Do you overthink your way out of joy? This is an odd question, but consider the following experience. Once I spent time with one of my young daughters and her friend. I asked them what makes them happy. They simultaneously…
The Love of Fathers
With June 20th being Father’s Day in the United States, I invite you to enjoy a short video on the love of fathers. Perhaps you’ll recognize interests you share with your father, or skills he taught you. Maybe you’ll recognize…
Reframing My Experience
Through reframing, I was able to turn a potential embarrassment into a moment of connection. Let me explain. Personal Experience My college son and six of his friends spent the night in our home recently on their way to Yellowstone…
Consider the Price of Freedom
I hope you are having a meaningful Memorial Day. I was blessed to grow up in a home where my parents loved God, each other, their children, and their country. As a child I knew that my dad would be…
Each Day as a New Beginning
We associate the beginning of a new year as the best time for self-improvement, yet in reality each day holds the possibility of a fresh start. New Year’s suggestions can be helpful any time. In an article by Leo Babauta,…
Being Your Authentic Self. Does it Mean What you Think?
We hear much these days about being. Your authentic self. What does that really mean? At first it sounds like an inspiring phrase, a call to give yourself permission to be you, the real you. I do like the idea…
Fortify Mind and Spirit
As I was recently cleaning out a grass-filled flower bed, to my surprise, I felt happy despite the windy weather. You see, I do not like the wind! It agitates and makes me feel cranky and irritable. In fact, I…
When Disappointment Strikes
On Mothers’ Day our local church congregation gives the women a gift, such as a flower, potted plant, or chocolates. One year the gift was a shiny gold-foil-wrapped chocolate truffle. I was thrilled! Chocolate truffles are my favorite! Every Mothers’…
Healing Benefits of Nature
Even before the pandemic I would sometimes go days without spending significant time outdoors. Because I work from home I can spend hours at my computer wholly focused on my work. The hours pass until it dawns on me that…
The Special Gift We All Have to Give
We all have a special gift. This gift is powerful and inherent in each of us. It is available to share at a moment’s notice. What is this gift? The gift of listening, giving one’s focused attention to another. I…
An Uncommon Declaration
I had a surprising experience recently. During two unrelated conversations from two different individuals, I heard the exact same statement! Hearing it made my heart sing, but it caught me off guard each time, because what was said is not…
The Power of Intentional Gratitude
Not very long ago, I discovered the power of intentional gratitude. Many of us experience the uplifting change that occurs within us as we nightly reflect and journal what we remember to be grateful for that day. But what is…
