My mom Annabelle, who is now 82 years old, was an only child who lost both of her parents at a fairly young age. She showed me what it takes to be tough, smart, kind, and to never give up. However, the biggest thing she probably taught me is that…
I recently came across this New York Times article titled “Can’t Do the 7-Minute Workout? Neither Can I.” It’s a good article, but I was immediately put-off by the title. I wondered why. It bothered me because I feel it gives the message that it’s OK if you can’t do…
Last month, I visited Washington DC. DC always intrigues me—with its incredible rich history, architectural and natural beauty, tall gorgeous trees and great hiking trails. I visited the United States Naval Academy, ate a box lunch on the Severn River, walked through exquisite buildings and Spring gardens, ate breakfast and…
The secret to eating healthy is simple: Single ingredient meals. I have found that the absolute best way to lead a healthful, gluten free life is to eat the purest of pure things you can find. Whole foods that are more a product of nature than a product of industry.…
It’s not unusual to want to skip a workout, or heck naw, not even want to get moving at all. Everyone has a bad day now and then. Even a bad week or month. We have to have a positive outlook, and—most importantly—personal goals toward a bigger purpose to Keep…
Can you be a healthy workaholic? Yes… but it requires grace. There’s a lot of negativity around the word “workaholic”. It’s often used inaccurately to describe someone who simply loves the work that they do and is dedicated to their big picture vision. I admit I’ve been a diligent, focused…
When traveling and I tell people that I’m searching for the perfect vintage spatula, they look at me a little funny. It’s a great topic. You’re only as good as your bow and arrow, right? That’s why I like a classic cast iron skillet (or wok) and a spatula that…
Tendership is a word I made up myself. It describes a tender friendship that brings soulful wellness. I recently read a BBC article a friend shared on Facebook about words taken from other countries that have no direct English equivalent, but represent very precise emotions that are neglected in our…
Light gray with a touch of yellow… that’s the color that surrounds you after a hurricane visits, then leaves. Branches down, bits of grass stuck to your windshield and car doors; everything is weathered like two years have passed and it was just 24 hours. When the sun comes out…
My favorite time of day is First Light—the time in early morning when light first appears and before the sun rises. When you’re all alone in the morning, you’re able to consciously embrace the calm and the quiet all around you. This silence allows you to focus on self-reflection and…
I’m PUMPED and love a good monthly challenge! If you could do anything for 30 days straight, what would it be? I would hike right through the month, every single day, not skipping a single one. I’d also get great sleep and eat clean—without interruption. Although I pose this as…
Everyone has that one food that sends them off track. For me, it was the sweet comfort of fancy coffee drinks. I was never a Starbucks girl, but a former lover of Dunkin’ (and I was flunkin’). To be completely straightforward, a Sage reader suggested that I detail out my…
I love recording and catching Jeopardy! when I can. I take the question answering pretty seriously. I’m competitive with myself. Many times a category can be above my head. I might ace three categories and then miss a bunch of questions in another. If I can get the Final Jeopardy!…
How an artist or a photographer sees a flower, and how a scientist sees a flower, do not have to be separate. There’s no right or wrong. Everyone feels art and sees science in different ways. The science of art – or, if you prefer, the art of science –…
I just returned from a weeklong trip through the country of Cuba. Living off the grid has taken on an entirely new meaning to me. Take a moment and think— What does it mean To have fresh water to drink? To splash on your face, brush your teeth And hydrate…
With all the static in the room and lots of people talking, I overheard it: “I’ll never be right again. I want my old self back.” I hear this a lot. In real conversations, or something I’ve read. People look for a way to feel well, or unencumbered from a…
Have you ever heard the story of The Three Bricklayers? I hadn’t—until recently: A man came upon a construction site where three people were working. He asked the first, “What are you doing?” and the man replied: “I am laying bricks.” He asked the second, “What are you doing?” and…
Whenever I feel encumbered with too many “things” and am looking for something to brighten my mood, I hit the trails! I’m lucky that it’s sweet and effortless, as some of South Florida’s best hiking is right in front of me. The most interesting trail has to be the enchanting…
This time of year it gets crazy busy where I live. It’s South Florida, so there are LOTS of holiday visitors and many snow birds. Restaurants are packed and there are wait lines for tables. Today didn’t feel like the right day to go anywhere but straight in the midst…
Some people are good at math and know it like their own skin. They memorize theories and can solve problems in seconds. If you open any math book, you feel the writer’s love of numbers and it’s as if they have their own language. I had no idea the degree…
I remember the days when I would fall asleep in the backseat of the car at the end of a fun-packed day at the amusement park. Dad’s hands on the 10 and 2 of the steering wheel. Such fun times and beautiful memories of being driven around without a care…
Whenever I hop on a plane and leave South Florida, something happens when I arrive at my new and exciting destination. I see them. They’re everywhere! I call them REAL DEALS. They are people who age naturally with ease and grace. In Denver, Vancouver, or many other places I’ve traveled,…
Did you see the moon the weekend of November 13-14?! It was a larger than average “supermoon” and the closest full moon in 68 years, as well as the largest full moon in 86 years. Complete goose bumps! There will be another supermoon again on December 14, but not as…
Post election results are stirring up deep emotions, strong feelings and large protests in certain parts of the country. Such a close, hard-fought race. There are many disappointed Americans who were counting on a different result. It’s understandable. Unwillingness to accept election results is a real thing. I think it’ll…
I grew up in an Italian family where children’s faces in their mother’s palms and big hugs with huge pats on the back were an everyday thing. Talking with your hands, biceps squeezes or forearm taps were appropriate and normal. No one was afraid. It was a display of warmth,…
I thought after a while it would just go away. That I wouldn’t think about it anymore. Out of sight out of mind, right? It doesn’t always work that way. I have memories of waking up as a child to the scent of toasted English Muffins wafting into my bedroom…
Lately I’ve been drawn back to the late ’60s: songs, movies, inspiration. These pop culture years from 1967–1969 keep popping up throughout my days as either a wistful thought or nostalgic feeling. Maybe they’re accidental, or perhaps on purpose—I’m not sure which—but these happy memories follow me. I was 6-YO…
Destin Sandlin has been educating and entertaining us with his intriguing Smarter Everyday videos that explore the world through science and makes learning fun for all ages. He’s an engineer who loves space too, so that’s a win-win for me. 🙂 My favorite Smarter Everyday video is Mystery of Prince…
It’s best to learn this sooner than later and you’ll be a healthier, happier human being: Be your own personal trainer. Ultimately the ball is in your court no matter how many gyms you join or trainers you hire. You don’t need a gym or a class to be in…
Staying on a healthy track, meaning nutritious diet and regular exercise, takes serious focus and mental strength. You’ve got to be able to step outside your comfort zone—especially if your goal is to lose weight. A friend recently inspired me to get back to my fighting weight from one of…