I’ve been thinking a lot about energy. Specifically the energy we put into our jobs, relationships, health, and finances.

There’s a line in my mom’s favorite Christmas hymn, “O Holy Night,” that says, “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.” I grew up listening to this song during the holidays, but the power of those words never struck me until the Winter 2018 edition of Magnolia Journal, where the dedicated theme of the issue was The Thrill of Hope. 

I’ve typed and deleted so many opening lines to this article. For reasons both obvious and personal, this one feels like a doozy. 

The Christian response to the LGBTQIA+ community is…complicated. I say “complicated” because what we often hear preached from the pulpit doesn’t always match what we see in scripture, and it certainly doesn’t match what is in the hearts of many who identify as Christian. 

The holidays are a magical time, aren’t they? Your soul lifts.

I’m writing this gratitude list at a time where I don’t feel very grateful. Simply put, today was rough. 

I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in September of 2024, despite dealing with it my whole life. When I received my diagnosis, I filled my time with research, therapy, and support.

In June of 2023, Kalie (one of my best friends and closest natural supports) and I were in Washington D.C. for their annual Awesome Con. Being a pretty big nerd Doctor Who fan, I couldn’t miss it.

When you think of meditation, “accessible” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. But if you’re anxious and neurodivergent like me, having the ability to sit still and quiet with a clear mind for more than 10 seconds is almost unthinkable.