Author: joannaalizio

We spend so much of our time and energyplacing expectations on others What if weused our precious time on earth insteadto look within? Would we be scared of what we’d find?Would it too closely resemble what we’re trying to change about everyone else?Would it be too ugly to face? What if westood bravely and confronted… Continue reading What if we

How dare I be brave and liberated?That’s not what I was made for.I arrived on this earth as a surprisesoft and sweettaught to be paper thin, amenable, and quietclutching a hand full of compliments and doling them out generously like trick or treat candy. Treat others with kindness above all else.Trick yourself into thinking it’s… Continue reading This is you.

If you could simply reach out and touchall the words left unsaidI’d implore you to gather them up as secret treasures. Take them home and sort them out. If you do, I imagine you’d find the meaning of life splayed out neatly and concretely on your floor. Among the words we never say, each of… Continue reading Words left unsaid

Joy: I’ve been side stepping and evading your touchknowing full well I’m not worthy of your true power. You’ve sought me out, on occasion, revealing a sense of lightness.But, what joy could I possibly allow within me following a sister snatched too soon? She’s not here, nor there. She can’t hear me anymorebecause she left… Continue reading One-way conversation

I don’t often feel grateful for the situation I’m in. Normally I’m in a dizzying storm of exhaustion twisted up with feeling multiple emotions at the same time while trying to put on a normal, appropriate face around others when it’s all brewing inside me. Sometimes I’ll dare to admit, “I’m just not feeling right”,… Continue reading The gift of gratitude

Henry, you should have been there.Well, you were, but I mean today, specifically. I thought of you as I passed slowly by the replica of the tiny cabin where you escaped a society that didn’t suit you. Can I admit to you that I’m not sure it suits me either? I wish I could ask… Continue reading Walden Pond

Last week at dinner as my ten year old son sat across the table from me, I noticed him studying my face—the way he does when he’s trying to figure me out. He was born wise and is a person who truly sees me. He’s like a super hero whose super power is x-ray vision… Continue reading X-ray vision

“Strength in numbers,” they say.Numbers are sometimes what I require.An outstretched hand, a kind look, company. Today I needed me…to be brave.I peeked out from the shade of the cloud I’m sitting under—the one that follows me incessantly.I let the sun graze my handsjust to see how it felt, but just for a few moments.… Continue reading How to stay in the sun

Today I was joking around with one of the dads at the school bus stop. I saw him coming down the road and as soon as he was within earshot I said, “How you doing? New year, new you?”. He’s chatted with me enough times at this point to immediately know I’m completely full of… Continue reading New year, new you

What happens when a woman finally stops being selfless?What’s possible when she prioritizes herself?What if she stops believing what she’s been told by society will make her truly happy? I’m stopping on this wild and stormy day in December for the first time in my life.I choose to listen deeply to myself to answer these… Continue reading Claw machine