Category: grains of sand

The Future Is Uncertain

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The truth is, nobody knows the future. Life has a way of reminding us of this through unexpected twists and turns, cultivating surreal moments that catch us off guard.

But isn’t this exactly how we’d want it? Alan Watts once suggested that if we could dream any life we wanted, we’d start by fulfilling every desire and experiencing endless pleasure. Yet eventually, we’d crave surprise and risk. Finally, we’d choose the life we’re living now—filled with uncertainty and the thrill of the unknown.

Life is uncertain, and that’s its beauty. It invites us to appreciate each day as it comes, embracing what we don’t know with open hearts. So welcome every sunrise with gratitude and grace, and trust that the uncertainty of today holds the magic of possibility.

Magnetic Type Of Impression

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What’s the first impression you want to give people?

Hmm….how do I say this without sounding vain.

I want people that meet me to feel a type of magnetic pull. A positive one of course.

Like, have you ever met someone where you are just drawn to them instantly. It’s their energy. It undoubtedly is magnetic!

It’s uplifting, warm, fun, contagious. Like, you want to be their friend because they make you feel something! Or maybe they say something…….they make you ponder. I love people like that.

This is the kind of impression I would love to leave with people.

Truthfully I don’t know that I’m that energy, but this is a type of first impression I would want.

Do you guys know what I’m talking about?

You Have To Work Hard For The Things You Want

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This sounds like common sense, doesn’t it? We want things. We want so much. We want success, growth, purpose, and to make a difference. But many of us don’t want to put in the work. Or, we give up because we lack discipline and patience. The struggle is real, especially when we don’t see results right away.

Consistency is key. It’s vital to remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. Knowing your “why” provides the fuel and motivation to push through challenges. It anchors you when the process feels long or the results seem far off. The truth is, the struggles can be hard and discouraging. But remember: hard work produces great fruit.

The greatest things in life are worked for, not handed to us. When we invest our time, energy, and dedication, we cultivate something truly meaningful—something we can fully appreciate because we’ve earned it. So, whatever it is you’re working toward, don’t give up. Stay the course. The effort is not just about achieving the end goal; it’s about becoming the person who can rise to the challenge, again and again.

Family, Friends, Community

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If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

If I decided to move just for scenic views I feel eventually I’d become very lonely.

I’ve moved around numerous times, and most of my moves were not my choice.

When I was younger my mother was married to a man in the military. I went to 4 schools in the 4th grade. I even had to move my senior year of high school!

I craved a home. I craved stability.

Where I live now I’ve been here for almost 20 years! That’s so wild to me.

Not in the same exact home but same area you could say.

I especially love where I live now. On some land, in the suburbs with my beautiful family.

But what’s most important is the not scenery. It’s family, friends, and community. One hundred percent.

Would it be amazing to live near the ocean or on the river or by a lake…. YES! Absolutely!

But what’s good with that scenario if you don’t have anyone close to share it with.

If you’ve got family near you, great friendships, and an amazing community then I believe where you live may be someplace you actually want to be.

And if none of that is near you, then go back to that. Go back.

A Lesson From Eating Donuts

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For a while, Fridays were “grocery pick-up days” in our family. And just before we’d pick up the groceries, I’d stop at a nearby donut shop and let each of my three daughters choose a donut. Usually, I’d get just enough for them, but on this “donut lesson day,” I decided to treat myself to one as well—and even got an extra for my husband.

On the drive home, my oldest finished her donut and immediately wanted more, glancing at mine hopefully. Another daughter, who had picked a new flavor, was grumbling because she didn’t like it and regretted her choice. So there we were: one daughter, longing for more, and another, frustrated with what she’d chosen.

And as I listened to them, I thought, How similar we are to children sometimes. How often do we ask for more, not even thinking about those who don’t have the luxury of choice? Or get exactly what we wanted, only to find out it’s not what we hoped? It’s like a mirror of life, where we’re constantly balancing gratitude and expectation, fulfillment and frustration. I realized teaching my children to appreciate what they have is challenging, especially when they’re so young and everything is new and full of possibility. Yet, in that moment, I saw myself in them. How many times have I behaved the same way?

And yes, I did end up sharing my donut with my daughter—because I love her. Just as we have a Creator who continues to provide for us, even when we forget to be grateful.

So maybe the donut lesson is this: life gives us chances to learn, to appreciate, and to recognize that sometimes we already have enough. Perhaps, next time we’re tempted to reach for “more,” we can pause and savor what’s already in our hands.

