Stories

 By Jessica Swearingen, guest blogger 

This year you’ve heard it said, has been hard, but for me, more than anything it has also brought a heightened awareness and appreciation for “the little things”

• Fireflies sparkling and dancing in the tall wetland grass
• The baby seeing the smile in the eyes of her masked mother and smiling back at her
• The puppy chasing and catching his tail
• Extra quality family time with our teenagers 
• Utilizing technology across generations including Zoom and FaceTime calls with my 97 and 98 year old grandmothers 
• A refreshing swim in the lake on a hot summer’s day
• Awakening to licks on my face from our puppy and that puppy smell
• Time, to slow down, reflect, and appreciate our blessings
• The quiet in the early morning hours
• Paddle boarding on the calm lake in the early morning light
• The millions of bright stars in the sky on a cold winter night
• The comfort of a fire burning outdoors on a summer night or in the wood burning stove in the winter time
• Family gathered around the table to share a meal
• Music, all kinds
• Connections with friends, mentors, and relatives
• Healthcare and science
• Mental health and well being
• New talents, interests, and beginnings 
• The sunshine on a crisp fall day
• A red sky spanning the horizon at sunset 
• The sunrise over the lake in the morning - the lake is as smooth as glass
• An awareness of my unconscious bias and an appreciation for all that makes us unique
• Swinging in the hammock on a warm summer day 

For the many things I’ve missed this past year I have also gained…a newfound appreciation for the little things. I hope to carry this appreciation forward with me into the future and foster and share this appreciation with my children and loved ones for decades to come. ♥️

By Karina Muller

Throughout life’s ups and downs, we often rely on the constant presence of those important people who have proven to be the faithful companions on the rollercoaster ride of our lives. Our roller coaster ride evolves with time. Sometimes we enter a dark tunnel, sometimes we experience an unexpected drop, but quite often the adrenaline propels us upward and we experience what it is like to be on top of the world.

Who do you choose as your faithful companions on the rollercoaster of your life? Who sits in front of you and experiences the bumps an instant before you do? Who holds your hand at your side? Who is sitting right behind you screaming joyfully in your ear?

When we surround ourselves with those that can endure the ride, we know we found our tribe. As time goes on, our tribe evolves, adjusts, grows and develops as we evolve as human beings. During our younger years, we may have surrounded ourselves with a group of friends who experience fun in the same way that we do. We may have chosen to ride the extreme roller coasters, simply because we may have lacked in good judgement. As we got older, our tribe evolved. Bringing in a life long partner, having children, developing our career and our friend circles. Our choices were more aligned with where we are at this point in our lives and who can help us smooth out the bumpy part of the ride.

As the dips in the ride get deeper, we must look around us and see who remains on our rollercoaster? Who’s paving the way, making brave choices and is not looking back, but knows that you’re firmly planted right behind? That person is making the path in your life smoother and easier to navigate. Who is that loving companion right next to you holding your hand? That person has your heart and probably your soul. The fun companion joyfully screaming behind you, that is the person meant to challenge you and not settle for the status quo. They got you, listen to them and absorb their positive energy.

As we enter the second half of our lives, we may not have a strong desire to ride the extreme, adrenaline rush rides. But if we walk away from the opportunity to stay on the ride, the result is stagnation, boredom and lack of learning and growth. Do not turn back from an opportunity to hop on the coaster. Choose the coaster that suits you, allows you to grow and evolve, keeps your senses sharp and challenges you. And, most importantly, bring along your trusted tribe. Those that always have your back.