I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let’s Move! initiative and visits to The Ellen Show. Stephen was an incredible force—someone who radiated kindness and positivity, and made sure that people around him could feel it, too. We felt his spirit in every dance, every DJ set, every piece of creativity that he brought to life. My heart goes out to his wife, Allison, and their three children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.
And if any of you out there are struggling and need someone to talk to, please know that you are never alone. There is always someone ready to help. You can call or text the suicide and crisis hotline by dialing 988.
Every time I tell people how much I love to knit, they seem so surprised! But it truly has become one of my most meaningful (and fun) pastimes.
For me, knitting is a release. It lets my hands lead the way as my mind trails behind. And it turns out that knitting was buried in my DNA–I am the descendant of many seamstresses. My mom shared with me that every woman on her side of the family learned how to work a needle and thread, to sew, crochet, and knit.
During the peak of the pandemic, when everything felt so bleak, the act of stitching, purling, casting on and off is how I kept my anxiety at bay. Practicing it roots me in this idea that I talk about in my book, The Light We Carry called “the power of small.” It’s the idea that narrowing your focus into a small, seemingly insignificant task can remind us of our own agency. It shows us our own ability to build, create, and succeed. I truly believe that when you know you are capable of small tasks, it makes the bigger ones feel easier. In this case, every small stitch builds into a bigger purpose.
What’s something that you’ve picked up as a hobby or practice that has helped you during these last few years? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. And if you have some photos, tag me in your post using #TheLightWeCarry. 🧶
Photo credit: Merone Hailemeskel
San Francisco, are you ready? Conan (@teamcoco) and I are so pumped for tonight’s #TheLightWeCarry show. The Masonic
Los Angeles! Are you ready for our final #TheLightWeCarry show? Can’t wait to sit down tonight with the one and only @Oprah. ✨
I’m so excited for tonight’s #TheLightWeCarry show with my friend @TraceeEllisRoss! 💕
I’m so excited for tonight’s #TheLightWeCarry show with my friend @michele__norris! ❤️ San Francisco, California
Always a good time when I’m with @TraceeEllisRoss! To everyone who joined us, thank you for making this such a fun show. #TheLightWeCarry ✨ San Francisco, California
Always a good time when I’m with @TraceeEllisRoss! To everyone who joined us, thank you for making this such a fun show. #TheLightWeCarry ✨ San Francisco, California
Always a good time when I’m with @TraceeEllisRoss! To everyone who joined us, thank you for making this such a fun show. #TheLightWeCarry ✨ San Francisco, California
Always a good time when I’m with @TraceeEllisRoss! To everyone who joined us, thank you for making this such a fun show. #TheLightWeCarry ✨ San Francisco, California
Always a good time when I’m with @TraceeEllisRoss! To everyone who joined us, thank you for making this such a fun show. #TheLightWeCarry ✨ San Francisco, California
@HeatherCMcGhee and I are thrilled for tonight’s show and can’t wait to talk about #TheLightWeCarry with all of you!
Chicago, are you ready? The Chicago Theatre
Had so much fun talking with @ValWarnerTV about everything from the importance of having a good group of friends at our Kitchen Table to parenting and a whole lot more—all things that I discuss in my new book, #TheLightWeCarry. Watch the interview on @WindyCityLive at abc7chicago.com!
Had so much fun talking with @ValWarnerTV about everything from the importance of having a good group of friends at our Kitchen Table to parenting and a whole lot more—all things that I discuss in my new book, #TheLightWeCarry. Watch the interview on @WindyCityLive at abc7chicago.com!
Thank you, San Francisco—what a great night, and what a great host! Always so grateful to you, Conan, for bringing the laughs. #TheLightWeCarry 🙏🏾 The Masonic
Thank you, San Francisco—what a great night, and what a great host! Always so grateful to you, Conan, for bringing the laughs. #TheLightWeCarry 🙏🏾 The Masonic
Thank you, San Francisco—what a great night, and what a great host! Always so grateful to you, Conan, for bringing the laughs. #TheLightWeCarry 🙏🏾 The Masonic
Chicago! Thank you for a terrific show—and a special thanks to @HeatherCMcGhee for leading such a meaningful conversation. It always means so much to be back in my hometown and to be able to see so many of my family, friends, and readers. Thank you for sharing your light with me. #TheLightWeCarry ✨ The Chicago Theatre
Chicago! Thank you for a terrific show—and a special thanks to @HeatherCMcGhee for leading such a meaningful conversation. It always means so much to be back in my hometown and to be able to see so many of my family, friends, and readers. Thank you for sharing your light with me. #TheLightWeCarry ✨ The Chicago Theatre
Chicago! Thank you for a terrific show—and a special thanks to @HeatherCMcGhee for leading such a meaningful conversation. It always means so much to be back in my hometown and to be able to see so many of my family, friends, and readers. Thank you for sharing your light with me. #TheLightWeCarry ✨ The Chicago Theatre
Thank you to all the folks who joined me in San Francisco for #TheLightWeCarry tour! And to @Michele__Norris, I’m so grateful for your years of friendship and support. I can’t believe we’re almost done with my book tour—one more show to go! San Francisco, California
Thank you to all the folks who joined me in San Francisco for #TheLightWeCarry tour! And to @Michele__Norris, I’m so grateful for your years of friendship and support. I can’t believe we’re almost done with my book tour—one more show to go! San Francisco, California
Thank you to all the folks who joined me in San Francisco for #TheLightWeCarry tour! And to @Michele__Norris, I’m so grateful for your years of friendship and support. I can’t believe we’re almost done with my book tour—one more show to go! San Francisco, California
Thank you to all the folks who joined me in San Francisco for #TheLightWeCarry tour! And to @Michele__Norris, I’m so grateful for your years of friendship and support. I can’t believe we’re almost done with my book tour—one more show to go! San Francisco, California
