I am terrified I won't feel passion for any life decision again. I spent 28 years of my life preparing to house and birth a child. I chose my college major and my profession around my desire to be a mother. When dating I looked for someone who would not only be a great life … Continue reading Passion + espresso
Author: Elizabeth
Books have souls
I had convinced myself that I really loved reading. That I was a voracious bookworm, just itching at every chance to read whatever book had a sad-looking folded up bookmark in the pages. I convinced myself that dog-earing a page in a book was a travesty, and that turning the page not from the bottom … Continue reading Books have souls
Sitting in silence
I always wondered why when I went to my grandparents' or great-grandparents' houses, it was quiet. It was quiet except for the hourly tone of the clock. It was quiet except for the shuffle of a newspaper or drip-drip-drip of the coffee pot. It was unnerving, really, and kind of annoying. Now, knowing that I … Continue reading Sitting in silence
The Mean Girl in the Mirror
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You're too tall. You'd better feign an interest in sports so people think you're living up to your height. You're too skinny and too tall. Your handwriting sucks. Erase and write your name again. And again. Be careful about showing too much of the silhouette of your body. Men will make noises at you when … Continue reading The Mean Girl in the Mirror
A lighted match
Anytime I think I don't need to go so frequently to the therapist, I'm proven wrong. Every. Single. Time. Sometimes I internally measure my need for therapy by how long it takes me to start crying in a session. I get a cup of tea from the Keurig that's provided in the practice I go … Continue reading A lighted match
Honesty is the best policy, with yourself
It's two weeks into the new year but I think I'm finally coming up with a solid resolution. Sure, getting up 15 minutes earlier on work days is great, but I thought of something that will help every minute of every day become better. This year I've decided to be honest with myself. This phrase … Continue reading Honesty is the best policy, with yourself
Watching someone die
Watching someone die. A participial phrase hanging in the balance. One evening this summer I watched someone I love die. It has to be one of the most heart-wrenching and beautiful events I've witnessed in my third-of-a-century life. It's beautiful in the objective sense of the word... unique and relatable and human and precious. All … Continue reading Watching someone die
Grocery Checkout Memories
I was finishing my Christmas shopping at the grocery store just a mile from my house. The check out line wasn't particularly long but the person in front of me needed a price check. So there I was, browsing the candy like a kid when I saw it. Mentos. I love the fruity ones, but … Continue reading Grocery Checkout Memories
Breaking News: “Top Nine” Doesn’t Capture Most Important Moments
I use Instagram fairly regularly, probably with more regularity now that I have opted out of Facebook. I know, I know, Instagram is owned by Facebook blah blah blah. Everyone's been posting their "Top Nine" recently - the most liked photos in their feeds. Once again, social media panders and quite frankly takes advantage of … Continue reading Breaking News: “Top Nine” Doesn’t Capture Most Important Moments
Who Am I?
This question makes me think of the character Jean Valjean in my favorite musical of all time, Les Miserables. Prisoner 24601. That's how he was known for years and years. And I think up until his dying day, it's an identity forced on him that he carried to his grave. We all have identities that are … Continue reading Who Am I?
