Everyday is Thanksgiving

Aside from the large amounts of food, everyday, for me is Thanksgiving.  It is one of my practices to acknowledge my gratitude on a daily basis.   Gratitude, much like happiness, is an inside job.  With as fast as life proceeds, it is easy to fall into a pattern of not giving thanks.  While I…

Mommy Timeout

I don’t get sick………ever…..until a few days ago.   I pride myself on an immune system comprised of steel that is protected by a strong will to avoid illness.    I was doing great until Friday night when my throat felt like I had swallowed shards of glass.  By Saturday, I was convinced I was…

The Realist Survival for the Holidays

The holiday brings about a touch of anxiety along with a good case of stress for many people.  Since I have simplified our holidays to create a more zen vibe, I want to share my secrets.  Before and when our kids were little, we catered to EVERYONE else.  By this I mean, packing up all…

Change

As I look outside, trees are covered in snow while leaves still linger.   I love the four seasons and the transition in nature. Watching flowers bloom and gardens grow only to be whisked into a lullaby of falling leaves and cooler nights.   Anymore, my observations see that the one season has barely begun…

Powerful Words

I was reminded yesterday of the three most powerful words in the English language.   It isn’t “I love you”, but it is something that constitutes a form of self love.   It is …….I am enough.  Are we a society relying on affirmation?  Do we gauge our success by a mere pat on the…

Spontaneous Old Age

I was humored last night as I listened to comedian Wanda Sykes reflect on why being “surprised” is so complicated once we get a certain age.  She was referring to a get away that her wife had planned.  Instead of being excited, she panicked.  Why, you ask?  It was simply because she didn’t have her…

The Light Bulb

Someone recently compared the inside of their head to a dim light bulb.   That image resonated with me as most of the time, my mind mimics a dark tunnel.   Last blog, I wrote about making decisions.  My thoughtful process sometimes hinders the outcome, but today, my light bulb grew bright. I have been…

The Decision

I don’t know about the rest of the world, but my decision making skills may rival a tense negotiation with competing countries.  Visually, the inside of my head is a hamster wheel complete with a hamster and a whimsical dancing monkey.  My thoughts can turn into a three-ring circus.  With that being said, the toughest…

The Unfolding

Seemingly effortless, God unfolds my life.  It is His will that prepares me as I walk the journey.   Paths filled with thorns merge into paths filled with scenic views provide me with a basket full of opportunities.   These experiences create a masterpiece of collective scenes. I am amazed at His patience.   It…

Soothing Words

I don’t know about you, but when I am walking through something difficult, I certainly welcome words of encouragement. For me, it is interesting the variety of responses one may receive when sharing your struggles.   Some are soothing.  Others are convinced if they tell you their war stories, that will somehow make you feel…