Life, Love, & Laundry

Today, March 18th, is World Recycling Day, a global reminder of the critical role recycling plays in safeguarding our planet. In a world grappling with overflowing landfills and dwindling resources, the importance of conscious consumption and responsible disposal cannot be overstated. While headlines may sometimes highlight the backsliding of certain global leaders on environmental commitments, it's crucial to remember that collective action, starting at the individual level, can make a significant difference. Recycling isn't just about throwing plastic bottles into a blue bin. It's about understanding the lifecycle of products, choosing sustainable alternatives, and minimizing our environmental footprint. At Ever...

Bullying. It's a word that evokes a visceral reaction, a knot in the stomach, a flash of painful memories. We often picture the stereotypical schoolyard bully, physically intimidating their victim. But the reality is far more nuanced, and often, far more insidious. Bullying is a complex web of power dynamics, emotional manipulation, and the lasting scars it leaves behind. My own experience with bullying is a tangled thread of victim and perpetrator. As a child, I endured my share of teasing and exclusion. Like many, I learned a twisted lesson: power came from inflicting pain. I remember a specific incident...

Yesterday, we marked "Simplify Your Life Day," a gentle nudge to step back from the chaos and consider what truly matters. In a world that constantly demands more – more stuff, more commitments, more "achievements" – the idea of simplification feels like a breath of fresh air. But what does it actually mean to simplify? It's a deeply personal question. For some, it's about decluttering physical spaces, shedding the excess possessions that weigh us down. For others, it's about streamlining schedules, saying "no" to commitments that drain energy, and carving out time for meaningful experiences. And for many, it’s about...

Remember those lazy summer evenings, the smell of barbecue in the air, kids playing tag in the street until the streetlights came on? I do. I grew up in a neighborhood where community wasn't just a concept; it was a lived experience. Our street was an extension of our homes. We knew our neighbors – not just by sight, but by name. We shared meals, celebrated birthdays, and helped each other through tough times. Our homes were our social hubs, a place to connect, chat, and build genuine relationships. Every summer, our street would erupt in a symphony of laughter...

Living with a spouse who has bipolar disorder is like riding a rollercoaster. There are exhilarating highs, terrifying lows, and a whole lot of in-between. It's a journey filled with unique challenges, but also moments of profound love and connection. It’s a life I know intimately, and one I wouldn't trade, though it certainly hasn't been easy. We know the statistics are daunting; approximately 90% of marriages with one spouse being bipolar end in divorce. That knowledge isn't lost on us. Surviving together feels like we're constantly fighting to beat the odds, a battle we’re determined to win. The "ups"...