Month: January 2024

Recently we gave up on our postage machine at the office. With the price of renting a postage machine, the hassle of buying products and repairs, and so many calls from Pitney Bowes, we decided to return to old-fashioned postage stamps.

It has been fun to select the different stamps and personalize our mail. I am writing more notes because I have winter stamps I want to use up.

It feels more personal than the red stripe we used to print on our envelopes. Maybe we are wrong, but the postage stamp might bring the receiver a smile.

As I was selecting stamps to purchase, I remembered the process of being a stamp collector in Junior High. I would steam stamps off the envelope, and I had books full of collections of stamps. It was a fun memory I hadn’t thought of in many years!

I would encourage you to explore the variety of stamps and purchase some that represent you somehow. Buy some stationary and make a point of writing notes and sending mail. In a world where bills fill the mailbox, and even worse, sometimes nothing at all thanks to online billing, send some love and offer some joy that starts with the stamp and ends with the words you put to paper to share your heart with those you care about!

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Happy Writing and Happy Reading! ❤️ Trish

I have been aware of so much sadness surrounding me in the past weeks. It is a sadness woven into the stories of dear people around me, more than directly affecting me.

Stories of unexpected deaths, tragic accidents, accidental overdoses, and suicide.

I was reminded tonight of a perspective of comfort that came straight from the heart of one of my nieces. The gift of comfort met up with some of the most significant losses: her Dad and her Papa.

What strikes me most in this honest and hope-filled reflection is not the denial of sadness but the presence of God through other people. The gentle gift of showing up and conversation can be soothing to sorrow. The irony of this line:”…and people to rub your back when you woke up crying was the most unexpected source of comfort and joy at my rock bottom.” Oh, to name comfort and joy at your rock bottom, what a provoking thought.

So tonight, if you are in the midst of grief or full of sorrow, if you are struggling with depression or loneliness or wonder if tomorrow has a purpose, consider Olivia’s closing words written below…” remember that we are safe and loved and chosen and seen and that god often ministers to us through other people’s love and it is one of my favorite good gifts that he gives.”

In all these spaces where it is easier to stay alone, in pain, hidden in the darkness, in bed, or isolated from others, please seek out someone to be with and risk being loved and cared for. Maybe someday you, too, will reflect and write words that are honest and offer hope from your rock bottom.

Grace to you and peace from God!

❤️ Trish

Tonight was just one of those nights.

We had our office Christmas party, and it was full of sweet moments of goodness. In the last few years, we have finally mastered a low-key perfect gathering to celebrate and enter a new year!

We gather for a simple happy hour, gift exchange, and a homemade cooked dinner by my chef of a brother who never disappoints us with his surprise menu. Thank you, Nick, for being part of our story, serving us with good food, and your excellent and kind heart.

We talk about so many different things, and we laugh a lot. We cover every possible topic, past, present, and future, and we have strong enough friendships to make our interactions authentic.

As I enjoyed the evening, I could not help but feel deep gratitude for my daily people. The people I spend so many hours with within a year. It is easy to miss being grateful for them, as they are as predictable in my days as getting out of bed every morning.

I wonder who your sweet moments of goodness people are? It could be your co-workers, but maybe not. Maybe it is your mail carrier, a 4-year-old, a walking partner, or a neighbor. Consider saying Thank you to the people who bring joy into your days. Consider sharing with someone their impact on your daily routine and how your days are better because of them.

Thank you, Heather, Olivia, Jane, Melissa, and Janet! You bring consistency, conversation, dependability, laughter, spontaneity, excellent service delivery, and much more into my days. Thank you for sprinkling and sometimes flooding my life with sweet moments of goodness!

❤️ Trish

My parents gifted us all one week at Nichol’s Lake every summer. It is where we gathered as a whole family. It is where the kids became friends, even if they did not live close to each other for the other 51 weeks of the year. 

One of my favorite summer memories from long ago is our family Olympic opening ceremonies. There was team selection, opening ceremonies, individual and team competitions, and abundant cheering and celebration. I have shared a few pictures to give you the feel of these sweet memories!

My oldest brother, Len, was a Navy guy and always came with a high expectation of respect for the flag. It was always very touching to observe him engaging in the teaching of this to the kids.

There was a clear distinction that even in the casual atmosphere of the cottage and in the fun of family Olympics, the flag is never to be treated casually!

I hold this memory with such tenderness and respect in my heart. I am aware of a catch in my spirit whenever I see the flag waving in the wind today. Many roads I traveled have flown more prominent and grandiose flags than I remember ever seeing in my childhood. 

At the start of 2024, another election year, I wonder if others feel a tightness in their chest. It is challenging to be a part of politics in the United States, no matter how you lean. I have experienced that our current climate does not bring out the best in us. I don’t like how much of the conflict in the past years seems to have included the flag in one way or another. 

This year, I am committing to respecting the flag as Len did. The outcome of the 2024 election year will represent many things to many people. Still, I hope to untangle where the flag has been associated with anything other than its proper representation. 

The unique history of the American flag follows the history of our country. It reminds us of the triumphant beginning of the United States. The 13 stripes: a symbol of the first 13 colonies. The stars are a symbol of our country’s 50 United States.

Peace and Hope to you,

❤️ Trish

Self-care is a word often encouraged in our society. I am an advocate who is known to say self-care is essential. As I read this quote, I agreed with the form of self-care encouraged. Self-care that sets up changed routines and life behaviors. As we move into a new year, consider how you will use self-care in the coming year.

