It feels like life has been particularly heavy for so many people this summer.
There are countless hard stories of loss and displacement—at a time when many of us anticipate a bit of summertime reprieve.

I’d like to share a few thoughts from that season—both to help you navigate your own valleys and to strengthen the way you walk alongside others through theirs.

Feeling overwhelmed?

You’re not alone. Whether it’s the news, work, personal commitments, or the sheer volume of life’s demands, overwhelm can leave you feeling stuck and exhausted. But the good news is—you can come back to calm….and compassionate. 

As the days grow shorter and darkness wraps itself around our evenings, this time of year can feel heavy for many. The dim light and colder air often mirror an inward pull, drawing us into reflection—or sometimes restlessness. Yet, in this physical darkness lies an invitation to discover the profound power of focus, particularly on what many might overlook: the glimmers of joy, gratitude, and meaning that illuminate our lives in surprising ways.