Author Archives: Conversations with Carli

The Club You Never Asked to Join!

There are certain “clubs” in life you dream about being part of—being a parent, a grandparent, a spouse, a best friend. And then there are the clubs no one ever signs up for, the ones that come with loss. When you lose someone you love to cancer—especially far too soon—you suddenly find yourself holding aContinue reading “The Club You Never Asked to Join!”

The Quiet Grief of losing a Sibling!

When a sibling dies, attention often shifts toward their spouse, their children, their parents. Understandably so. But siblings grieve too—deeply, quietly, and often unseen. I was 22 when my brother died in a hunting accident. He was just 26. His wife—my best friend—was suddenly a widow with a 10-week-old baby. My heart broke for her,Continue reading “The Quiet Grief of losing a Sibling!”

Keep It in Perspective

Life has a way of surprising us. One moment, everything feels smooth and predictable, and the next—bam—a twist or turn appears out of nowhere. Challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they’re the kind that shake your foundation, and other times they’re just small annoyances that test your patience. But here’s the thing: whenContinue reading “Keep It in Perspective”

Taking Up Space: The Solo Diner’s Dilemma

Should you feel guilty taking up space on an outdoor patio brewery hot spot as a solo diner? You are sitting at a booth in the corner. It is designed to seat at least 4 comfortably. It can seat 6 if you like the people you are with. You are a solo diner and theContinue reading “Taking Up Space: The Solo Diner’s Dilemma”

Dreams as Messages: Coping with Loss

My sister died in March of 2020. She never knew what Covid was, she missed the birth of her first grandchild, (and subsequent 2nd and 3rd). She was the family glue so it’s been a struggle to figure out the new roles everyone has in the family setting. Last night, for the first time sinceContinue reading “Dreams as Messages: Coping with Loss”

Alone, but not Lonely

Maybe, just maybe, there really are people in this world who are meant to be alone. Not lonely, but alone. There’s a difference, but you probably won’t understand it, unless you’re one of us. The people who really are okay being alone. As a matter of fact, we actually prefer it. It’s not that weContinue reading “Alone, but not Lonely”

Tranquility

I often wonder, am I too comfortable being alone? Is it healthy? I certainly don’t mind it, and most of the time I prefer it. I have a few friends (mostly in different cities) but I’m not someone who’s phone rings off the hook with invites for getting together. I’ve been on my own forContinue reading “Tranquility”