When caring for your mind, body, or soul, do you also consider what has led you to this space? Is something wearing you thin or a pattern of behavior that makes you weary? Is there a battle in your mind over the lies you are believing? Or is there an unresolved conflict making everything seem a bit harder?

I find it fascinating that children often believe they should change everything about themselves that might contribute to something they perceive needs to change. The reality is often, a child is not equipped to make the changes. Because of their age and maturity, they do not have the power to go about self-change without coaching and support.

When I listen to adults share their stories of self-evaluation and identify areas where they feel weary or desire change, they often feel powerless and have trouble identifying ways to change. And yet, as adults, we are empowered to bring change, yet we live as if we are powerless.

Be curious about how your mind, body, and soul respond to your daily choices and rhythms. Perhaps self-care is not about going out for an hour or two and doing something. Perhaps self-care for 2024 is about being someone different. Be kind, courageous, and honest with yourself. Don’t stop getting pedicures, massages, or sharing a glass of wine or a beer, but engage in conversation and what might change daily to restore rest and rejuvenation to your being.

Let’s be our best selves every day!

❤️ Trish

I have committed to blogging every day in 2024! I blog to document the journey to my heart, to share the struggles and joys, and to invite others to join me on a lifelong journey to live with integrity, honesty, kindness, and full of grace. All that looks so good in writing, but living it isn’t simple. And every day, I am given a fresh start to go again and give it my best attempt. I am so grateful!

It is essential to know that one of the most enjoyable parts of my daily life is the people in my village. I am so grateful for so many, and this year, I will take time to pay tribute to different people who encourage me to be my best. As you read my short tributes, I invite you to think of someone you can send some good words to!

Tonight, I pay tribute to two dear people who share a birthday!

This is my Mom’s youngest sister. The world became a better place on January 6, 1950, when she entered the world. She was born in Friesland, Netherlands.

She is also known as Dorothy, Dirkje, Dot, Aunt Dot, Beppe Dot, and Beppe Dorothy. Aunt Dot moved to Grand Rapids in 1976 and filled the role of “extra parent” in our family. We have shared so many days, meals, conversations, and travels.

After I graduated from grad school, I bought a house across the street from Aunt Dot. I am so grateful to have been able to have Aunt Dot in my childhood stories and even more grateful to share adult life with her.

Aunt Dot, Happy Birthday. I am grateful for your life and how you have impacted mine. You have believed in me and listened to many stories from my daily life. We have traveled to many places; those memories are some of my favorites! Your gifts of organization and order have brought structure to my home! I am grateful for your life, the spaces we share, and the journey of living life as neighbors, family, and friends. I love you and trust that in this coming year, we will continue to enjoy the moments of life, the laughter, and the sacred spaces, and I trust that in the unknown, we will navigate and live each day to its fullest! Happy 74th! Because I know you, I have been changed for good! ❤️

And on January 6, 1997, my heart exploded when this bright-eyed Olivia Grace was born to my brother and sister-in-law. Olivia grew up with a tribe of cousins who always had fun together. I learned of Olivia’s tenacious competitive spirit when she hung with this crew. And I learned of her compassionate and tender heart when she would write her Beppe letters back and forth. As she grew, she learned about hardship and heartache, grief and loss,   scholarships, Nationals, healing and loving. Olivia, you are a bright spot in my life. You have learned to ensure good care for your mind, body, and soul. You have invested in yourself and those who are dear to you! You have learned about boundaries and generous space and are living your best life. You are disciplined, kind to yourself and others, and an excellent professional career woman! You are funny, tender, sassy, honest, sincere and beautiful. I am excited to watch 27 unfold. You have my commitment to support and encourage you, cheer you on, and celebrate with you! I love life more with you as my niece, co-worker, and friend! Because I know you, I have been changed for good! ❤️

Sometimes, I find myself wishing my struggle away. I don’t know about you, but long struggles have made me somewhat weary.

My weight or lack of fitness makes me wonder if those realities will ever change. I want different, but I hardly dare believe it will change. And I want to bury the struggle and somehow ignore it. I wonder what you would name as the struggle you wish to ignore as you enter into 2024?

And then I am confronted with this: The struggle is part of the story…

I take a deep breath and am reminded that my story is unfolding and that there is hope as long as I keep moving forward. I have had a challenging year. But this past year, I have taken action to resolve 15 years of Achilles pain. It started with a failed Achillis surgery, which led to double knee replacements, and now I am recovering from a very successful Achillis surgery. My doctor believes I will walk without pain as soon as we complete the other leg. next month.

And so the struggle is real…the story is unfolding, but if I dare to hope, I could envision myself in a regular exercise program again this spring. There is hope for change as long as I remember that the struggle is not the end of the story!

If you are struggling or in a season of struggle, hang in there and remember the story is still unfolding. More chapters are coming! And the struggle is only PART of the story.

Press on with hope,

Trish

I was cleaning out some screenshots today and came across this from 2017. I stopped to read it and knew it was what I wanted to share tonight. I read it through and nodded and couldn’t agree more. It isn’t a new thought. But the word I will invite you to consider tonight is CONSCIOUS.

This is not just about being grateful or agreeing with the power of gratitude. This is about the conscious practice of gratitude.

I wonder how the practice of gratitude might work into your 2024 daily habits. Could it be in a gratitude journal? Or might you share two things daily with a friend, child, or significant other? Consider, when sharing, learning to name your gratitude and let it be simple. Do not use more words or explanations. Let the words of gratitude offered stand alone. Let naming them be an act of gratitude. May you experience growth, grace, and an improved life through the conscious practice of gratitude!

Grateful tonight for healing and my home!

Trish