The Heart Of The Buddha

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“The Buddha offered this wonderful image. If you take a handful of salt and pour it into a small bowl of water, the water in the bowl will be too salty to drink. But if you pour the same amount of salt into a large river, people will still be able to drink the river’s water…….because of its immensity, the river has the capacity to receive and transform. The river doesn’t suffer at all because of a handful of salt. If your heart is small, one unjust word or act will make you suffer. But if your heart is large, if you have understanding and compassion, that word or deed will not have the power to make you suffer.” – The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by @thichnhathanhsangha

This teaching reminds us that expanding our hearts, like widening a river, can help us navigate life with greater resilience. When our hearts are small, we feel every slight, and even small challenges can overwhelm us. But as we grow in compassion and understanding, we become capable of holding much more—our hearts become like that vast river. Life will always add “salt” in the form of difficulties or unkind words, but with a heart that’s expansive and compassionate, we can absorb these moments without letting them take away our peace. So let’s strive to cultivate a heart as open and vast as a river, one that can receive, transform, and keep flowing, no matter what comes its way.

A Lesson From A Tree

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We have this tree in our front yard. Originally, it was full of branches, lush with leaves, and provided such beautiful shade. Like all trees, it has its seasons, but we especially loved it in full bloom. It attracted so many birds and added so much life to our yard.

One day, we noticed a crack forming down the middle of the tree. We knew that, in time, it would eventually split. And sure enough, after some time, it did. The tree split all the way through, and my husband carefully cleaned up the fallen half. When I went outside and looked at what was left, I felt a pang of sadness. The tree wasn’t the same—it had lost a big part of itself that day, leaving our yard a bit bare. And yet, the tree remained standing.

I mourned what the tree had lost, but I also took a moment to celebrate all the beauty and shade it had provided over the years.

As much as we’d like to prevent these “splits” from happening, we unfortunately can’t. This is life, and it comes with aches and pains. But if a tree can remain standing after a huge loss and still continue to grow, withstanding both sunshine and storms, then it’s possible that we can, too. Remember—the tree is still standing.

We are like this tree. When we lose a part of ourselves, it’s natural to mourn. But it’s also an opportunity to celebrate—to honor the strength it took to remain standing and to hold hope for new growth. The parts we’ve lost have served us well. They’ve contributed to our growth and shaped who we are, and that’s something to remember with gratitude.

Give Grace To Others

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We could all use a little grace in our lives. None of us are perfect—we’re human, flawed, and always learning. And it’s important to remember that everyone around us is, too. Maybe someone cut you off on the road, didn’t text you back, broke a promise, lied, or your kids aren’t listening. The list goes on. How can we expect grace from others if we’re not willing to offer it ourselves? If you feel upset, consider giving a free pass when you can. Just a bit of grace.

This doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Sometimes it’s challenging to extend grace, especially when we feel hurt. But more often than not, people don’t set out to hurt or upset us. The truth is, we take things personally because we think actions are directed at us, when, in reality, we’re all just working through our own experiences and struggles. Instead of internalizing it, try to meet these moments with compassion. Understand that everyone is going through something, and that understanding can change everything.

Think about the relationships in your life or the encounters you have today—who could you extend a little grace to? Often, that one act of grace can create more peace in our lives than we ever expect.

Every Moment Is An Opportunity

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A few years ago, our family traveled to the pines for a weekend getaway on Father’s Day with some great friends. As we drove, I saw a sign that read, “Every moment is an opportunity.” Those words resonated with me deeply and sparked some reflection. I started thinking about how much potential lies in the small moments we often overlook. How many of those little opportunities could we take advantage of each day? A moment is just a brief period of time, but we are always in one—whether it’s a big moment, a small moment, or something in between. And all of them are opportunities for growth, reflection, or connection.

Life itself is a moment, a fleeting gift. None of us will live on earth forever, and knowing that can inspire us to be fully present, to make the most of the time we have, and to view each moment as a chance to be a little kinder, a little braver, or a little more grateful.

So today, think of every moment as a door waiting to be opened. Step into each one with intention, and allow the magic of that opportunity to shape you in new and beautiful ways.

A Good Cry Never Hurt Anyone

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Being a mother, you cry a lot. Or at least, this mother does. But you don’t have to be a parent to connect with this post—we all have those days when we’re trying our best, pushing through the challenges, reaching our breaking points, letting out a cry, dusting ourselves off, and then starting again. Life can be exhausting, and sometimes it feels like there’s no end to the cycle.

I want everyone to know that it’s OKAY to cry. Anyone who’s feeling burnt out, hurt, or frustrated…sometimes, you just need a good cry to release everything you’ve been holding inside. Each of us carries an invisible weight, and when that weight goes unrecognized, it can feel overwhelming. We all go through so much, and sometimes it feels like no one truly sees it.

Well, I SEE YOU. I know that you reading this do so much, or maybe you’ve been through a lot. I may not know all the details, but if you’re human, I know you’ve had your share of struggles. And I notice it. I want you to know that even if it feels hard, even if no one seems to understand, you’re showing up every day, and that’s incredible.

So let yourself cry if you need to—it’s a release, a reset. You’re not alone with the weight on your shoulders or the silent struggles. You’re a rockstar, and you’re stronger than you realize. Believe me.

And remember, those tears you shed are a part of the journey, softening and strengthening you all at once. They’re a sign of the love, effort, and resilience that you pour into life each day. So, let yourself feel, let yourself release, and trust that, each time you do, you’re creating space for even more strength and courage to rise within you.