Erin Englert

From childhood, most of us are taught to express gratitude in response to a kindness. That’s an act of politeness. But when we can express kindness in response to gratitude – that’s an act that creates ripple effects that extend beyond ourselves.

Parenthood is a wild and wonderful adventure. It’s challenging, charming, stretching, and shocking. It’s a catalyst for physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation unlike any other. Parenthood requires a level of self-sacrifice that is productive but many times uncomfortable.

Can I be honest with you all? New Year’s Day seems a little sneaky to me. After we’ve spent the last two months gorging ourselves on cream cheese balls and all manner of delicious sweets, we are walloped with a holiday that has self-evaluation baked into its DNA. Like, seriously? Who planned this out? I’m not ready to be under the microscope!

It had happened again. I just couldn’t believe it. Seriously? How could I be so absent-minded?

Is it just me or does it all feel a little broken? It’s been a wild 2+ years on the local, national, and global level. I can’t decide whether it’s my fading youthful optimism or that I’m finally paying attention. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t always feel like the victorious Easter Sunday we’ll soon be celebrating.

We’re all looking for ways to add more servings of fruits and vegetables to our diet… aren’t we? But if you’re anything like me, you may get tired of the raw, steamed, and roasted variations of your go-to veggies.

[As seen in the Star Tribune] Sleep is a mystery. Sometimes it’s an easy, thoughtless process and other times it’s like trying to find a tiny piece of eggshell in a completely mixed cake batter.

While growing up, I loved riding my bike around the neighborhood. We spent hours doing “tricks” down our steep driveway. I distinctly remember my brother standing on the bicycle seat as he careened down the incline. I’m sure we gave my mom a heart attack… or maybe she was blissfully unaware inside the house.