Category: Creating Community

Staying optimistic in a negative world

After spending time at my vision board party last weekend, and the march for human rights this weekend, I am filled with positivity and optimism for the future. But just like anytime you feel really joyful and happy, that little doubt-filled, scary feeling shortly follows. As I was walking the streets with a crowd oozing … Read more…

Staying optimistic in a negative world

After spending time at my vision board party last weekend, and the march for human rights this weekend, I am filled with positivity and optimism for the future. But just like anytime you feel really joyful and happy, that little doubt-filled, scary feeling shortly follows. As I was walking the streets with a crowd oozing … Read more…

The hardest blog I’ve ever written

How one racist comment changed me for the better, and hopefully this election will, too. When I was about 10, I was playing a game at a neighbor’s house across the street. My friend Maria named her character Xiang Xiang, after a few rounds, she asked me why I wasn’t including her character in the game. I … Read more…

When Bad Things Happen to People You Know

There are have been some recent tragedies in my community lately and it’s always hard to know what to do when bad things happen to people. Instead of pretending to be an expert, I’ll share what I have learned from experience NOT to do when people are suffering. Whether it’s divorce, diagnosis, death or another … Read more…

Lessons white parents can teach white kids about racism

If you are like most people I know, hearing about racial tension in our country makes you sick and disheartened. You love and enjoy people for who they are, not the color of their skin. You can’t imagine disliking, let alone hating someone, because they look different or come from a different culture. You worry … Read more…

Using chores to teach leadership skills

Summer is coming and it’s time to switch gears from academics to other learning opportunities for kids. What aren’t they getting during the year? How can I use this time to encourage their passions and round out their development? (or, maybe it’s more like “Isn’t May over yet? I can’t wait to stop making their … Read more…

How to Help Your Friends & Loved Ones (without losing yourself)

I’m sure you’ve all experienced “help” from your loved ones. Well meaning advice that starts with “What you need to do is……” or the pleading words from parents, “Honey, I’m worried about you….” It can be really hard to watch our child, our friend or a loved one suffering unnecessarily. Often, we can see things … Read more…