A gentle reminder — In the name of self-preservation, I hope you say “no” to the party if that’s what makes your heart happy, or put on that gold sequined dress if that’s more your thing. Unfollow who you want to without apology — or better yet, turn the phone off — let your…

A poem for hurried souls — May you never be too busy to notice, the unspoken sadness in someone else’s eyes, or the way their voice seems to have lost its sparkle. May you never be too busy to stop and smile at the stranger who holds the door open, and thank the barista who hands you your…

A poem and a growing list — The way we pick one another up from the airport, even in rush hour traffic — and manage to have hot food waiting when you arrive home. The times we tip the delivery food person a little extra — because we are finally able to; because it was rainy and…

A growing list — I once prayed to God to find a love like Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You / and to dance like Zoe Saldana in Centerstage / I once asked God to help me score well on my SATS / to get into the college of my dreams…

Gentle reminders for mamas everywhere — Older mamas, younger mamas, and those who have just had their babe, mamas who have one kid or two kids or three or even four, those who are living in an empty nest and those who feel like they don’t have a minute to breathe — I hope you remember to be kind to one…

A poem for the ones who fear the cold — Put on your coat when you leave the house — and don’t be afraid to don a hat, scarf, and gloves. Pay attention to the weather forecast, and stay inside during a blizzard if your life allows you to. Wrap your body in the blessings of soft flannel and cozy…

A poem for the season — One of my favorite Christmas lights displays in NYC is not / Rockefeller center / or Macy’s infamous windows / or the show at Sak’s Fifth Avenue / but a tiny, simple display of holiday magic on 55th street between 8th and 9th avenue / It’s there that tons of…

A poem — What are the words that you carry? Is it a promise from your wedding a vow made, a forever kiss, a seal before God and your family and the ones that you love? Is it a mantra from your childhood, your mother reminding you that you are safe, and you are loved, and you…