Cages
My brother sent me a text the other day—a grainy video of a massive palm tree in Uruguay, alive with wild parrots. Dozens of them, screeching and swooping, their green wings flashing against the sky. The caption read, "A flock of Jacques."

I had a meltdown last week. Not a little one either. The full 3 a.m., staring-at-the-ceiling, what-have-I-done kind that makes you question every choice you've made in the past six months. Here's what happened. I made this beautiful, brave decision to put all my belongings in storage and step into what I've been calling my "2026 Adventure." Exciting, right? Liberating. A leap into whatever comes next.

There was a coat. An enormous, terrible blue parka that one of my dearest friends wore like armor during the worst season of her life. I didn't understand it then—why someone so glamorous would choose to look so... intentionally awful.

My inner voice wouldn't shut up about this one. 2025 was the year of the Snake—teaching us to shed what's grown too tight. For me, that meant letting go of my beloved home of six years.

A heartfelt reflection on how cherished holiday keepsakes can remind us of our resilience, growth, and the beauty of seeing ourselves with compassion through every season of life.

A heartfelt reflection on how cherished holiday keepsakes can remind us of our resilience, growth, and the beauty of seeing ourselves with compassion through every season of life.

To return to love.
And to live the life you’ve quietly dreamed of, with courage and grace.