• Change and challenge,  Health & wellbeing,  New Year quotes

    New year, new chapter

    “New year — a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.” ~Alex Morritt Today’s quote inspires and challenges me to write the future I want for myself. In fact, the fresh invitation of a blank page is one of my favorite things about starting a brand-new year. What do I need to change? What will I keep? Where will I explore? How do I want my life to look in 2023? I hope the first pages of your new year find you in good health, with a positive outlook for your future. Here’s to a wonderful New Year! ~Cindy…

  • Change and challenge,  Motivation,  New Year quotes

    Time and change

    “Think before you act. You may desire change, but prematurely forcing issues will leave you vulnerable. Bide your time, listen, observe, and calculate the best way to expand your interests.” ~Daily Horoscope for Leo, Dec. 27, in The Oakland Press Once in a while, I find the best maxims in — of all places — the daily horoscope in the newspaper. Last Tuesday’s guidance for those born under the sign of Leo is also great advice for anyone who’s planning to make significant changes in the new year. Change can be scary — even when it’s for the best, and even when we think we’re ready for it. Whether we’re…

  • Change,  Health & wellbeing,  Holidays

    Post-holiday musings

    “Today is the day the post-holiday blues usually drop in for their annual visit. After any strenuous exertion, especially one that’s lasted several weeks, there’s a natural letdown in energy and enthusiasm.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance Like clockwork, holiday letdown almost always follows a festive series of events — no matter which winter holiday we celebrate. At the beginning of December, our energy runs high as we plan for parties and concerts, decorate our homes, and create special memories for loved ones. Our usual routines and responsibilities — even our worries — are temporarily suspended. Then the holiday arrives … and then it’s over … in a minute! We…

  • Change and challenge,  Inspirational quotes,  Motivation

    Wild weather

    “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” ~Benjamin Franklin If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, this is your year. By now you’ve heard about the “monster storm” that’s slamming parts of the country (including our Midwest) and putting the skids on holiday travel. In metro Detroit, we’re not exactly sure how many inches of snow to expect, but we’ve been told to prepare for high winds and possible power outages. Most of us have made a few trips to the grocery to stock up. But seriously, Ben Franklin, what else can we do to prepare for dangerous weather? Whether we’re bracing for hurricanes in the south or…

  • Arts & crafts,  Creativity and discovery,  Personal growth

    Pebbles and mistakes

    “My life is full of mistakes. They’re like pebbles that make a good road.” ~Beatrice Wood, ceramic artist With the year rolling to a close, I’ve been thinking about everything I’d change, repair, or handle differently if I had a few “do over” opportunities. As usual, I see things more clearly in retrospect. Artists know that mistakes and missteps can serve as material for a work of art. And if you look at your own life as a work of art, you’ll see that a few of the things that seemed wrong or looked broken at the time eventually helped shape who you are. Maybe your mistakes taught you a…