Best of Ourselves

How much of our personal stories should we share, and why? When a friend called me courageous for writing openly about my husband’s illness, it prompted some unexpected questions. When does sharing create connection, and when does it become self-indulgent? Reflecting on a memorable conversation years ago, I explore the courage of vulnerability and the importance of discernment. Perhaps the greatest gift of telling our stories isn’t being seen as brave, but helping one another feel a little less alone. Resources The Web We Weave Choosing Love in a World Built on Dominance The post BOO542 – How Much of Our Story Should We Share? appeared first on Marcia Hyatt.

A community is built one act of kindness at a time. From neighbors stopping to help with a stranded car to showing up with paintbrushes, these everyday moments weave a web of connection and care. But I’ve been learning that strengthening this web isn’t just about giving. It’s also about being willing to receive. What if accepting kindness is itself a gift? Resources Choosing Love in a World Built on Dominance Finding More Kindness The post BOO541 – The Web We Weave appeared first on Marcia Hyatt.

What if strength isn’t something we build for ourselves alone? Inspired by the Grand Portage Band’s response to the closure of our local Coast Guard station, this reflection explores how Indigenous wisdom challenges our dominant story of competition, scarcity, and separateness—and invites us into a different way of living, grounded in connection, love, and shared belonging. Resources Imprisoned by Our Story Suffocating What Do You See? The post BOO540 – Encore – Choosing Love in a World Built on Dominance appeared first on Marcia Hyatt.

Taking time for a solo retreat is precious. It is a time to reflect more deeply.  This time my challenge was to have a “should-free” retreat.  My inner critic didn’t agree. Resources What is the Inner Critic Identifying the Inner Critic Working with the Inner Critic Listening to the Inner Voice The post BOO539 – Encore – Retreating From Shoulds appeared first on Marcia Hyatt.

What if we didn’t have to wait for life to get easier before we could fully live it? Drawing on the Buddhist story of the tiger and the strawberry, Marcia reflects on finding moments of sweetness in the midst of fear, uncertainty, and grief. The tiger may still be there—but so are a warm blanket, a deep breath, the love of friends, and the sweetness of this moment. Resources Breathe Living in Uncertainty The post BOO538 – This Is It! appeared first on Marcia Hyatt.