How to Love Someone Who (For the Moment) Thinks That You’re The Devil
Since it's the holiday season, I think it's only right that I share a story about keeping love alive in a tense time. Because let's be honest -- if you're human, you're probably going to experience at least one moment of stress when it comes to spending time with your loved ones this year. Someone is going to do something or say something that will drive you a little crazy. (Or a lot.) When this happens, how will you respond? Will the difficult experience serve as a gift disguised as a dilemma, actually bringing you closer? Keep these questions in...
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Little Known Ways To Face Your Fears & Wow The Crowds…Maybe.
This is a story about a time when I fell flat on my face. Metaphorically, I mean. And I don't know about you, but that's a big fear of mine. Preparing and trying to do my best, and instead...completely blowing it. When L'Arche DC celebrated its 25th anniversary birthday, I volunteered to give a speech with Leo at the Saturday evening banquet. I was his accompanier, and L'Arche DC's 25th anniversary was more Leo's celebration than anyone's. As the community's founding member, it was a milestone for him. So Leo and I practiced in an interview format, as...
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How to Tell the Truth About Who You Are
This week, I've been thinking a good deal about truth; not absolute, capital-T Truth, but the smaller truth of felt experience. I've been noticing how often we lie; that is, how often we neglect to tell the truth about what we're feeling and what we value. We say we're fine when we're not. We say we like the book (or movie or restaurant or meeting time) that everyone else prefers, when our actual preference is very different. We tell white lies to make life 'easier', but the truth is that these little lies eat away at us. And by we,...
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What To Do When You Are Afraid (& Some Big News)
"Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened. Don't open the door to the study and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument." - Rumi I woke up this Saturday morning feeling entirely out of sorts. I'd had a nightmare, I felt exhausted, and all I could think of were the million-and-one things on my to-do list for the month ahead. I didn't think about the sunshine and beautiful weather, or the Skype date I had scheduled with my best friends. Despite the excitement of this season of my life (*hints at the big news*), I just...
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10 Life Lessons You Can Learn at L’Arche
As I was trying to decide which of my L'Arche friends to focus on for today's post, I realized: I didn't want to choose just one. Instead, I wanted to bring you the words of wisdom that each of them has shared with me over the years. And, while I don't want to give the impression that L'Arche is a field of daisies wherein the members spout words of wisdom at every turn...I have been blessed to learn from some very wise individuals. Some of the wisest people I know. Don't let the balloon hats fool you. So,...
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On Being Present & Embracing Enough (Could it Change Your Life)?
At prayer-time at L'Arche this Thursday, we passed a candle around the table, as is our custom. The reflection question was posed to us was: "How are you feeling?" Such a simple, ordinary question. Yet in that moment, I saw how powerful that simple inquiry could be. To check in with myself, asking, "How am I really feeling? What is really true for me, inside?" To check in with others, asking, "How are you?" and really listening to the answer...these are acts of love. At L'Arche, we keep our meditations simple. That said, what arises from those simple...
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How Breakfast At Tiffany’s Teaches You To Become A Classic Writer ~ Guest Post At Men with Pens
Hello Readers, Today's a big day: I have guest post at Men with Pens! Men with Pens is a well-known team of web designers and writers, committed to "changing businesses (and lives!) through high-end websites that get results." I'm honored to be posting there, sharing what Breakfast At Tiffany's has taught me about great writing and great love. Today's Post: How Breakfast At Tiffany's Teaches You To Become A Classic Writer Readers from Men with Pens, Welcome to A Wish Come Clear! To receive your gift from me, I invite you to visit the ‘Subscribe’ field on your right to...
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What’s Lost + What’s Found: Why Reaching Out Can Make All The Difference
I love a long, rambling post as much as anyone (all right, probably more), but this Monday, I'd like to share with you a solitary moment...one I witnessed at approximately 1:40am this Saturday morning. When I walked into the L'Arche Ontario house last Friday night, I had a plan. I'd finished an evening routine in Arlington, and I was all set to drop off the car keys, walk home and fall into bed. Life, however, had other ideas. I got as far as 'drop off the car keys' when one of the assistants called me over. "Caroline," he...
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Trust, Acceptance And A Little Red Wagon: Loving My Brother, Part 3
As I seek to nurture growth and transformation this summer, I remember summers past. I remember the weeks my family and I used to spend with my grandparents in Arizona each year. My grandparents live in a rural area, on 5 acres off a dirt road, as far from suburban New Jersey life as you can get. Summers there were times of connection: walks with my mom, cooking and sewing with my grandma, reading alongside my grandpa. They were times of dolce far niente, the beauty of a simple life. Of course, sometimes it got tiresome. There were afternoons when...
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Owning Your Mistakes & The Wisdom Of The Oops
First, a tremendous thank you to everyone who completed/entered A Wish Come Clear's first survey + giveaway! I'm thrilled to announce the winner of our contest: Veronique, a woman who has a son with disabilities. Here's her response to question 10 (What would your life look like if you felt supported in every area?): "My life would be harmonious and become I would feel balanced and less tense; those around me would benefit as well." The simplicity and compassion in her response spoke out to me, and reminded me that the work we do for ourselves benefits those we love...
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