January 2023 – Amanda Herring, Writer

GASLIGHTING

“Etymology” is the study of the origin and evolution of words. I love words. I always have. “History & Grammar of the English Language” was one of my favorite classes in college. (Nerd alert!) I like reading about how words and phrases came to be, how they are used, and why some fade away yetContinue reading “GASLIGHTING”

Insecurity

This morning, I saw a lady on Instagram curating her beautiful house, tending her garden, and canning vegetables in ornate jars. I felt bad about myself. I flipped to a reel, and a girl was encouraging everyone to organize and minimize. She panned across her stark, clean living room. I felt bad about myself. IContinue reading “Insecurity”

Strength

When I think of “strength”, what comes to mind? Muscles. Hercules. Brut force. Maybe pushing and pulling, carrying a heavy load. Sometimes I think of emotional strength. Standing stoically at a funeral. Walking into a first chemo treatment. Testifying in court against an assailant, in front of the assailant. What about mental strength? Taking theContinue reading “Strength”

NYC Trip Highlights & Epiphanies

I was over the moon to be in New York City last week with my daughter! We have never taken a trip, just the two of us, so it was super special. We had no real itinerary either, other than having secured tickets to two Broadway shows, which made it even better. We were prettyContinue reading “NYC Trip Highlights & Epiphanies”

NYC Bound

First time experience for me and my girl! We get to take a girls’ trip to New York City… just us! I’m excited, but I miss my hubs already. We are ALWAYS together, and we love traveling together. It was hard to leave him this morning. I hope he knows how much I appreciate thisContinue reading “NYC Bound”

Underdogs. Resilience. Choice.

I admire people who make come backs after huge losses. I admire people who went through some seemingly impossible-to-survive storm then used that storm as motivation to grow and get better. I admire people who have suffered yet somehow managed to keep their faith strong anyway. I admire people who supported someone else through aContinue reading “Underdogs. Resilience. Choice.”

Rethink Your Resolutions

To “resolve” to do something is to decide firmly to make it happen. To be “resolute” is to be determined and focused. A “resolution” is the statement we make declaring what we’re about to do, often a change we want to make. Is making New Year’s Resolutions a good idea? Change is good, right? Maybe.Continue reading “Rethink Your Resolutions”