For many years I misguidedly sought happiness where it didn’t exist. I didn’t understand the principles upon which it flowed. I did things that most people say are important or will make you happy (traveling the world, striving toward achievement, or taking on big and interesting projects), only to discover that happiness did not flow…
The Day I Discovered My Father Was a Soviet
It was February 2008, and I was living in Moscow with a Russian host family. It was the evening of Election Day–a day when Russians voted for their new president, President Medvedev. The occasion gave me the opportunity to talk to my Russian host dad about a topic I had avoided: communism and politics in Russia….
Addiction and The Man In the Maze
“What’s that?” I asked Lehi Sanchez, pointing the large, silver ring on his index finger. Lehi is a talented artist and a Native American of Navajo descent. “This?” he pulled off the ring and handed it to me. “It’s ‘the man in the maze,’ a Native American symbol commonly found in Southwest Arizona. It’s a…
Mercy and Pardon For You and Me
I’m beginning to enjoy funerals. When I was young I thought they were painful. As I’ve grown, I’ve come to appreciate how often funerals cut through all the nonsense in life and get right to the heart of matters. Last week I attended the funeral of a relative I’ll call Carl. I did not know…
Dancing Through Life
What if you were able to take your weaknesses, failings, and disappointments and channel them into something life-changing for others? This is the power of one! Alycesun Marie Clare (or Miss Clare, as her students know her) is a great example of this in her life. Aly has a story of deep despair and heartache…
Who Determines Your Worth?
Stephanie was 21 years old and engaged to a man she was crazy about. Everything but the gown was planned–the date, the colors, the venue. Announcements were out, the vendors were selected, and the bridesmaid dresses were picked out. It was her future, and she was thrilled about all of it. The lucky man was…
Making a Child's Day
As I walked through the front door, I heard two little voices excitedly yell from down the hall, “Dan’s home! Dan, will you come play with us?!” 4-year-old Gordon and 6-year-old Grace came running around the corner as they waved, “Hi Dan!” They had friends over, and were playing in the back room while their…
Dreams May Break, But We Don't Have To
Daniela Lopez is one of the nicest, sweetest, and most loving of persons I know. However, you would never guess how much pain and courage is there behind her kind and smiling eyes. “I have no family right now. My dreams are broken.” Since her childhood, Daniela believed that family was the foundation of everything:…
The Need For Distraction
After working at ANASAZI for 2 1/2 years I noticed a very interesting pattern appear. First of all, let me explain what happens when teens first show up at ANASAZI. They are given the opportunity to use their gift of choice to change their clothes, give up all their possessions (most of the time), and walk…