Elephant Journal

Apr 22, 2024 | elephantjournal.com | Riyanka Roy

{*Did you know you can write on Elephant? Here’s how—big changes: How to Write & Make Money or at least Be of Benefit on Elephant. ~ Waylon}~Dear Mother Earth,It’s yet another April 22, and everyone is celebrating Earth Day. But I decided to take a break and pen down a heartfelt gratitude letter for you. As I grew up and traveled across the world, I’ve had the privilege to witness the beauty and wonder of your creation.

May 23, 2023 | elephantjournal.com | Kimberly Valzania

Stuff doesn’t make us happy. Moments do. Dieting, self-improvement, enlightenment…the search continues for a better version of ourselves. The constant battle to get to that special “place” where we feel the most happy is our lot in life, it seems. We read books about growth and spirituality. We purchase healing oils. We buy the stuff. For some reason, we’re convinced and conditioned to think the path to happiness requires improvement or “more” of some kind.

May 16, 2023 | elephantjournal.com | Kim Shannon

I am my dad’s caretaker. He was diagnosed with dementia two years ago. My role as his daughter has since significantly diminished; he now needs me to be more like his mom. It’s been an adjustment for us both. Dad is losing his short-term memory more quickly than either of us are comfortable with, but he is still able to clean his house, cook his meals, and drive to the grocery store and back. He is divorced and has been alone for 10 years. If he’s being honest, he’ll tell you he likes it that way.

May 16, 2023 | elephantjournal.com | Kristin Russo

When something is unlike it always is, we usually notice. Maybe in an instant, it is obvious, but perhaps we don’t notice for a while. As I didn’t.

May 15, 2023 | elephantjournal.com | Kimberly Valzania

And she is 15, almost 16. And she is falling in love for the first time, with a boy she knows she has no business being with. But, he is wild, and funny, and bad, and cool. And sister, that’s all she wrote. He had her at his casual hello. He had her at his too long hair, his prominent nose, his weird grin. And it is Candlewood Lake in July. Lazy summer days, uncounted.