The author reflects on the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced world, sharing experiences from a Water Protectors camp opposing an oil pipeline. Emphasizing listening and understanding, the project with the McKnight Foundation aims to engage communities in meaningful conversations about their concerns, identities, and stories to foster deeper connections and improvements. Continue reading Starting slowly
The content reflects on a transformative journey of storytelling across the U.S., where individuals share personal experiences related to healing, courage, and prevention of various social issues. Emphasizing hope and resilience, it highlights the importance of listening, community support, and the proactive quest for solutions to life’s challenges. Continue reading Healing
Last weekend, I attended the Great American Think-Off in New York Mills, Minnesota, where contestants debated the prompt, “Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?” Allen Taylor won this year’s event. This Think-Off marks the beginning of a two-year project to explore various reflections on American identity and progress. Continue reading Happiness
In 2025, the organization made significant strides, leading 32 major engagements across 13 states and reaching thousands with impactful stories. Support from donors was crucial for this growth, helping cultivate hope and community connection, while navigating challenges like mental health and addiction. Continue reading 2025 year in review
A Peace of My Mind is launching a fall fundraiser to support its growth and upcoming projects in 2026. The organization has expanded operations, upgraded equipment, and initiated new storytelling endeavors. Donations are crucial for sustaining and enhancing these efforts, as new content creation is not revenue-generating. Support from donors shapes the future of the initiative. Continue reading Help A Peace of My Mind Continue Its Impact in 2026
For this series, we are partnering with longtime friend and journalist Barry Yeoman. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Barry has lived and worked in Louisiana and has written extensively about the complexities of culture, environment, and economy along the state’s coastline. You can learn more about Barry’s work here. Together, we crafted the arc of the series and identified the specific people to interview. Barry … Continue reading Still Here: Stories from a fragile coastline
This trip to Northern Ireland was an experiment. We set out to see if it was possible to line up and gather a series of stories that could get at the heart of how that place has navigated their history of sectarian violence. How they have moved toward healing. And the work that is left to do. I was traveling with our three summer interns … Continue reading Exploring Hope: Stories from Northern Ireland’s Healing Journey
It’s been a whirlwind since I returned from Ireland a couple weeks back, but I wanted to update you on what’s unfolding from this exploratory trip. The short story is wow. Just, wow. But, of course there’s more. I had in mind that this could offer a chance to build on some existing relationships and develop new ones, all to lay the foundation for a … Continue reading Northern Ireland update
Here’s the question… Can we do this thing we do internationally? Can we make good connections? Can we find interesting people to interview? Can we understand well enough the issues that other places are facing to listen and engage and learn along the way? Can we navigate the logistics and the language and the varied power supplies and come back with work that matters…to me, … Continue reading Here we go
I tend to look forward more often than I look back. I’m driven by what’s around the next bend and curious to see the view from the top of the next mountain. I am predisposed to doing rather than being, although I’m doing my best to practice my own being in the midst of all the doing. So when I slow down to look at … Continue reading 2024 review
