Grat·i·tude: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and return kindness.

It's that time of year again, the time when we rush toward the holidays in a frenzied state of acquiring joy. Families come together. Generational food rituals are elevated. Gifts are acquired at a dizzying pace. Social gatherings are taken to another level. The lists are long, and the line between celebration and exhaustion is as precarious as walking on a tightrope.

Every year, I tell myself that this year will be different. This year, I'll approach the holiday season in a more measured way—holiday chill, balanced. I've got this all figured out. And then mid-November arrives, I find myself in the Starbucks drive-through, determined to get my hands on a hot mocha-something-or-other in the newly released holiday cup just so I can "feel festive" while embarking on the seasonal hustle and bustle. It dawns on me—I'm doing it again.

This year, let's consider a new idea: a gratitude challenge.

Open Doors is a housing and homeless services organization based in Norwalk that provides resources for individuals and families on the path to housing stability.

Core to their model, Open Doors recognizes that the best way to end homelessness is to stop it before it happens. The prevention programs assist area residents as they gain sustainable housing and find financial stability and success.

At the most fundamental level, tackling food insecurity is the base on which all other services sit.

In order for clients to find their path in life, Open Doors knows basic human needs must be taken care of first. The first step in building this foundation? Ensuring everyone has a healthy meal on their table.

I’m a terrible shopper. I’ve no idea what I’m doing. I rely on friends and my daughters (and their friends) to get through. Why? Every time I try to go it alone, I end up returning what I bought after my teenagers scoff at me (and yes – I do mean scoff).

Full confession, because why not? We’re all neighbors here. Not too long ago a friend came over and made me take maternity pants out of my closet (my youngest is 16). I also had an abnormal number of sweater twin sets from the 90s. I think I’ve said enough….

I recently dropped my oldest child at college and the months leading up to it were filled with advice and well wishes. All of which I devoured. So, I thought it was only fair if I paid it forward with some of the things I learned from our experience. Here goes…

Check out our conversation about the balancing act of letting go, mother-daughter relationships, the college admissions process, the joys and “sads” of this time of transition, and so much more!

Stories of families connecting over generations because of the relationships built in a summer are full of joy. Adults who met as children, the host and the hosted, seeing each other as brothers and sisters decades later. Parents coming together to share in the joy of seeing a child reach their potential. Lives enriched because of the belonging forged between families.

What if reading this article could save a life?

What if a phone call to a friend changed the course of their health?

What if a luncheon is the difference between stage zero and stage IV cancer?

Would you read this article, call a friend or go to the luncheon?

What an incredible opportunity to speak with the changemakers at A Better Chance! And WOW - are they speaking my love language - belonging & community!

“We want the house to be a home. Not just a place you are passing through. What we are trying to do is connect. To let all the scholars know that they belong.” Sonya Harris-Jagenberg, ABC Westport’s DEI Coordinator Co-Chair.

Art, like life, is often at its best when it seeks to honor the history of what has been while stretching for the possibility of what could be. It is the connectedness between those who teach us, support us, and create beauty and meaning from what begins as a blank canvas.

I had the opportunity to write about an organization that is battling addiction by providing affordable sober living and community- Recovery Community Development. I’ve seen firsthand the power of this community and I’m in awe of the life-saving work they do. The piece was originally published in Westport Lifestyle Magazine “The Opposite of Addiction isn’t Sobriety: It’s Connection”. You can read the full article here…

I lost my friend, Lisa Laudico, to MBC (Metastatic Breast Cancer) this past summer. I’m still processing the loss, swinging between the hole it has left and my lack of belief that it’s actually true. Most days it still feels surreal, other days it’s too heavy, and I think that’s why I’ve been struggling with how to honor Lisa this month – Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A month set aside for us to raise our voices and scream at the top of our lungs…support women and families fighting this dreadful disease…and please, please find a cure! Find a cure!

💫 Join me! 💫

30 Day Gratitude Challenge!

Let’s build thanksgiving into our whole month! Click on the link in this post to download 30 days of prompts designed to build more joy into our lives through simple acts of gratitude!