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Things are looking up
Everyone I know has at least one ongoing problem or nagging issue that defies resolution, whether it’s chronic physical pain, a career crisis, or a social conflict that’s a chronic pain in the ass. It’s hard to make peace with something that you can’t make peace with, no matter how hard you try. Today’s quote is a perfect reminder to step back and enjoy the weekend without giving a thought to the annoyances and grievances that will be there on Monday. ~CL
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Some thoughts on gifting
“Giving doesn’t impoverish us; it makes us richer.” ~Martha Beck, The Way of Integrity Who doesn’t enjoy getting presents? There are many different gifting styles and practices — and psychotherapists have some interesting theories on that. Some people get a thrill out of selecting the perfect presents for their loved ones, while others simply don’t express their affection with material things. I know many people who discourage gift-giving because they don’t want to feel obligated to reciprocate. Others don’t have a budget to buy gifts, but will gladly receive them. All said and done, the gifts we treasure come from the heart — or are made by hand. A dear…
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Embracing the unknown
“The unknown is where all outcomes are possible; enter it with grace.” ~Message on a Yogi teabag I’ve always struggled with the unknown. The unknown is the gray area; a state of uncertainly; a question mark dangling over the future. The unknown leaves us hanging. The unknown leaves us alone with an overactive imagination. If I’m waiting for the results of a medical test, for instance, I envision all sorts of worst-case scenarios. If someone doesn’t answer my email or a text message, I tend to assume something is wrong. Of course, life is jam-packed with uncertainties, large and small. So when I read the above message on my teabag…
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How to be impeccable
“Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” ~Don Miguel Ruiz Gossip. Who hasn’t been guilty of spreading it at one time or another? Though we all know better, we might be tempted to share private information that we shouldn’t share. Whether that information is true or not isn’t the point. The point is: If it’s not our business, it isn’t ours to share with others. Before we speak — about anything — it helps to question our own…
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Transitions
“It is when we are in transition that we are most completely alive.” – William Bridges September is a month of transitions. A new school year begins; summer activities wind down. As the light changes and temperatures drop, we prepare our homes and gardens for winter. We begin to stock the pantry with everything we need for cool-weather comfort recipes. In my “Aging with Grace & Courage” workshop last night, a woman remarked about the bittersweet aspects of autumn. She feels a little sad when fall comes, she said, even though she appreciates the beauty of the season. I knew exactly what she meant. A reminder of our own aging,…
