Tag: gratitude

SUN day

Kristine Binder

His jacket caught my eye first—Vietnam Veteran, embroidered across the back, the fabric worn but still holding its meaning.
“Thank you for your service,” I said as I passed him on the path.
“You’re welcome. What a cute dog…” he replied, his voice warm but quick to deflect my gratitude. He shifted the conversation almost immediately, turning his attention to Lucky, who, of course,  was delighted to be the center of it.
I slowed my pace and walked alongside him as he asked questions—How old is he? What kind of dog is he? Does he like walks? Simple questions, but I could tell they were more than small talk. This wasn’t just about my dog; this was about connection.
As we walked, he shared that getting out was hard for him these days. He was tired—tired of being inside but determined to take advantage of the spring sun while he could. I nodded, understanding in a way that had nothing to do with age or experience and everything to do with simply being human. Some days, moving forward is its own kind of victory.
After about a block, he slowed even more. “I need to sit,” he admitted.
“Do you need anything?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Nope, just need to catch my breath.”
So, Lucky and I continued on, leaving him there on walker seat, bathed in sunlight, watching the world go by.
I glanced back and snapped a quick photo—not of him directly, but of the moment. A man, resting in the sun, taking in the small joys of the day. And I wondered—how many people passed him without a word? How many were annoyed that he walked too slowly, or that he took up space in the middle of the sidewalk?
How many veterans go unnoticed and unappreciated every single day?
I don’t have the answer. But what I do know is that acknowledging someone—truly seeing them—costs nothing. And sometimes, even a few shared steps on a walk can be a reminder that we all need a little kindness, a little connection, and, every now and then, just a moment in the sun.
Because people matter. Moments matter. Taking a second to see someone, to hear them, to remind them that they are not invisible—it all matters. We never know what a simple smile, a kind word, or a small thank you might mean to someone else.
The world is busy, and life moves fast, but in the end, the smallest moments of connection might just be the most important ones.
Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

Banned

Kristine Binder

Today, I wandered into Half Price Books—just to browse, of course. While I was there, I pulled “The Color Purple” off the shelf, and a young woman (younger than me, probably late 20s) noticed and asked me about it. That little question sparked the most incredible conversation.
She and her friend, who was also carrying a stack of books, showed me a list of banned books on their phone. They’d made it their mission to read through the ones they hadn’t read—or were supposed to read in high school but didn’t—and were buying books to share among their circle of friends. I told her I had just posted yesterday about adding banned books I hadn’t read to my reading list, and her face lit up. She said so many of their coworkers and friends were doing the same thing—as small acts of resistance and education
And this… this is the power of books. The importance of reading. The strength of community. Books teach us, challenge us, remind us of who we are and who we can be.
So, I’ll ask: What are you reading? What’s on your list? Have you read any banned books recently? What banned books have you read that you would recommend to others? And how will you resist today?
Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

Grief

Kristine Binder

Grief is a strange, relentless companion. It comes in waves, some so powerful they knock me off my feet, while others gently lap at my ankles before receding into the background. Lately, though, the waves feel more like a storm. The world is so heavy right now, and I can feel that weight pressing down on my chest. Everywhere I turn, there seems to be another loss, another heartbreak, another reason to grieve.
Losing my dad has been a pain I can hardly describe. It’s not just the absence of his voice or his laugh—it’s the absence of his presence in my life, the anchor he provided, the memories we’ll never create. On top of that, dear friends of mine are mourning loved ones. A young person I cherished as if they were my own has left this world far too soon. Each loss feels like another stone added to the pile I carry, threatening to bury me.There are moments when it all feels so overwhelming that I want to crawl into bed, pull the covers over my head, and disappear. The thought of facing another day, carrying another burden, is sometimes too much to bear. But then there are other moments—moments when that grief fuels a fire in me to fight. To show up for my children, my students, my community. To prove that love and resilience can be louder than hate and despair.
Being my mother’s emergency contact now is a new weight I hadn’t prepared for. It’s a role that feels heavy with responsibility and the reminder of how fragile life is. Sometimes, the pressure of it all feels like it might crush me. But then I remember: forward is my pace. Even if it’s just baby steps, I keep moving. One foot in front of the other. One moment at a time.
Grief, I’ve learned, doesn’t go away. It shifts, it changes, and it continues to wash over me in unexpected moments. Some days, I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water. Other days, I find glimmers of peace when the waves recede. But within those waves, I try to find the strength to swim. To reach out to others. To remind myself that while the world feels heavy, we don’t have to carry it alone.
Peace is not always easy to find, but it is there—waiting in the moments when the waves recede, offering us the chance to catch our breath. Let’s take those baby steps together, reminding ourselves that we don’t have to face it alone. In the moments when the storm calms, we can find breath, and maybe even hope, together.
If you’re reading this and you’re feeling the weight of your own grief, know that you’re not alone. Take those baby steps, no matter how small. Cry if you need to. Rest if you can. Fight when you’re ready. And remember: forward is always a pace.
Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

