Welcome to life in Texas! When I moved to Texas to student teach in the late nineties, I was surprised at the cultural differences I did not anticipate. Coming from Illinois, I was used to life that was undergirded by grit, a strong work ethic, and resourcefulness. Among the alarm at seeing cars on car…… Continue reading Why Shutting Down is Sometimes Necessary
Trapped between the easy way out and the proper way through, I stood looking at the tree. Trouble was brewing last season when one section of lights on our pre-lit tree refused to glow. It was easy to call an audible and add a string of lights because the problem was not detected until the…… Continue reading Burned out, Deconstructing, and Good Investments
Sometimes the only way to sort out and soothe my soul is to write. Today, as I write, Chris Stapleton’s song, “What Are You Listening To,” fills the space, and I cannot help but laugh at the irony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_pPsmPFT4E Some of the things I have tuned my ear to listen to have caused so much…… Continue reading Soothed by Books and Mirrors
Sowkind Growth Workshops The Sowkind Nonprofit [a passion of my heart] offers Growth Workshops as a way of acknowledging that kindness is both an internal and external expression. Growth Workshop participants are invited to turn kindness inward through reflection, evaluation, and healing as a means of extending kindness outwardly. Mindsets and faith are the bedrock…… Continue reading Sowkind Growth Workshop Registration
The experiences in our lives–both good and bad–serve as mile markers along our journey–they are not THE destination, but they point us toward our destination. Our successes and abilities are not the sum of our hope, identity, or purpose. If we make any of these mile marker experiences our final destination, our identity is negotiated.…… Continue reading The Impact of Perspective
Most of my life, I have struggled with worthiness. I have lived with a silent fear of missing out and not measuring up. From this fractured, false foundation, I attempted to earn my way into the heart of others and God.Just saying that sounds absurd, but when I look at my behaviors and decisions over…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday: Worthiness and Faith
I reached in attempting to remove the bundle of lint gathered in the tight crevice below the lint screen holder. Although this wasn’t on my agenda, I just couldn’t turn a blind eye and walk away. The dryer’s lint screen was designed to be cleaned between loads of laundry, but even if you follow that…… Continue reading Lint Screen Lesson and Choosing Healing
It’s almost time! Eleven days. Eleven days. ELEVEN DAYS. Do you love a good old-fashioned countdown? I vacillate between loving it and feeling like the days are dragging on. In the case of releasing Broken Vessels into the world, it feels like the days are flying by, and I am not entirely sure I am…… Continue reading Broken Vessels Book Launch
Moab was everything we didn’t know to expect. We stood amazed at Arches and Canyonlands, found the most delicious eateries that catered to our many food allergies, and enjoyed several rainbow sightings and surrounding scenery. It always strikes me as odd that we love rainbows, but often begrudge the rain. I imagine it is because…… Continue reading Unexpected Detours
Book Release Coming Soon! Yes, you read that right. I have been working tirelessly to finish this manuscript, and the finish line is within sight. I am excited to share it with you! The labor pains accompanying this project are real. Between sitting in this spot for hours on end with hands hovering over the…… Continue reading Psst–I Have a SECRET to Share!
Alyssa DeLosSantos 