Why it pops up for some things and not others I'm not sure. With any strong emotions, I try to breathe with it, be gentle with myself and examine what in myself might need some love and care.

As I begin another year of my life, one of the things I need to work to cultivate is spaciousness in my life. I am so task orientated. I need to work to slow down a bit more, to play more, to rest a bit more, to just be more. That is something I inspire to do on this next journey around the sun.

But it has pained me to see the rose garden paved over and to see the ugly ballroom, that will be constructed and to see this historical building being tarnished. But I know we'll get to the other side of this and get through it. That this will pass.

Every president starting with John Adams has lived there. It was mostly burned down by the British in 1814, but rebuilt from its original foundation and it has been changed and remodeled many times over the years. Each president making their own unique changes.

All these people wanting to help and support queer youth in a time they so deeply need it. All these people and organizations freely giving of their time and material resources. I was moved to tears by the love and generosity of others.

if I'm reading something, it'll make me more nervous so I memorize what it is I am going to say but try to give it the feeling of being spontaneous and in the moment as I am giving upbeat energy, no matter how I'm feeling.