The (Obvious) Smoke in an Elevator

By: Gabriela Yareliz Sometimes, our gut feeling and intuition is blunt and clear. We receive the message and understand it immediately. I stood there clutching some recycling as the elevator door rolled open. I was eager to get into the elevator as it’s the only way into the basement where the trash and recycling areContinue reading “The (Obvious) Smoke in an Elevator”

Iranians Fight for Freedom

By: Gabriela Yareliz The fight for freedom. It’s a fight that will never get old. A fight worth engaging in. It’s the deep craving of the soul. Iran went dark days ago. The only footage that has been released was thanks to Starlink. Eyes are on Iran, and many here, especially the large Iranian populationContinue reading “Iranians Fight for Freedom”

The Toxic Mom Group

By: Gabriela Yareliz In the pop culture news this week was Ashley Tisdale French’s The Cut article, Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group. She doesn’t name the members of the group but simply explains the dynamics of it and why it was time to make her exit. She must have known people would digContinue reading “The Toxic Mom Group”

Shadows

“We’re literally paying subscription fees to watch characters who represent the worst versions of ourselves.” Kelly Oxford By: Gabriela Yareliz Erwin McManus, the creator and author of The Seven Frequencies of Communication, has often said that when we watch modern TV shows such as Succession, what we are watching are people expressing shadow communication frequencies.Continue reading “Shadows”

Waldorf Glamour

By: Gabriela Yareliz Night fell on the Upper East Side. After a delicious raclette sandwich, we navigated the pockets of sidewalk ice and dark residential buildings. We passed the new JP Morgan Chase building, which is stunning (like a monument to capitalism— it stands there with the biggest Christmas wreaths I have ever seen, ‘HappyContinue reading “Waldorf Glamour”

Closing Out 2025

By: Gabriela Yareliz It’s cold and gray out here in NYC. Feels like 12F outside. It’s sick, but this is the price we pay for all seasons. Some slushy mountains of snow remain. The truth is, there are days when I can close my eyes and see the sunset at Cedar Key, salty air hittingContinue reading “Closing Out 2025”

Traditions

“Traditions carry hidden powers. They shape us, steady us, and teach us who we are. They’re worth maintaining. And when they eventually fade, they’re worth rebuilding.” Michael Easter By: Gabriela Yareliz I saw the funniest video of David Grutman on his stories the other day. I mean, “funny” and Grutman often go hand-in-hand. I haveContinue reading “Traditions”

For the In-Between Days

By: Gabriela Yareliz Snow is falling softly outside. We are under winter advisory. None of us knows which day of the week it is. We are in the in-between days that lead us to a new chapter. This new iPhone update is trippy. I read a while and spent too much time on Pinterest. IContinue reading “For the In-Between Days”

Merry Christmas Eve

“It’s Christmas Eve, the night of miracles.” Sarah Ban Breathnach By: Gabriela Yareliz Merry Christmas Eve! Our advent calendars end tonight. (Mine has been a source of so much excitement this season). This break time has been a much-needed tension detox for me. What have I been up to? Some longs walks, cleaning and laundry,Continue reading “Merry Christmas Eve”

Born of the Fire

“It’s ok not to feel ‘festive’ this year. All your emotions are welcome and darling, the feeling is the healing. Wishing you all the space and grace to feel as you do, remembering that no feeling is permanent. Allow it to move through you, and it might just make space for something fresh and new.”Continue reading “Born of the Fire”