Tag: life

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

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

58

Kristine Binder

As I embark on another journey around the sun this week, I find myself reflecting on the 58 years I’ve spent on this planet. Last year, I shared 57 lessons I had learned, and while those remain true, I want to add one more:

58. Embrace the journey. Every twist, turn, and detour has its purpose.

This past year, I’ve truly embraced the journey. I welcomed people into my life and into my home, I let some of those same people(and others) go, I encouraged my children to spread their wings despite my fears, I took advantage of opportunities that scared me for all sorts of reasons from anxiety to financial, I took charge of situations that, had I not ‘done the work’ I would never have been capable of handling, I broke and I healed (more than once),  set new boundaries, and discovered the joy of my own company.
Getting older isn’t easy—it comes with its challenges. Yet, it’s also liberating. I have learned so much about myself, my life and my past that as I move forward, I have made peace with it all. Every day I see people that are so afraid of the aging process from skin to trauma. They fight for relevance and importance. If I died today, I would be ok with it. I am at peace with where I am in life and who I am. I know that I have made a lasting impact on this world. I also know that life will go on once I am gone….and I am really ok with that fact. 
Being at peace requires inner work—acceptance, love, letting go of the past, and acknowledging accomplishments. Yes, I still grapple with struggles; I’m only human. Surrounding myself with empowering women and seeking therapy keeps me accountable, fostering continual growth.
The next year is a mystery, and I’ve started it by manifesting new and exciting things. With an open heart and mind, I eagerly anticipate the lessons this year will bring.  What lesson will I learn this year to add to the list…..who knows, but let’s get started! Here’s to the journey ahead!
Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace