I think about my body every day. Likely you do too—we live in our bodies, after all. If, like me, you’ve dealt with health challenges, you might think about your body critically or without much kindness. I’ve worked hard to build more compassion for my body. I don’t always succeed. But every small win, every … Read more
At almost 61, I’m still open to love — but I no longer wait for it to validate me. Here we are again, Valentine’s Day. I’m not a big holiday person, never have been. Likely because my childhood was complicated and difficult, and holidays usually left me feeling confused, left out, and disconnected — in … Read more
I wasn’t sure I’d live this long. Maybe, if like me you have a difficult chronic illness such as diabetes or cancer, it’s easy to imagine an early end-of-life. But here I am, essentially quite healthy, living with both type 1 diabetes AND my third round of breast cancer. Go figure! In a few weeks, … Read more
Happy month of May! I hope you’re enjoying the seasons wherever you are on Planet Earth. I sure am enjoying the pops of so many amazing colors as the trees unfurl their brilliant green leaves and the tulips and lilacs splash their reds, purples, yellows, oranges and so many shades of amazing colors as the … Read more
TRIGGER WARNING: I’m going to talk about topics that some may find uncomfortable. Namely, I’m going to discuss female genital health. Buckle your seat belts, things are about to get personal. I already tend to be personal in these blog posts, and along those lines I’m going to address an issue that has come up … Read more
Right before the pandemic, I attended a writing workshop with Jeff Goins called Tribe. It was in Nashville, Tennessee. I didn’t know anyone attending, but I wanted to attend because I really wanted to finish my book and I was searching for support for how to make that happen. I connected with a few amazing … Read more
In the middle of the night recently, I had a dark night of the soul. I spent a bit of time contemplating the end of my life. What that would/could look like.It was very dark and very sad. Lots of angst and tears. Thankfully, at 3am, I shifted and asked myself, “Mari, you’re not dead … Read more
For the past several years I’ve had the pleasure of doing run intervals workouts on Thursday mornings at 7am with the YWCA. One of the regular runners in the group is Mike Mann. Turns out Mike has an impressive, inspirational running life story. Mike agreed to let me interview him over Zoom last week. I’m … Read more
Do you choose happiness over satisfaction? Maybe you ask, “do I have to pick one over the other?” Turns out there are people who study these choices people make. As someone who had a difficult childhood, I have a minor obsession with happiness. I have read quite a few books on the topic and I … Read more
Today I turn 56, which means I was born on May 12, 1965 on a Wednesday, which today, May 12, 2021 happens to also be a Wednesday. I like fun coincidences like that! I enjoy birthdays and today to celebrate I’m riding my bike to the pool for a swim and then I’m riding my … Read more