Blogs

As we step into this new year, take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve achieved and overcome in 2024. You’ve made it through challenges, celebrated victories, and learned valuable lessons along the way. Now, with 2025 ahead, it’s time to dream bigger and take bold steps toward the life you truly want.

Eat Your Crusts holds a collection of short stories of the memoirish persuasion from early childhood to the present that reflect on the gentle skips in the park of life, as well as the face plants in the dirt I’ve confronted and lived to tell the tale.

Most of the world was aware that November 5, 2024 was the presidential election in the United States. After voting earlier that day, I knew it was unlikely that definitive results would come in before I went to bed. The race was too close to call. 

As a two time heart attack survivor, I know how important it is to remain calm. I chose not to go down the rabbit hole of getting caught up in election coverage. Instead …

In today’s world, where we are constantly bombarded with information, the role of a teacher extends far beyond merely sharing knowledge. Teachers have a unique opportunity to step into leadership roles, guiding others as they grow and empowering them along the way. My own journey to becoming a leader in learning has been deeply influenced by my personal values and experiences, including my work with children with disabilities and my experience raising three boys with unique learning differences. These experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to education, inspiring me to create meaningful learning experiences

In our busy world where technology is relied upon on a daily basis, we are consumed with work, family and life stresses, we seem to forget to take the time for ourselves.   Everything is so fast paced and we are so focussed on other things, we seem to neglect ourselves.   It is very important to make ourselves a priority and avoid burnout.  There are many things we can do to promote self care thus helping with a better sleep.

Life changes: Moving, relationships- new ones coming in, or established ones leaving- career changes, births, death, all bring a need for conscious reflection and a choice, even if that choice is something we feel has been imposed on us by events we feel is out of our control. Truth:  Many things ARE out of our control.  Relationships dissolve, people move away, friendships ebb and flow.  People die.  We often do not have control over these things, so, how do we keep moving forward?  We have no control over the actions of others, but we DO have control over how we respond.  We are resilient.  Most of us have survived, to one degree of another.  We might be bent, and might feel broken, but we are still here. 

To live a purposeful life when we feel broken can seem impossible…

Change is a natural part of life. Whether it’s something we plan for or something that catches us by surprise, it can stir up a mix of emotions—uncertainty, excitement, fear, and hope. What truly matters is how we respond. By embracing change with openness and intention, we have the power to shape our journey in ways that align with our values and purpose.

When life shifts, it’s easy to get swept away by all the moving pieces. Pausing to reflect allows you to take stock of where you are emotionally, mentally, and physically. Reflection isn’t about judgment, but about gaining clarity.

Written by Stephanie Orphanacos Are you comfortable? Are you free from pain and discomfort? Are things generally okay? If so, there’s a good chance you might be short-changing yourself. Our brains...