These days, we are called upon to sort and shift and sift all kinds of information in a nano second. Sometimes, we need to make decisions in the same super-fast-snap-your-fingers-and-be-right-this-instant, kind of way. That can feel like a lot of pressure.

Some things may take longer to process—-big decisions about career, … read more »

We hear a lot these days about developing core strength.  Most of the time it is related to a Pilates workout or in developing “six-pack” abs.  But, there is another core, even more important to understand and develop.

 Affter more than a quarter century behind bars,  Nelson Mandela, African human rights … read more »

Recently, I had the opportunity to see two women conduct a workshop together. Their presentation lasted over a series of three days, talking about grace, courage, and compassion. They wove stories of their own lives into the subject matter but the unifying force and the thing that grabbed me was … read more »

Reach
by Kate Van Raden

Hands caress skin
And heal wounds
Hands make love
And seal tombs
Hands bind people
And break bones
Slap high fives
And build homes
Hands write words
Bring babies to light
Pull triggers
And stop fights
Hands shield eyes
And rip clothes
Hands cut ties
And kill foes
Hands feed mouths
And close doors
Wash feet
And pay whores
Hands illustrate speech
Scratch an itch
Plant seeds
And catch fish
Hands paint faces
And climb trees
Cut hair
And collect fees
Hands pick flowers
And bury pets
Skip stones
And repay debts
Hands kneed dough
And make beds
Massage backs
And shave heads
Hands tickle ribs
Paint walls
Call friends
And break falls
Hands type
And Create art
Hands love together
But live apart

Kate Van Raden is a gifted young writer who expresses the lessons and experiences of her life through poetry and prose. She began keeping poetry notebooks at the age of 10. Now, at 25, she still relies heavily on her writing to relate to those around her. Her formal training has included apprenticing under several professional authors, an internship in publishing, and a degree in Spanish Literature. This girl really folds back her hair and invites you to play in the alleys and horizons of her mind…wear something comfortable and bring your heart, you might be in there all day!

BLESSED ARE THE FLEXIBLE, FOR THEY SHALL NEVER BEND OUT OF SHAPE.
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