Dear friends,

I don’t get angry often, and I try to be calm and rational when things don’t go my way. I consider myself a pretty reasonable person. And yet … there are occasions when I feel a red rage building up inside of me, and I have to really “check myself” before I react. I think this is true of most of us, even if the triggers are different.

For me, the best way to avoid saying or doing something I’ll regret later is to delay my reaction. If I can postpone a phone call or email in these instances, I do. If I can avoid seeing the person until a later time, I try to arrange that. At times, I’ll even tell the person that I need time to think, and it’s best if I get back to them later.

Sometimes the best course of action is no action at all … for the moment.

Blessings,

Annette

Dear friends,

I just watched a segment on TV in which CNN reporter John King revealed that he is living with multiple sclerosis, and has been afflicted with this disease for many years. He was inspired to reveal his condition publicly in the aftermath of Colin Powell’s death. King explained that although he is vaccinated against COVID (as was Powell), his immune system is suppressed, so he appreciates his coworkers all being vaccinated too.

I echo his sentiments. I also live with a chronic and degenerative health condition that compromises my immune system.

My point: We live in community with others, and our decisions always affect those around us.

Be well,

Annette

Lovely friends,

Take some time today to consider the role that storytelling plays in our lives.

I just saw on the news that Colin Powell has died from complications of COVID. And now the stories begin. We are hearing and telling stories of his life, his accomplishments, his military and political careers. We are also hearing and telling our own stories about COVID, pandemic life, and our views on vaccines.

Culture is formed through storytelling.

Consider this: Our loved ones continue to be a part of our lives through the stories we tell. Even after they’re gone, we remember the way they laughed, the things they cared about, and how they made us feel, and it feels like they are still with us. This is the power of storytelling.

As you go through your day, look around you for the stories we tell each other, and the stories you’re telling yourself. Consider how these shape our culture, and how we can mold and shape these stories to make a better world.

Blessings,

Annette