Challenge Genie

09/19/2021

I am learning to shift from "living for the weekend" mentality to "living for each day" perspective. It is changing my life.

It is the weekend, and I am working. I love my work.

03/07/2021

My son is explaining how cell phones work to our red dragon plant. Then he asked, "What is your name?" This makes me so happy.

02/06/2021

I happily and gratefully introduce... the ReInvention of ONLY SKIN DEEP: the show for dancers of Black,… Rachel Sanders needs your support for Only Skin Deep

02/06/2021

Please consider donating to this amazing project of dance and thoughtful re-creation of our mindset during these uncertain times. I just joined the project as a dancer and feel like it is a vital project to explore as participants and viewers.

I happily and gratefully introduce... the ReInvention of ONLY SKIN DEEP: the show for dancers of Black,… Rachel Sanders needs your support for Only Skin Deep

11/26/2020

This Thanksgiving morning, I started the day painting my toes. Why? Because I haven't painted them in years. Because I was raised in a culture that assumes I will do most of the cooking and cleaning today.

I slept in, wrote in my journal and took some time for myself before heading upstairs to begin this day.

While feasting today, remember those who have been in the kitchen making that meal. And for those cooking, take some time to recharge before the day begins. Happy holidays can only happen when those preparing it are happy.

11/11/2020

This practice needs to happen every month.

You in?

11/09/2020

I love meeting people at the beach. I have had some of the most engaging and inspiring conversations while talking to parents, artists and individuals while sitting in the sand together. One of my favorite meetings is with this talented artist Carol Tarzier who painted this gorgeous picture and you can see my family in the sand. We were fortunate enough to meet her and speak with her about her creative process. Please check out her amazing art at www.tarzier.com and Carol Tarzier Fine Art.

11/03/2020

Here are 10 things that I have learned from my travels.
1) Do not put off visiting people that you love.
2) When driving, get out and run around with your child.
3) Whenever possible, offer help to others in small ways.
4) Be open to the kindness of strangers wherever you go by being kind and open yourself.
5) Live where you love - beach, mountains, city, etc. It will make you a better person.
6) Purchase items and food with minimal packaging.
7) Do not wait until retirement to bask in glorious nature.
8) Leave no trace behind if possible.
9) Talk to strangers. They have so much to tell you.
10) Be grateful for every gift you have. You have so much more than you realize.

10/11/2020

While hiking in the redwoods, my toddler found a green butterfly for me. If I could keep my mind and heart as open as a child's, awe and wonder would be a daily visitor.

In doing so, it would change how I see everything. Searching for jobs could be delightful, swimming in the ocean is a superhero's workout and driftwood is a long boat to sail to Grandma's house.

If you do not have a child to remind you of the power of wonder, remind yourself and look for the green butterflies growing around you.

09/30/2020

A rocky night of sleep made me wake up with a nest of fears. Needed a dose of poetry to kick myself out of this thinking. Mary Oliver wrote, "There is nothing more pathetic than caution when headlong might save a life, even, possibly, your own." Brilliant and true. Getting back on track now.

If a poem could serve as a commencement speech, ‘Moments’ by Mary Oliver would be the choice. On this Mother’s Day weekend, the Friday Poem offers wisdom that could be shared by m…

09/23/2020

We spent the day at gorgeous Samoa Beach. We came back to our motel and our son is now in the tub, playing in water again. It gave us a good laugh because water is where he is happiest. Every day after getting work done, we head out to the ocean for exercise, for play. No matter how stressed we become trying to unravel the unknowns like our next home, permanent work and finding a great school, the ocean helps soothe our worries with gratitude.