-
What is integrity?
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” ~C.S. Lewis With so much turmoil unfolding in our country lately, I’ve been thinking about the word integrity. Growing up, I was taught to believe that integrity was an essential quality to expect in leaders of business and government. Integrity was also something to consider (without compromise) when choosing my friends and life partner. So what does integrity really mean? Here’s how Merriam-Webster defines it: 1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility. 2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness. 3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness.…
-
The one and only you
“Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are.” ~Gretel Ehrlich, author Many of us spent our early years trying to conform to the norms or ideals dictated by our parents, peers, religion, and culture. On the other hand, some of us rebelled against them — sometimes for the sake of rebellion, or because we didn’t fit the “perfect” pattern someone else wanted us to follow. Beyond all of this conforming and rebelling is the beautiful, one-of-a-kind essence of who we really are. As today’s thought reminds us, our true nature “invites us” to make that discovery. I’ve learned throughout my life that if I want other folks…
-
Welcome, April!
“It is the ability to take a joke, not make one, that proves you have a sense of humor.” ~Max Eastman Happy April Fool’s Day! Though I don’t have any pranks or jokes today, my mood always lifts as soon as I flip the wall calendar to April 1st. The sound of the word “April” works like an antidepressant. Mother Nature might have a few tricks up her sleeve, but no matter what the weather brings in the next couple of weeks, my sense of optimism tells me that winter is behind us. I’m thinking about my garden again, making plans, feeling hopeful. Happy weekend to all! ~CL
-
Reflecting on art
“When we look at art, we are looking for ourselves.” ~Leslie Riley I wasn’t entirely on board with today’s quote until I remembered a woman I knew who didn’t like to read novels or see films unless the plots revolved around people like her. She could only relate to characters in settings and situations similar to her own. I’ve always enjoyed paintings, films, and books that surprise and entertain me. And while I often find aspects of myself in some characters, I don’t necessarily hope to see myself reflected in what I’m viewing or reading. How about you? Do you want art and literature to mirror your own life and…
-
The art of perseverance
“One must go on working silently, trusting the result to the future.” ~Vincent van Gogh With the help of my new internist, I’ve been working to rebuild a weakened immune system after two long months of illness. I trust her recommendations, and I’m grateful for her partnership on my health journey. Last week, the doctor said something that reminded me of today’s quote from Vincent van Gogh. To paraphrase her advice: There are few quick fixes when it comes to healing — so it’s important to practice patience as we work toward our long-range goals. I think that’s a wise prescription for nearly any worthy endeavor you can name. ~CL
