An encouragement to stay in the arena — Oh. You weren’t kidding. You seasoned writers and coaches and editors who are continually reminding us new, wide-eyed novice writers that rejection is real. I didn’t realize just how much I doubted you. I mean, in theory, I accepted your words as important guidelines to remember as I embarked on…

Captivated by the power of sharing stories. — I was a hyper child. I spent a lot of time in my early teens creating a list of synonyms for hyper. Effervescent. Enthusiastic. Gregarious. Energetic. I was, and still am, quite enthusiastic.

Reimagining the jigsaw puzzle. — Recently, I accepted a truth about myself that I once resisted. A truth I reluctantly admitted, only enjoyed in private. No, I haven’t just accepted it, I have decided to shout about it from the rooftops. “I love jigsaw puzzles!” …

A desperate attempt to get out of my head. — At first, I thought the title of this might be, “I Forgot I Have a Choice.” But then I kept wondering, “Do I really have a choice?” Can I just decide not to feel this way? Can I really fake it ’til I make it? …

And the Prosecutor wouldn’t let it go. — Recently, I found myself feeling unwell and retreated to bed to rest. Unfortunately, I was swiftly prosecuted for this decision, facing charges of 1) being dramatic, 2) misuse of hyperbole, and 3) multiple counts of failure to “get over it.” What follows is an excerpt of the prosecutor’s cross-examination of…

I’m so thankful my friend decided to share her story. — Even after seventeen years, I still remember getting the alarming call from my friend Kimber. “Mandy, can you come get Eden? I think I’m losing this baby,” she said. Kimber was nearly to term with her second pregnancy when she didn’t feel any movement from the baby. After a conversation…

They all transformed my daily life. In response to this fun prompt by FridaySwell, I thought it would be interesting to look back over the past year and see what emerged as my favorite things of 2022. I am always a fan of pausing to reflect and I was surprised…

From birth to age 50. — With my 50th birthday just days away, I am reflecting on the things that have made a significant impact on my life thus far. Perhaps the biggest influence in my life has been books. Since I was a kid, I always had a book nearby for comfort or escape or…

It includes being alone, being quiet, and feeling the tears. — Sitting Quietly I am on the couch under a ridiculously soft blanket. The dog is curled next to me quietly snoring as “Chill Holiday” music plays. The fire is crackling, it is cold for Southern California. And I am basking in so much good. For, you see, today is my 50th birthday…