As someone who has children with two Irish grandparents and two Croatian grandparents, I understand the opportunity that immigration affords. And as the daughter of two people who emigrated from Ireland, I am very thankful for the country that welcomed my parents with open arms. I grew up hearing stories about the Irish famine and all the poor, destitute, hungry people who travelled across the ocean on boats to a new land. Not knowing what to expect. But finding an open door upon arrival. Continue reading
Month: January 2017 (Page 1 of 2)
What are the stories in your head about what you are capable of? Maybe your parents told you that you’d never get a real job in the arts. Or a friend might have said that you weren’t very smart. Maybe a boyfriend from years ago told you that your legs weren’t long enough. Or you might have learned from your upbringing that there is never enough money to go around. Continue reading
We each have a definition in our minds of what is normal. And if we don’t fit that description, we judge ourselves. But there are so many normals. Each person is different. And when it comes to mental health, we are all on a spectrum. We are one tragedy or trauma away from a breakdown.
But there is still so much stigma attached to mental illness. As American non-fiction writer and mental health advocate Andy Behrman once said, “The guilt I felt for having a mental illness was horrible. I prayed for a broken bone that would heal in six weeks. But that never happened. I was cursed with an illness that nobody could see and nobody knew much about.” Continue reading
This past weekend, Women’s Marches were organized in cities across the world. Boston, Chicago, Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, Paris, London and so many more. It was the U.S. President’s first full day in office. Each person had their own reason for marching, and no one had any idea how many people would join in. There ended up being about 600 marches worldwide and millions of people showed up with signs and passion and peace. No one was arrested. No violence erupted. Some say it was the largest day of demonstrations in American history. Talk about bringing the people together. Continue reading
Today is Inauguration Day for the 45th President of the United States. It’s the day the torch is passed to the next leader. A fellow human being will take an oath to protect a global superpower. It is an awe-inspiring undertaking.
No matter what you think of the next president, or whether he is the candidate you would have chosen, he starts his job today. Continue reading
I just saw a quote that gave me shivers. Rainer Maria Rilke said, “Let everything happen to you. Beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
No feeling is final. Continue reading
When I watched the Golden Globes and saw that La La Land won every category it was nominated in, it peaked my interest. I went to see it this past weekend and I loved it. The cinematography. The acting. But most important for me was the message. Never give up on your dream. Continue reading
In life, many of our movements are transactions. We do something to get something. We go to work to make money. We go to the gym to stay in shape. We eat food to fuel our body. We may interact with a co-worker who isn’t our favourite because they can help us move forward on our journey. Continue reading
Last night, after leading the United States for eight years, President Barack Obama said his farewell. Classy until the end, he reminded everyone that the peaceful transfer of power from one leader to the next is a cornerstone of democracy.
And he thanked the people. He said, “Whether we’ve seen eye to eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people — in living rooms and schools; at farms and on factory floors; at diners and at distant outposts — those conversations are what have kept me honest, kept me inspired, and kept me going. Every day, I learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.” Continue reading
Sophie’s Choice. Silkwood. Kramer vs. Kramer. Doubt. Bridges of Madison County. Julie & Julia. Into the Woods. The Deer Hunter. Out of Africa.
The list goes on and on. Movies that stick in our brain and star the gifted actor Meryl Streep.
She disappears into each character and brings us along for an unforgettable ride that makes us laugh, cry, smile, and think. She changes us one scene at a time.
Last night at the Golden Globes she accepted the Cecil B. Demille Lifetime Achievement Award.
And she did a lot more than thank those who helped her on her journey.
She made a statement. Continue reading