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Redefining “family”
“Family was a bigger word than I imagined, wide and without limitations, if you allowed it, defying easy definition. You had family that was supposed to be family and wasn’t, family that wasn’t family but was….It was possible to lack whole, honest love and connection from family in lead roles, yet to be filled to abundance by the unexpected supporting players.” ~Deb Colette, The Secret Life of Prince Charming The holiday season begins soon, shining a bright light on our family relationships. Sometimes that’s a beautiful thing, and sometimes it’s … complicated. (In another post, I’ve shared a column about coping with the loss of loved ones during the holidays.) Culturally…
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What are you expecting?
“There are two ways to be happy: improve your reality, or lower your expectations.” ~ Jodi Picoult Today’s quote really got me thinking. Over the past year, I’ve learned too many things that have deeply disappointed me. And while I’m usually an optimist, some of these things have made me doubt my faith in humanity and made me anxious about the future. You too? Part of the problem is that most of us are consuming more “news” than we can thoughtfully process and systematically fact-check. (Thanks, social media.) No wonder so many people fall under the dark spell of misinformation and conspiracy theories. So what does this have to do…
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Pausing for the present
“The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.” ~C.S. Lewis If you’re a worrier like me, living in the present moment is easier said than done. When anxiety has you in its icy grip, your mind reels with the “what ifs” of an uncertain future. Put it on pause if you can. Once you commit to living in the present, you open yourself to the possibility of inner peace. Begin by paying close attention to your own environment. Redirect your energy to a small project you’ve been putting off, or take a walk outdoors. One breath, one moment at a time.…
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All-inclusive gratitude
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Every year, the season of Thanksgiving reminds us to count our blessings while we take inventory of our good fortune. But as Ralph Waldo Emerson suggested in today’s quote, “all things” have made us who we are today. These include health crises, personal losses, financial problems, career challenges, and other difficulties. The pilgrims who left England to start new lives in America faced a perilous journey across the Atlantic. Arriving in Massachusetts…
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Self-care and the art of perseverance
“One must go on working silently, trusting the result to the future.” ~Vincent van Gogh After a long battle with RSV, three years ago, it took a while to rebuild my weakened immune system. At the time, my internist said something that reminded me of today’s quote from Vincent van Gogh. As she put it, there are no “quick fixes” when it comes to healing — so it’s wise to practice patience as we work toward our long-range goals. I think that’s a wise prescription for any worthy endeavor you can name, whether you’re trying to improve your health or other aspects of your life. ~CL ~ Did you know…
