Heather is an essayist, editor, CMO, mommy, and wife seeking stillness while in a state
of nearly constant motion. She lives, walks, and eats in the greatest city in the world: Chicago.
In January of last year, I wrote about my then-new habit of LovingKIndness meditation. Throughout the tumult that was 2021, I resolved to be gentle to myself through this practice, and I committed to a year of once-daily meditation.
And I did.
Read MoreJust as the fog of COVID seemed to be lifting, the headache descended on me like a thunder clap.
It began as a sharp ache at the back of my neck and spread its tendrils up into my head until it was a web of throbbing red light at the center of my skull.
Read MoreWelcome to the New Year! Time to get off the couch and back to the real world where you are expected to wear pants and function in society once again. This year I’m setting goals through seasonal themes to keep me motivated beyond the New Year’s burst of enthusiasm. This structure offers a chance to check in throughout the year, rather than going out in a blaze of glory when Oreo launches a new flavor in January. (Side note: Chocolate marshmallow? That hardly seems fair.)
Read MoreBabies are not good at communication. Beyond malodorous clues, the new little person that I was suddenly responsible for was really terrible at telling me how things were going. For those of us who thrive on positive reinforcement, this was frustrating.
Read MoreI checked in everywhere. I posted witty updates and tag friends and places. I quoted insightful articles. I was in the maelstrom of social media, and I reveled in the connectivity, the community of it all. I loved it.
Until I didn’t.
Read MoreThere are some trips in life that you just can’t prepare for.
Read MoreI have friends who are on Version 2.0 of their lives: They have become photographers, jewelry makers, poets. They are full people, and parents. They are making art. They inspire me.
In the life that I live now, I will not be the promoted with fanfare and public acclaim. In a world where that’s the definition of success, anything less is obviously a failure. By that standard I have clearly failed.
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