In a world where loneliness has reached epidemic levels, connection has never been more crucial. Paradoxically, as society becomes more digitally “connected,” real, meaningful in-person connections are fading. And in a time when divisiveness seems to be at an all-time high, it’s easy to feel disconnected and isolated. But here’s the truth: humans are wired to live in community. We’re meant to lift each other up, to build one another’s confidence, and to create networks of support that can carry us through life’s highs and lows.

It’s that time of year when we lose a little more sunlight each day. Soon, we’ll “fall back,” and dinner time will look more like bedtime. This seasonal shift always takes me back to grad school, where the music building was mostly subterranean. I’d descend into its bowels before sunrise and ascend back into pitch black at the end of the day. That first spring day when I finally exited into the light felt like a revelation—I almost cried tears of joy.

Delegation is one of those tasks that, for a long time, I struggled to master. Growing up, I believed that “if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself.” This belief carried into my school years, where I often took over group projects to ensure things were done on my own terms. It always seemed easier to control everything than to trust others with something that felt important.

”How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” 

In a world that constantly demands more from us—whether it’s the rush to rebuild after a hurricane or the everyday pressures of work and life—it’s easy to feel that time is slipping through our fingers. Several people I know, who live in or have properties in Florida, have been experiencing the stress of preparing for the next hurricane. Some are still dealing with the damage from the last one, and now another is on its way. These moments can heighten the sense that there’s never enough time to get everything done, leaving us overwhelmed. The Tao te Ching offers a different perspective, one that reminds us to align with the natural flow of life and, in doing so, find a sense of abundance with the time we have.

"Stress is inevitable, but suffering is optional." While that may not be the exact quote, it’s a concept that can apply to stress too. In fact, 55% of Americans say that stress prevents them from fully enjoying life. And with the rising cost of living, political tensions, wars overseas, school shootings, and personal stressors, it’s no surprise that stress has a significant impact on our well-being.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or like you're constantly saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”? You’re not alone. For years, I said yes to everything for fear of hurting others’ feelings. I kept going until I was completely burnt out, and that burnout led to anger and frustration. But once I learned how to set boundaries, I could still show up—on my terms—and protect my energy.