Events & news
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Wishes and regrets
“In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” ~Oscar Wilde My mother often quoted the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true.” Years later, that bit of wisdom still resonates. I thought of it again when I ran across today’s quote from Oscar Wilde. Sometimes the things we hope for aren’t good for us. Sometimes the decisions we make don’t work to our advantage. Sometimes we don’t make the right choices. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from our regrets — and not repeat our mistakes. ~CL
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Talking it over, making it clear
“Don’t make assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.” ~Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements So many misunderstandings are rooted in lousy communication. Sometimes other people neglect to express themselves clearly, or they give us the silent treatment, leaving us confused or hurt. And if we don’t ask for clarity, we resort to making assumptions. Sometimes the wrong assumptions. Good communication is a two-way street. Today’s quote says it all, reminding us to speak with courage and clarity. ~CL
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Book banning
“Ideas are only lethal if you suppress and don’t discuss them. Ignorance is not bliss, it’s stupid. Banning books shows you don’t trust your kids to think and you don’t trust yourself to be able to talk to them.” ~Anna Quindlen Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching workshops at my local libraries. Before my classes start, I always take a moment to browse the shelves and absorb the ambiance created by so many literary choices. And sometimes I think about the consequences of book banning. As my mother used to say, you can make just about anything twice as attractive or interesting by declaring it “off limits.”…
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Take note: New community writing workshop
~COMING SOON~ Subscribers, please watch your “Life Lines” email for a special announcement on my next community writing workshop.
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Positive thinking
“Research suggests that positive thinking and optimism can impact your health. Positive emotions are associated with a decreased production of the stress hormone cortisol, along with improved immune function, and reduced disease risk.” ~ Andrew Weil, M.D. After weeks of stressful, disturbing news, I believe we could all use a break. Dr. Andrew Weil, the father of alternative medicine, reminds us that our physical health depends on our state of mind. Keeping a positive outlook is as important as exercising and eating a healthy diet. I know it’s unwise to blindly ignore what’s happening in the world. And it’s foolish to pretend that everything is peachy when it’s not. But…













