-
Towel Trials
The topic of towels causes me to dig deep into my imagination. Being creative here is almost out of the question. Towels are, after all, the quiet accessories of our bathrooms. Still, they play an important role. With the right colors, patterns, and textures, they can enhance the entire space — complementing the paint, the floors, and even the fixtures. Chosen well, they add warmth and charm. Chosen poorly, they can drain the life out of even the most handsome room. -
Was It Fate, or Just a Yes?
When it comes to the idea of our lives being controlled by Fate, I have very mixed emotions. Some of my friends shrug and say, “Stuff happens,” as if life is completely out of their hands. Another one of those phrases is “It is what it is,” again implying that we’re ruled by fate. I’ve always had a hard time with that idea.I believe our consequences come at the end of a process that begins with our thoughts. What we think about shapes how we feel. Those feelings lead to actions, and our actions create results. In Catechism class and Sunday School, I was taught that we’ve been given the gift of free will, the ability to choose our own path. It’s those choices that determine how our lives unfold.
-
Anchors and Safe Harbors
Some anchors are forged in steel; others are made of love, memory, and place.When I think about the anchors in my life, the metaphor naturally expands to include my safe harbors. A safe harbor, for me, is made up of the people and places that ground me, those that keep me steady when life feels uncertain. I am happiest when I am in Wisconsin. Having lived in multiple states, including Iowa, Texas, California, and Colorado, I have felt most at home, most anchored, when I am here.
-
What Comes Next?
The question of what happens after we die has been on our minds since forever, hasn’t it? Everyone seems to have their own theory or belief—some rooted in religion, others in philosophy, and some in pure speculation. While none of us can say for sure what’s waiting on the other side, it’s fun (and maybe a little comforting) to imagine the possibilities. So, let’s play with the idea of five possible endings after death. Picture this: what if there were five different roads we could take when our time here ends? -
Managing Expectations
I’ve heard many opinions about the habit of having expectations—some directed inward, others projected onto those around us. I find it more productive to focus on what I expect of myself. After all, I’m the only one I can truly control.Expecting others to behave a certain way often leads to disappointment, unless we’re clear about what we need and willing to accept the outcome, whether or not it aligns with our hopes. Managing those external expectations means making conscious choices about how much we let others’ actions affect us.
-
The Perks and Pitfalls of Expectations
We all have expectations, whether we realize it or not. Expectations about ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. The question is: how do we handle them? Do we set high standards and run the risk of disappointment if things don’t go as planned, or do we eliminate expectations and leave room for surprise and contentment if things go well? I find myself torn between these two perspectives, constantly weighing the pros and cons of each approach. -
Expect Less, Communicate More
I have found that if you don’t have expectations of others, you won’t be disappointed. When in a friendship with a friend, it is easy to expect them, especially when you have been with them for a reasonable amount of time, to know your feelings and some of the things that are important to you. Such expectations without you verbally stating your wishes can often lead to great disappointment. I have found that when you are in a relationship and don’t have many expectations of that person, you are less likely to be hurt when your expectations are not met.