by Kate | Aug 16, 2016 | Creativity, kind promises, Transformation
Here is a journaling exercise from Marshall Rosenberg’s book on nonviolent communication: Make a list of everything you “have to do.” (Example: “I have to wash the dishes.”) Review the list, replacing the words “have to” with the words “choose to.” Add the phrase...
by Kate | Aug 10, 2016 | kind promises
I was raised in a very reasonable household. We operated spectacularly from the neck up. We were smart and funny. Our household was all about learning and doing what made sense. Early on, I was identified as “the dramatic one.” It was later in life that I realized...
by Kate | Jul 19, 2016 | Chronic healing, chronic illness, Disability, kind promises, Transformation
“I can’t even watch the news,” she said. “It’s too upsetting. I have to protect myself.” The voice was one of a woman with chronic illness. She was concerned that the upset she felt at the state of the world might affect her health. I understand her concern. Those of...
by Kate | Jul 14, 2016 | Advocacy, kind promises
As I begin to write this, people have gathered in St. Paul, MN for the funeral of Philando Castile, who was shot last week. At a recent community conversation at my church, which is about a mile from where Castile was shot, we were invited to give one word that...
by Kate | May 25, 2016 | Chronic healing, chronic illness, Disability, kind promises, monsters, Vulnerability, Weakness
My friend Al, who has multiple sclerosis, went to his physician with some troublesome new symptoms. “Am I feeling this way because I’m aging or is it the MS?” he asked. “Yes,” replied the doctor. Lately, my disability due to MS has increased significantly. I need help...
by Kate | Apr 19, 2016 | connectedness, kind promises, Love
I thought to wax poetic today about neurobiological research showing that human connection is good for us. It turns out, no poetry is necessary. It’s quite simple: feeling positively connected with others decreases stress-inducing chemicals in our brains and increases...
