There’s a feeling in the air. It’s a mix of cautious optimism and anxious energy. It’s the nagging idea that society might be edging toward something normal, or at least normal enough. And we are ready for it. Compared to last June, where everything felt isolated and lonely, things are now welcoming and warm. I ...

One of my middle school gym teachers had a tattoo on his leg. It was a picture of a dinosaur—or a lizard; I never got a close enough look. Whatever creature it was, it was riding a bicycle, and its tail turned into a woman’s leg wearing a stiletto. This tattoo was the subject of ...

Everybody loves Friday. It is the day associated with happy hours, taking off early, and sighs of relief. I treat Fridays like Wednesday. I’ve been in the Customer Service industry since I was 15. Working weekends is something that I’ve grown used to, but am still frustrated by. There are obvious downsides to never being ...

Back in 2016, I had to buy a new vehicle. My two requirements for my car were: 1. It had to have a GPS and 2. It had to have a CD player. The GPS was for practical reasons, and the CD player is because I am one of the last humans on earth who ...

Getting older brings out different emotions for everyone. Some reflect on things they haven’t accomplished yet. But as another birthday approaches, I am looking at all the things that I have accomplished. If I had to face my eighteen-year-old self, she would not believe the things that I’m doing. And I’m not talking about the ...

It’s been eight years since the beginning of my hike on The Appalachian Trail. But, before I began my full hike in 2013, I completed one-month hikes with my Dad. We went for two consecutive years. First through Pennsylvania, and then from New York to Massachusetts. They were my first taste of the Appalachian Trail, ...

But when Spring begins, the days start to get longer, and the world begins to thaw. This is the true turning point for me. Both plants and people are coming out of hibernation. We’re all waking up and ready to clean out Winter’s leftovers and replace them with hope.

A towel falls off of the peg for the millionth time. “F**k you!” I say to it. “I hate you so much.” The towel does not answer. I try to put it back on the peg. It falls again. I have to stop myself from throwing it across the room—the smug piece of crap. But ...

I never remember liking snow. Growing up in Ohio means that I am no stranger to winter weather. But I do remember loving snow days. I lived for the joy of my mother opening my bedroom door and telling me that I could sleep in. Snow days meant no school and impromptu gatherings with friends. ...

Some people practice yoga to calm themselves. Others use physical activity. I practice breakfast. Breakfast is a sacred time. It is a ritual where I can shut down my brain and focus on the present moment. It allows me to mentally prepare for the oncoming day, regardless of what I have planned. If I don’t ...