What do you do if something extraordinary happens to you–out of the blue? I ask because such an event landed in my checking account on March 10th. I don’t need to describe the boring details, but it involved Social Security. (SS) My reaction was similar to the loss cycle: bargaining, denial, anger, depression, and then acceptance. Initially, I thought, “What? This … [Read more...]
What are you doing to stretch your comfort zone?
What are you doing to stretch your comfort zone? This morning my husband said, “Let's ride to breakfast. Want to?” I said, “Sure, but I want to ride the Spyder and you can ride the Harley.” I’m pretty much a girly-girl, so my idea was a BIG statement. I have taken the beginner’s rider’s academy and have a motorcycle endorsement on my license, but I am a chicken when it comes … [Read more...]
True giving – sincerity of the heart
True giving - sincerity of the heart Oh the holidays; the happy holidays; memories of childhood wonder; love in the air; Christmas carols humming in our heads; and festivities abounding. Our blessings are immeasurable…… That is one side of the story. That is the ideal. The other side of the story is the family living down the street that has no money for turkey or ham; … [Read more...]
Mimic Christmas tree for food choices
Mimic Christmas tree for food choices Christmas and food – decadent, mouthwatering, beautiful food – usually share the same stage; seldom do we envision one without the other. We usually allow our healthy choices for living to disintegrate the last six weeks of the year. Visions of dressing, gravy, fudge, apple pies, assorted cookies, and fresh bread are just a few mental … [Read more...]
Humility takes time to perfect
Humility takes time to perfect Humility is defined differently by many: lack of pride; modest; meek; shy; primary virtue; unpretentious; down to earth; self-abasement; sense of one’s own unworthiness; etc. Benjamin Franklin said, “Humility makes great men twice honorable.” I am learning the art of being humble: I am playing duplicate bridge twice a week. I play with … [Read more...]
Challenges contribute to mental health
Challenges contribute to mental health My “Bucket List” included being a bartender. So, I enrolled in a Bartending Academy. It was a grueling, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ten day class. I surprisingly passed both the written and speed tests and was awarded a certificate. Whew! You might ask what this has to do with mental health. It has to do with challenging our brains, our … [Read more...]
Don’t allow an addiction to destroy your story
Don’t allow an addiction to destroy your story I've never claimed to be an addiction counselor, but I have seen and experienced the hurt and destruction caused by addiction. Addiction can ruin, dilute, disguise and even kill a person. It can do the same to friends and family. It can make a person and the people around him/her feel dark inside. It is not a good thing. One can … [Read more...]
Bullies
Bullies Bullies are everywhere: schools, offices, churches, legislature, sports, homes, playgrounds, bedrooms, stores, hospitals, airplanes, etc. Bullies use words, aggressiveness, body language, writing, facial expressions, violence, rejection, and money to control their victims. Bullies feel empowered at the expense of someone else. If you are a bully, you know it. If you … [Read more...]