By: Sandy Churchill We’ve all been there… the stress of a meltdown, the jar that falls from the fridge and shatters, the tailgater spreading toxic road rage, the colicky baby crying nonstop, the snippy comments from your partner, the lousy news from your insurance company, the frustration of a financial squeeze, the crabby mood of … More Seize the Moment with Gratitude
By: Sandy Churchill Teachers are heading back for orientation, parents are shopping for school supplies, and students are either moving in on campus or scrambling to savor the last few days of summer before school is back in session. While the days are still steamy-hot, it’s hard to imagine the coming cooler days of fall, … More Back to School Spirit Is Not Just for Kids
By: Sandy Churchill “Put your blueberries in your bucket, Owen,” chimed a gentle mom to her sweet toddler. But Owen wasn’t convinced the bucket was the best place for his berries, as evidenced by his garbled response. Somehow he managed to contain the purple juice from spilling down his chin while his mother continued filling … More Conversations in a Blueberry Patch
By: Sandy Churchill People say grandparenthood holds a joy like no other experience—brimming with all the blessings of Mamahood but without the degree of worry and responsibility. Sure, we Mimis/Nanas/Grammys worry about our grandkids and want the best for them, but we get to embrace the fun, adventure, and memory-making moments without the all-nighters with … More Feeling Claimed as a Sign of Love
By: Sandy Churchill Baby and toddler education can be a hazy and even controversial topic for moms, dads, grandparents, teachers, and other folks navigating the tricky terrain of parenting and raising small people in stressed-out times. Between pandemics and politics, an economy in recession, and global unrest fill many of us with so much worry … More The Glory of Flashcards!
By: Sandy Churchill I love going to the dump—er, transfer station, as I am often corrected with a wink by my father-in-law. You’re probably thinking, what? Did I read that right? What’s the deal with that? I know, a place of trash drop-off, cardboard and plastic recyclables, a stream of cars heading in and out, … More The Joys of a Dump Run, and Other Errands
By: Sandy Churchill Gratitude is not reserved for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday alone. A thankful heart is a gift that acknowledges, celebrates, and shares joy. Gratitude has a way of noticing the good, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, and has a magical quality of replicating and growing positivity. Especially when things seem … More The Grateful Game
By: Sandy Churchill Smoky hearth fires, pine-scented freshly-fallen snow, newly-cut pink roses, sea-salt breezes, sautéed peppers and onions, or steaming garlicky pizza… All of these pleasures share a pronounced quality that stirs a response in each of us immediately: the gift of scent. One of the most special gifts of the human experience is the … More Fires, Flowers, Food, Oh My! Incorporate Your Favorite Scents into Your Life
By: Sandy Churchill As a self-proclaimed sufferer of seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.), I can share that winter is a tough season for me. The lack of light, freezing temperatures, and bleak monochrome days can dampen my spirits from the moment I rise in the morning. As a “Gemini girl” and typical optimist, I prefer the … More Seeking and Savoring Winter Joy!
By: Sandy Churchill Freezing weather is upon us, the earth quiets, and our windows look out on a nearly-monochrome world. While winter has its share of seasonal gifts to be savored, many of us struggle with the shorter days, grey skies, and diminished sunlight. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is gaining understanding as an area related … More The Winter Blues: Strategies for Fighting S.A.D.
Community Voices for Health 