The journey

This weekend I traveled to meet a friend at a retreat center for a weekend of yoga. The retreat was set off a dirt road surrounded by tall pine trees. My friend, Tara, is a beautiful woman who encourages me to seek life to the fullest. She makes me a better person. Tara and I developed our friendship over many sessions of yoga. We would travel to the nearest yoga center and discuss life, work, relationships. Our friendship clicked immediately and I knew I had found a soul friend. I could be my true self who Tara accepted and would then, in turn, give her authentic self to me. This delicate exchange of vulnerability and love created our beautiful friendship. Tara has taught me many things over the years. The most impactful lessons she has shared with me are: life is a constant transition, you have the power to change your perspective of time, and be brave. Tara and I no longer live in the same town so we have made it a tradition to book a retreat together once a year, this year was a yo...

No one prepares you for the experience of watching your parents age. The pain and sadness you feel when you see your parent's limitations. The very people who gave you life, who fill your memories with an abundance of energy, now sit in front of you as different people, starkly contrasting your childhood memories. My dad was always active. As a coach, he had a talent for all sports and would amaze us kids with his skills in baseball and basketball. Dad was ready for any adventure and seemed to create excitement within every moment. He seemed invincible, as many childhood dads do, and he always gave a sense of protection and all-knowing wisdom. Now as I enter into my thirties I see my dad as an aging man. His hands are lined and worn from his years of living, his body is slower to respond, and he is no longer active even though he pretends to be. When I witness this my heart aches from the clash of my childhood beliefs and actual reality. In my fantasy, my parents are always the...