And Still, We Begin I don’t know about you, but I have mixed feelings about the start of a new year. Some years feel like an adventure waiting to happen. Mikelle may have opportunities just over the horizon—new ideas, new connections, new ways to grow her work and her life in […]
And, Still We Begin…again. Read More »
Some friendships arrive quietly. They don’t announce themselves as life-changing. They simply show up — again and again — until one day you realize they helped shape who you are and what you believe. This holiday season, as we gathered for Secret Santa with the Shining Beautiful team and shared brunch with friends, we found
The Friendships that Last. Read More »
It’s one of the foundational rules of improv comedy. You don’t deny the situation; you accept it and then build on it. It feels like the script has been thrown out in times like these. So what do we do? At Shining Beautiful, we lean into life like improv artists: eyes open, hearts steady, saying
Living Life Like Improv: Saying “Yes” to Change in Uncertain Times Read More »
Change – the pace of change is real! None of us could have planned for COVID, protests, economic challenges, job loss, and alterations in services for our families. I know Mikelle, and I never thought we would be social distancing. Our focus has always been on being active in our community. Mikelle and I
Flexibility, Creativity, and Hope: Our Everyday Power Tools Read More »
Now that Mikelle and I are both older—she is approaching forty-two, and I am well into my next chapter—I often look back on the winding path that brought us here. Time has given me the perspective to reflect on what truly made the difference in helping her shape her future. It wasn’t just the therapies,
From Baby Swings to Business Cards: Raising Resilient, Capable Adults. Read More »
The Lingering Scent of Conflict Conflict smells vague and bitter—like day-old coffee, sulfur before a match ignites, or uncollected trash lingering too long on a sweltering day. It clings to frozen sidewalks on a frosty morning, settling into the cracks of daily life. Left unattended, conflict can shudder a window, shut a door, or close a once-open
Love in the Crossfire: Navigating Valentine’s Day in a Divided World Read More »
A few weeks ago, I stood in the halls of the Colorado State Capitol, surrounded by families, advocates, and individuals with disabilities. It wasn’t just another day—it was a day to advocate for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and ensure the voices of those who rely on these essential services were heard loud and clear. Mikelle, as always,
Showing Up Matters: Why We Took Our Advocacy to the State Capitol Read More »
The Arrival of Winter’s Chill It is dawn on a cold winter morning, a sharp contrast to the days prior when temperatures soared to nearly sixty degrees. Now, water droplets—frozen mid-flight—fall from the darkened heavens above. Each one is unique and intricate, with a center surrounded by six crystalline arms. Their architecture depends on
Embracing the Storm: Rise, Transform and Carry on. Read More »
As the last holiday feasts are enjoyed, the parties quiet down, and the resolutions begin to take shape, we enter a new year filled with uncertainty and possible cuts to our beloved long-term services and supports. While often stressful, the holiday season brings exceptional warmth and joy to those who celebrate. At Shining Beautiful, we
New Year, New Reality: Navigating 2025 with Strength and Grace Read More »
A time of good cheer. The holiday season is always a special time for the Shining Beautiful Team. It’s a chance to gather with our favorite people, share laughter, and celebrate all the moments that make life meaningful. But this year, like so many others, we’ve had to adjust and find new ways to embrace
A Shining Beautiful Christmas: Finding Joy in the Little Things Read More »
