Monthly Archives: October 2024

Connecting, Leadership, Uncategorized, Valuing Differences, Vision

Why Kamala Harris Should Lead

As November 5 approaches, I find myself strongly hoping to see Kamala Harris become President. It’s not just about my fear of another Trump presidency, though I am genuinely terrified of that. More than that, I believe Kamala Harris is the right leader for this moment.

I understand that my thoughts might not change the outcome or influence decisions already made. But writing is how I process the emotions swirling within me during this time of uncertainty and angst.

Many people acknowledge Trump’s flaws but defend him on policy grounds, arguing he’s been good for the economy. Others doubt Kamala’s readiness or feel she’s too tied to Joe Biden. I disagree with both perspectives.

Kamala Harris doesn’t claim to have all the answers or push for blind agreement from those around her. Her understanding of leadership isn’t rooted in domination or control. True leaders in a democracy don’t impose their will—they collaborate, listen, learn, and connect. That’s what Kamala Harris has demonstrated.

Since stepping into the role, she’s shown her ability to rise to the occasion. She’s raised money, rallied people, faced tough questions, and listened. In my experience working with business leaders, I’ve seen that it’s not the smartest or most domineering ones who make organizations thrive—it’s those who understand how to manage differences, value their team’s input, and recognize both strengths and weaknesses. Great leaders know when to admit mistakes and make changes.

I don’t see that in Donald Trump. His lack of humility and accountability, combined with a seeming disinterest in people outside of his circle—especially those who aren’t wealthy, male, or white—is deeply concerning. While I might not fully understand him, his behavior signals a self-centeredness and a fear of failure so profound that he can’t admit any shortcomings, which is frightening to me.

Kamala Harris, on the other hand, has shown that she’s the better leader and, frankly, the better person. I trust that, when it comes to policy and making important decisions, she’ll surround herself with capable, smart individuals whom she will listen to and trust. That’s the kind of leadership we need—not just from a Democrat or a Republican—but from a leader of all people.

Uncategorized

Retracing Roots and Rewriting Stories: A Journey of Family, Memories and Reclaiming

Most of this trip was about family and celebrating the life of my Aunt Dot. When her service was planned for October 14 in Harrisonburg, VA, I knew I wanted to be there, representing my mom, who’s 96 and couldn’t travel, and our family. I was surprised at how committed I was to making that happen.

I connected with my cousin Kelly, who lives in Falls Church, VA, and stayed a night with her and her girls. Kelly also drove down to Harrisonburg with me, and it was wonderful to reconnect with her and, through her, with Joyce and Larry.

Driving down, I took the exit to Woodstock, VA—where I had the best memories of Aunt Dot, Uncle Dan, and my cousins. In Harrisonburg, I took an exit that led me right past my grandparents’ old home. I stopped for a moment, just long enough to take a picture and remember.

The service was at St. Stephen’s, surrounded by family—cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews. It was so rich to reconnect in person after so many years. We’ve kept in touch over the past year through what we call the “Arey Facetime” call, started to connect the siblings—Dot, Don, Larry, and my mom, Bernie. I wasn’t a regular, but I really appreciated my cousin Erick’s effort to keep it going.

The service reminded me of Aunt Dot’s generous spirit and her lifelong commitment to helping people. I hadn’t been to a formal church service in quite some time, so the hymns, prayers, and homily felt nostalgic. The best part, though, was Forest, who’s about 9, rolling a matchbox truck across the pews. It warmed my heart—I remember doing the exact same thing at his age. I loved how warmly everyone received him.

The after-gathering was meant to be a bonfire and pizza, but the real surprise came when I wandered off track and found Kline’s Ice Cream—my father’s favorite. There’s a story behind that because he once requested that his ashes be put there. Naturally, I grabbed a couple of pints to bring to the gathering.

And it wasn’t just pizza. These were homemade pizzas, with hand-picked ingredients, cooked in the cutest little wood-fired oven. They were incredible. The bonfire, too, was perfect. We shared stories, and the evening felt rich with connection.

The next morning, a few of us gathered for breakfast before heading out. For me, the next stop was Charlottesville, where I went to college. I picked up some UVA gear and took a long, nostalgic walk down memory lane. I even visited Crozet, where I’d once lived on a friend’s front porch one summer. I loved finding that spot again.I didn’t linger long, though. I decided to head toward Richmond, not quite sure why.

As I got closer, traffic made me rethink my plans, so I veered toward Mechanicsville. Something urged me to check out Camp Hanover and reclaim that place too.

I did. And seeing those familiar spots felt like coming home, but this time, home was within me. Fear feels like a stranger now.

After that, I found a cozy hotel in Fredericksburg, where I’m writing this. No memories here—just a soft bed, morning coffee, and donuts. It’s the perfect place to reflect and let the stories of this trip settle in.

Sometimes, it’s sweet and important to rewrite the stories.

Communication, Connecting, Connection, Life Experiences

Presence, Connection, and Co-Creation

This beautiful piece is by Leah Campbell Badertscher – it so captures co-creating

For me, life is fundamentally about relationships.

Why?

Because relationships ground me in the present moment.

Without this connection, I get lost in my mind, creating stories, planning, and believing that this is living. But it’s not. Real living happens when I step out of my thoughts and fully engage in the moment.

Achieving presence isn’t about effort or analysis; it’s about simply BEING—one breath, one sensation, one heartbeat at a time.

I honestly think this can only happen through connection.

Many people find it easier to connect with nature, animals, or even a place than with another person.

Why?

Because animals live in the moment. They aren’t worrying about the future or caught up in past dramas. They’re just BEING—not trying to look good, make money, or stay safe.

JOINING is our best chance to discover this sense of BEING.

We all crave connection, even if we don’t always know how to achieve it.

One of the most beautiful moments when working with horses without any equipment is when horse and human ‘join up.’ This happens when the human stops trying to control the situation and instead focuses on their own BEING.

When that shift happens, the horse often naturally comes closer, moves with the person, and stays in sync, as if linked by an invisible thread.

We long for that kind of connection with other people. But it’s harder with humans because we’re often focused on the external world, unaware of the stories and patterns we create to protect and control.

To truly connect with another person, we need to let go of that control and turn inward, taking responsibility for our part in the relationship.

It’s about listening intentionally, letting go of judgments, and moving beyond right and wrong.

When we do that, we invite ourselves into a generous, present moment.

This space is sacred, like hitting a reset button. It allows us to return to our true selves, leaving behind pain and old stories.

That’s when co-creation happens.

It’s easy to fall back into old habits, but staying present is possible.

This is the essence of Couple’s Alive Series that happen at the Haven—Being, Connecting, and Co-Creating.

I love leading this series. Being with other couples. We’ll be doing a Couples Alive II very soon. If you have taken Couples Alive Foundation – this is the next step and it’s focusing on Co-Creating.