Ann Elizabeth Grace, Author

Lately I have been interested in the nature of giving: what I give, and more importantly, how. My aim is to give with integrity. To me this is about giving without a hidden agenda, whether it is time, energy, help, money, gifts, supportive words, a listening ear, or something else entirely. When I choose to give, I want to do so freely, without expecting anything back that others have not agreed to.

Sometimes we reach out to people hoping they will return the action in some way. This is fine if there is a clear, mutual agreement. But if there is not, we may find ourselves feeling resentful, or resorting to indirect or coercive tactics to try to get what we want. This is not fair to the people to whom we are giving, and it’s no fun for anyone. It is important to be aware of our true motives when we give. We might think our intentions are pure, but if we dig deeper, discover that we feel other people owe us something—even if they never explicitly agreed to it. Read more…

The best gift you can give yourself in 2013 is the decision to follow your calling. This is the path that is uniquely right for you. It encompasses every area of life, from your work and relationships to your heartaches and hopes. Following your calling might sound complicated, but it’s not. It’s as simple as checking in with yourself as often as you can.

Below are three tips for following your calling in 2013:

1. Tell the Truth—to Yourself. Self-honesty is central to following our calling. This means identifying what we need to let go, as well as what we want to create. Take stock of what you need to release from 2012. What is taking up too much space in your life? Consider beliefs, relationship dynamics, grudges, material objects, habits, and ways you spend your time that are no longer serving you. Think about a small change you can make within yourself.

On the flip side, reflect on what you have been longing for. What feels like the next, right step in your life? Read more…

Like countless others, I adore the poem “The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver. Her final lines are the most well known: Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? On the inner level, my purpose is constant: to awaken fully to the truth of my being. On the outer level, I don’t feel a need for a sweeping answer to Oliver’s question. My life unfolds in stages and scenes, each one revealing its plans in the perfect time and way. This moment calls me to nourish my budding family of three: to fan the inexpressible joy of my marriage, to be a clear presence for my infant son, to care gently for myself. I trust that the next acts will encompass this same focus and will open beautiful new doors as well. 

Read on and consider the unfolding of your own wild and precious path…

For all who have lost loved ones: This is one of the most stunning poems I have ever come across. (I couldn’t resist sharing it here.)

A little note for Long Islanders~

Next Tuesday, May 22nd at 9:45am, I will be a guest on Bonnie Grice's radio program, "The Eclectic Cafe," at WPPB 88.3 FM. We'll talk tips for new graduates and more…

Tune in if you can!

This morning I attended a moving Unitarian Earth Day service. I was reminded that we belong to the Earth—not the other way around, to be mindful of where my food comes from, and to look up when I’m walking. One of my favorite personal memories also came rushing back: hugging a Sequoia tree in California’s Sequoia National Park a few years ago. Before that day, I had never seen or touched trees like the Sequoias. They were absolutely enormous, with a vivid, striking, reddish color. Their 2,000+-year-old powers instantly put every concern of my life into perspective.

But I digress. At the service this morning, a musician named Pat Killian performed a song he wrote called “Given.” Now…I’ve always cried easily (a colleague once affectionately referred to me as the “office crier”)…but I’m seven months pregnant, so the poignant lyrics melted me into a puddle.  Read more…

I am deeply touched and inspired by this video of 108-year-old Holocaust survivor Alice Herz Sommer (being interviewed by Tony Robbins). Her beautiful smile and message of thankfulness blow me away.

I still haven't figured out how to upload videos to my blog, but you can Click Here for the link!

My dear friend in Beijing, Enoch, just posted a lovely blog inspired by our friendship. After taking several weeks to reply to a note I had sent her, Enoch wrote me an email of apology. From my perspective, no apology was needed. I messaged her back with the assurance that I’m a “no guilt, no pressure” friend…and that I would be fine even if she did not get back to me at all. I want her to make the choices that are best for her, not to worry about taking care of me. My friends can come and go as they like!

This simple exchange opened a very cool dialogue between Enoch and me, and I appreciate her reflections, along with the thoughtful comments to her post.

Click Here to read Enoch's blog, if you like.

Thanks to all who braved the blustery Saturday and came out to my book signing! What a great day—here’s a photo:

Hi, all! I have a book signing coming up, and would love for you to stop by if you’re in the area. At some point during the day I’ll give a talk about my book, Confusion to Clarity: The Twentysomething’s Guide to Finding Your Calling.

Here are the details:

Hope to see you there!