Author: Connie Perez

For friends. This Sunday is Friendship Day. A day when we celebrate old friends, new friends, long distance friends, close friends, those friends we see often, and those we see once in a blue moon. We celebrate, especially, those characters in our lives who stir our ambition, those who snap us back to reality, those…

For those who nurture my faith. Especially, my husband. When all hell breaks loose and the struggles get real, there is nothing like having people in your life who will step up and reassure you that things will be alright because someone is watching over you. If you’re a person of faith, whatever your religion,…

For “Life goals!” It’s so easy to get discouraged nowadays given the state of our world. We fear for our children’s future most of all. Does it feel kind of hopeless at times? Maybe. But that’s why I think it’s so important to encourage our children, and ourselves, to have goals. Instead of resting on…

For patience — a priceless virtue in our fast-paced lives. We need patience while in traffic; at the store and on the phone; patience with our co-workers; patience with our kids, our spouses, our parents, and our friends. Patience with ourselves! And, most of all, we need patience while we wait on God to do…

For those who set the right tone. Like Jose, one of my building’s security guards, who holds the door open for us every morning and greets us with a super cheerful “Good morning, happy [whatever day of the week it may be]!” I must confess that some days on my walk up to that door,…

For unrealized blessings. Can one run out of things for which to be thankful? Never. We can pass our days muttering to ourselves a bunch of thank-yous, for big things and little things; good things that happened and bad things that didn’t. Even if yesterday we were thankful for our health, or our kids, or…

For this great season. Summer means beach and pool. Here in Florida, most of the year really, but especially now. As we head out to enjoy our outdoor activities, please don’t forget the sunscreen, use caution, never be in the water alone, and hang out with someone who can swim. And speaking of swimmers, it’s…

For one heck of a journey! In 1997, we visited our first national park. What we thought would be just another vacation with the kids, turned into a national park quest. For 20 years, we’ve been fortunate to visit and explore some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Some of them so awesome and…

For tough skin and a soft heart. I’m a measured person. Still, these days I almost feel obligated to tiptoe through my day. How exhausting. I don’t dare to elaborate here, but, in a nutshell, it seems the “No Vacancy” signs are blinking bright at all the super crowded “safe spaces” out there. Perhaps I…

That we will hug again. Remembering my sister today on her birthday. Gone too soon. The best thing about having her, was that I always knew I had a friend, no matter what. The best thing about missing her, is that I know we will hug again. And for that, I am thankful. Who do…