Living a Life of Gratitude
I distinctly remember the day I sat in my junior English class after returning from Christmas break. My teacher asked us what our New Year’s…
The Vacation That Snuck Up on Me
Since my move to Boston from Chicago, people often ask me what’s different about living in the Northeast versus the Midwest. Are people unfriendly? Are…
Conquering the Mountain
It started as an inspirational speech in my living room. My close friends were seated on our couch, the victimized listeners. Sam was in town…
Already a Celebrity: The Road to Body-Positive
“Can she take a picture with you?” I was a little taken aback and flattered. No, I am not a celebrity, but to one little…
From Service to Solidarity
When I was 21, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I was going to get my doctorate in theology and…
No Quick Fix: What HGTV Made Me Realize About New Year’s Resolutions
Whenever I’m home for the holidays and have access to cable TV again, I binge-watch HGTV. My favorite shows focus on home renovations and redecorating.…
Rethinking Christmas: Fewer Presents, More Presence
As I’ve gotten older, there have been fewer and fewer presents under the Christmas tree. What do you get the mom who has everything? There…
Gratitude Can Change Your Life
I’m very familiar with the idea of informed consent. I work in public health and my undergraduate major was psychology, two fields where research, and…
Paying the Ultimate Price: What Martyrs Can Teach Us About Sacrifices for Faith
In January 2015, Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, now a saint, was declared a martyr of the church, killed in odium fidei, Latin for “in hatred…
Wild: A Journey Worth Taking
In India, there are men called sadhus, which translates as “good men” or “holy men.” They are commonly recognized by their chalky white faces, the…
