Health & wellbeing
-
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.…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Your own story
“Don’t be satisfied with stories, or how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” ~Rumi Are you easily impressed by the rich and famous? In our celebrity driven culture, you might dismiss your own life as ordinary or uninteresting. But as the Sufi poet Rumi reminds us in today’s quote, comparing yourself to others is a waste of precious time. And besides, all those curated social media photos and magazine stories rarely reveal the whole truth about the beautiful people in the spotlight. Do yourself a favor today: Appreciate how far you’ve come. Consider your own gifts and advantages. After that, list everything you’ve done to touch…
-
Shining
“Never dull your shine for somebody else.” ~Tyra Banks “I don’t want to look as if I’m trying too hard,” a friend said when she was choosing an outfit for a special event. I believe she meant that she wanted to look natural, or comfortable, not over the top. But I know several people who share the same concern — and they won’t even wear a costume to a Halloween party. It takes self-confidence and courage to stand apart from the crowd. If you’re always worried about what others think, you’re probably afraid to take risks. I’m a bit suspicious of calculated nonchalance — or pretending that you didn’t “try…
