarks of life. They must be acknowledged,