When my good friend Elly gifted me with a Simply Grateful journal, I was thrilled, as I kept hearing about Gratitude’s cleansing powers. You know. Begin and end your day with thankfulness and your perspective will be more positive. I needed more positivity in my life as opposed to grumbling about struggles and frustrations. Instead of, … Continue reading December’s “Embodied Gratitude”
Words
Vocabulary worth exploring.
The Fourfold Path of Forgiveness
I’ve been discussing The Book of Forgiving by Desmond and Mpho Tutu in a book study the past two weeks and pondering its Fourfold Path: Telling the Story, Naming the Hurt, Extending Forgiveness, Renewing or Releasing the Relationship. As a result, I’ve thought more about the word “witness” that I mentioned in my September 10 self-worth post. … Continue reading The Fourfold Path of Forgiveness
Fitness and Forgiveness
Have you ever tried to manage life better by implementing a plan? You know, "proper planning prevents poor performance?" That kind of plan? But then you don't follow your so-called proper plan? And then, instead of adding peace, The Plan feeds frustration with self-defeating thoughts. What's wrong with you? Why can't you follow along? I … Continue reading Fitness and Forgiveness
Let’s Celebrate Some Birthdays
Happy Birthday Rebel, John Mellencamp Finally got to meet Mellencamp! Jacksonville, FL (Feb 2023)Mellencamp's hometown, Seymour, IN (Sept 2023) Do you see me?Visitors Center, Seymour, IN Today, John Mellencamp turns 72. I can't mention this musician and artist without mentioning Farm Aid, which he helped spearhead in 1985. His "Rain on the Scarecrow" resonates with … Continue reading Let’s Celebrate Some Birthdays
October Celebrates National Book Month
Are you excited? It's National Book Month!! Yay! And in honor of October, I'd love for you to join me in a discussion of a book I mentioned last week, The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Mpho Tutu. I read this book a few months ago in my good friend Elly's … Continue reading October Celebrates National Book Month
Self-worth vs. Self-esteem
Self-worth is the belief that we are worthy of being seen, heard, and valued, regardless of performance.Self-esteem is the belief that you can do things well. It's all about performance.(Halo Project International) *** My narrow understanding of the word "witness" expanded this week into self-worth, as in our lives need to be witnessed by another. … Continue reading Self-worth vs. Self-esteem
Collaborative Homemaking
Spring is here. Women's History Month is over. And, today, the last day of March, marks my first post of the month. I had this mostly written several weeks ago, but had to step out of writing to navigate a family crisis. I bring this up only because it's relevant to this "homemaking" post and … Continue reading Collaborative Homemaking
For the Love of 14 Words
As we find ourselves facing yet another new month, I thought I’d end February’s cupidly month by focusing on some of the words I have fallen in love with over my years as a writer. Ambivert. Both an introvert and an extravert. This is me. I value time with people and time with myself. I … Continue reading For the Love of 14 Words
To Love or To Leave?
I left off with my last vlog sharing about Patrick’s and my divorce and reconciliation. Today, I explore the question, “To love or to leave?” Disclaimer Before I begin, here’s a little disclaimer. I am not a counselor or whomever society needs for credible advice. In fact, my words are not meant to counsel at … Continue reading To Love or To Leave?
In the Darkness of Grief
a·men /äˈmen, āˈmen/ A concluding word or as a response to a prayer. Also used colloquially to express strong agreement. It is true. And let it be so. With a pandemic claiming lives from the unsuspecting, I think now is an appropriate time, during this holiday season, to talk about grief. I learned much about this unwelcome … Continue reading In the Darkness of Grief