For years I have been reluctant to use the word “happy” as a desired value. I think that is because, like love, “happiness” is misrepresented. From my perspective, intellectuals and religious models in my life have emphasized all things profound and responsible. Having been raised within a strict Christian context, being obedient, selfless, ambitious, faithful, …
This morning Tom followed me as we drove separately to the restaurant for coffee. While waiting for the light to turn green so I could cross the main highway, my mind wandered. I was deep in thought about a wonderful young mom I had coached last evening. Meanwhile, I was not fully engaged in driving. …
Nearly every day some seemingly insignificant object or event offers a little life lesson, a spiritual truth or a personal meaning for me. I muse a lot. Today it was the grackles. If you were to say, “You must have too much time on your hands” I would understand. But truthfully, I have always done …
Many of us live in a culture that compresses our time to such a degree there is little room for anything that will delay us or interfere with our productivity. We are often a time-driven people. In fact, we are driven in many ways. We want to do everything well, be successful, productive, intelligent, attractive, …
Have you ever noticed a slight shift in how you feel about doing something just by changing a word? I cannot seem to help myself when it comes to noticing the power of words. It isn’t like I look for it. Simple everyday words (the nickel variety) and common objects often intrigue and inspire me …
March’s 2011 Step-by-Step Newsletter article . . . It is not usually pretty nor is it pleasant, but from time to time we have all been “bent out of shape” about something. There simply are moments or even extended periods of time when we are emotionally and/or spiritually bent over or out of shape. Every …
I know it sounds strange. You might say, “Duh! Of course parents are people!” But many times once we become a parent we don’t accept ourselves as a real person. Suddenly we become “mother” or “father” and are filled with “should know this” and “should do that” and/or ” should never say or do this …
Yesterday was cold again and for some reason instead of using my own treadmill or going outside, I decided to go the the fitness center for my work out. In the women’s dressing room there sits a very large set of white scales. So large, in fact, that they called out to me. No one …
One thing that amazes me is the power of pictures. I hope you enjoy this picture and feel a sense of wonder in being just who you are, where you are. It seems that this is what these turtles are doing at the moment. This photo was taken by my friend who is in …
A few years ago on the last week of school I visited an elementary school. It was the traditional year-end hand off of their students with disabilities to the middle school staff. Similar to parents, they wanted to speak on behalf of their children and make sure the middle school staff understood their unique needs! …