I have a love/hate relationship with the holidays. I love the revelry and festivities. I hate the anxiety and retread over painful bits of family history. Every family’s got their share and I’ve yet to find wisdom that’s better than the gift Wynne and I received from our friend and writer, Stuart Perkins.
Across my lifetime, insightful humans have seen me in distress and some – rather than looking away – knew it mattered to lean in and offer support. Guides and teachers supported me when I failed, rewarding me with encouragement. Not platitudes or lectures. No sweeping away of responsibilities. Just the relatable, loving advice that comes when someone shares they’ve been there. Often in just a few well-chosen words, offering a lifeline. A flotation device in stormy seas.
Stuart had a friend like that. Her name was Ms. Wade. Ms. Edmonia Wade. A colleague who taught young Stuart that perseverance can eclipse self-doubt if we remember to invoke tried-and-true wisdom.
You’ll need to listen to the episode to get the full story. It’s so good. And Ms. Wade’s advice – to stay steady, never panic. Hold on. It feels like well-timed holiday wisdom. Words to live by…both for Stuart as he reminisces, and for listeners today.
Thank you, Stuart, for sharing Ms. Edmonia Wade with us along with lovely stories about your big, beautiful family.
Vicki ❤
Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to on Anchor Episode 48: Staying Steady with Stuart Perkins
Transcript for Episode 48 of the podcast
Two of my favorite wellness-minded holiday resources: Support During the Holidays | SAMHSA and Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season | SAMHSA
Links for this Episode:
Episode 48: Staying Steady with Stuart Perkins on Anchor
Stuart’s blog: Storyshucker
Hand on the Plow by Stuart Perkins
Because Granddaddy Liked To Fish in The Local Scoop magazine
Other podcast episodes with Stuart:
Episode 16: Nuggets of Kindness with Stuart Perkins
Episode 12: On Storytelling with Stuart Perkins
Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue
Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith
Victoria Ponders 
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