Deserving

Kristine Binder

The world shifted on January 20, 2025. So much of what we once knew and relied on seems to have vanished. Countless people now feel unsafe in their own country, and those who love them are grappling with helplessness.
I wish I could offer something profound or inspirational, but I don’t have all the answers. I’m not here to lead the way. I’m here to sit in this moment—in all its messiness—right alongside you. I’ll sit with these feelings for a while longer, and then I’ll do what I do best: share kindness and love. I’ll rise to protect those I love and care for. I’ll fight for the vulnerable.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, loved, and valued—whether at home, in school, at work, or in their communities. No one should endure rejection, discrimination, or harm because of who they are, where they are from  or who they love. The attacks on LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities are not just political; they are assaults on human dignity. They fracture families, friendships, and communities, and they serve no purpose but to spread division and pain.
To every transgender, queer, nonbinary, and marginalized individual: Your life MATTERS. You are seen. You are powerful. Your life has purpose and meaning. Walking in your truth is an act of courage and strength, and every step you take toward being your authentic self shows the resilience that lies within you. You are deserving of love, respect, and kindness. Your existence brings light and beauty to the world. Please remember that you are valued, you are enough, and you are deeply loved. The world is brighter and better because of you. 
I will continue to show up, speak up, and stand up for immigrant and vulnerable communities. Advocacy has always been a part of who I am, but now I’m stepping fully into that role with unwavering determination. We can feel everything—grief, fear, anger—but then we move forward. We count down the days of the next four years, yes, but let’s not forget that we can make a difference much sooner by taking action right now.
Take the time you need to process your feelings. If you need a hug, a listening ear, or just someone to sit with you in the stillness, I’m here. But I won’t let you stay in that place too long. We have work to do.
I love you.
You matter.
You belong.
Together, we rise, move forward, to create a better, kinder, more accepting world.

Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

59

Kristine Binder

Today is my birthday, and as I celebrate another trip around the sun, I’ve been reflecting on the countless lessons life has taught me. From the deepest heartaches to the most glittery triumphs, here are 60 lessons I’ve learned so far – with a few bonus ones sprinkled in because, well, why not? Life is too short not to add a little extra sparkle.

59 Life Lessons I’ve Learned:

  1. Love isn’t always simple, but it’s always worth it.
  2. Grief doesn’t go away; it transforms. You learn to weave it into the fabric of your life.
  3. A wagging tail can remind you that joy often comes in the simplest moments and that love is unconditional.
  4. Kindness is the quietest revolution, but the most powerful one.
  5. Pink isn’t just a color; it’s an attitude.
  6. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so fill it with what fuels your soul.
  7. Glitter isn’t just an accessory; it’s a way of life.
  8. The best ideas often begin with a whisper of possibility.
  9. Showing up for the people you love is the ultimate act of courage.
  10. Life’s too short not to create your own moments of magic.
  11. Outgrowing things doesn’t mean failure; it’s a sign of growth.
  12. The art of saying no is the art of protecting your peace.
  13. Often, a hug speaks volumes and no words are needed.
  14. Dancing in the kitchen is sometimes better than a  grand celebration.
  15. Losing someone reshapes you, but their love stays alive in your heart forever.
  16. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in the pages of a good book.
  17. Keep showing up. Consistency is underrated but transformative.
  18. Sunrises are whispers from the universe, reminding you to begin again.
  19. Hope isn’t just a mindset; it’s a daily practice.
  20. Lead with joy. It’s infectious in the best way.
  21. The mirror reflects your only competition. Be better than you were yesterday.
  22. A great joke or a belly laugh can feel like a tiny miracle.
  23. Sometimes, the best therapy is a run (or walk) in fresh air.
  24. Heartbreak is life’s way of reshaping your heart for something bigger.
  25. Gratitude makes even the smallest moments bigger.
  26. Helping others lights a fire within you.
  27. Tears can be soul-cleansing.
  28. Growth often comes from the messiest chapters of life.
  29. Fear isn’t an enemy; it’s an indicator of something worth pursuing.
  30. Music has the power to mend what words cannot.
  31. Advocating for what’s right is rarely easy, but it’s always worthwhile.
  32. Celebrate the small victories; they’re the foundation of success.
  33. A hot cup of tea can soothe both body and soul.
  34. Hard days will come, but so will better ones. Hold on.
  35. Community is the backbone of a life well-lived. Find yours.
  36. A tutu isn’t just an outfit; it’s an unapologetic declaration of joy.
  37. Magic is hidden in the smallest, quietest moments. Seek it out.
  38. You can’t fix everything, but you can always show up.
  39. Forgiveness and making amends liberates you more than anyone else.
  40. A handwritten note can change someone’s day. Write them often.
  41. Being present is the greatest gift you can offer.
  42. Leap before you’re ready; trust the net will appear.
  43. Listen with your whole heart; it’s the key to connection.
  44. Reinvention isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
  45. Love and loss are intertwined. Embrace both.
  46. Rewrite your story as often as you need to. You hold the pen.
  47. A candlelit evening at home can be as magical as a night out.
  48. Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones you take with music as your only guide.
  49. The most meaningful work often happens in silence.
  50. Let people know they matter; never leave it unsaid.
  51. Love…just love. Let love lead. 
  52. A touch of glitter makes everything feel more festive.
  53. Surround yourself with those who fan your flames, not extinguish them.
  54. Life’s messy, beautiful, and worth every second.
  55. There’s a unique magic in the rhythm of waves; spending time near the water soothes the mind, heals the soul, and reminds us of life’s endless ebb and flow.
  56. The most extraordinary moments are often wrapped in ordinary days.
  57. Joy is an act of rebellion. Choose it every day.
  58. Resume virtues may build a career, but eulogy virtues—kindness, integrity, love, and generosity—are what truly create a meaningful and unforgettable life.
  59. Love is love is love is love is love, infinite and transformative; it has the power to heal, uplift, empower, inspire, and remind us of the beauty and light within us all.

    Here’s to another year of learning, loving, and living life with all the sparkle, grief, laughter, and tutus it has to offer. Thanks for being part of my journey. Now, let’s celebrate!

    Peace,
    #tutulady
    #forwardisapace