Author: Kristen West

  • Choosing to Love

    Storefronts and florists are awash with red and pink décor this week as they promote Valentine’s Day.  And, many people are looking for a feeling that’s as ooey-gooey as the centers of those gourmet chocolates they hope to get.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-Valentine’s Day and I certainly love getting flowers and…

  • The Power of a Hug

    It was a simple lunch date with a friend in her home.  I wasn’t really anticipating a life lesson. As I drove up, I spotted my friend and her 16-month old daughter at the glass entryway door – smiling and waving. Once inside, we chatted for a bit and then prepared to eat.  My friend…

  • Being Significant

    Did you ever wonder how significant you are? Years ago, I had a lofty goal – I wanted to be a television anchor on the six o’clock news in a big city.  So, armed with my newly-acquired Journalism degree, I sent in multiple applications to newsroom executives.  I followed-up with a flurry of telephone calls…

  • The Need to Train

    Two of my four children hold black belts in karate.  I can attest that they didn’t achieve those overnight.  Countless hours – multiple times a week – were spent in dojos.  The routine of practicing form exercises and hand-to-hand strategies were sharpened and perfected each week as they trained.  Several times a year, we would…

  • Ever Step in ‘It’?

    It was a beautiful, sunny, chilly day that beckoned me to take a walk outside.  I answered the call by putting on my puffy jacket and lacing up my walking shoes.  The moment I stepped outside, I could see my breath every time I exhaled.  Ahhhhhh, perfect! Instead of walking on the pavement, I opted…