Missing the Point: Meditation, Rumination & Journaling

I've come to realize that 2022 has apparently been a very hard year for me emotionally. A series of big events have apparently thrown me for a loop: a life-changing political upheaval in April, a distressing family hospitalization, and several months of chaos & disruption with two home renovation projects. I didn't fully appreciate the … Continue reading Missing the Point: Meditation, Rumination & Journaling

Sadness, Beauty & Friendship on a Summer Weekend

Life seems so busy these days with constant activity here. As friends are probably tired of hearing, we've been having our kitchen and two bathrooms redone. We coming up on eight weeks and are growing weary of contractors, noise, dust, cooking in the laundry room and garage, and doing dishes in the bathtub. Demolition was … Continue reading Sadness, Beauty & Friendship on a Summer Weekend

Exercising the Gratitude Muscle

Some time ago I started keeping a Gratitude Journal. My intent was to pay attention to the good things and be happier. I do everything electronically so I installed the Thankful app on my iPhone. There are other apps, or I could have used a note pad or paper journal. Even a matchbook. The medium … Continue reading Exercising the Gratitude Muscle

Life as a Succession of Moments

I woke up this morning in a reflective mood — a good mood. As I was journaling this morning a theme emerged. Like most everyone, I think, I have my share of regrets and disappointments: Things in life I wish hadn't happened. Things I wish had happened. Things I did or said. Things I didn't … Continue reading Life as a Succession of Moments

Blessings & Gratitude on Christmas Day

Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack so we might see the blessings we possess. Max Lucado Christmas is a special time. People's traditions vary but for many it's a time of family and friendships, gifts and celebration and worship. For many it's also a time to take stock and enjoy a moment … Continue reading Blessings & Gratitude on Christmas Day

My Cancer Jouney Has Begun

Well I'm finally off on my journey. The train has left the station. Getting to this point required that I research this strange land, learn the language, plan my route and book my tickets. As I write this I've finished the first week. I started radiation last Monday and will continue every weekday afternoon for … Continue reading My Cancer Jouney Has Begun

Mindfulness, Happiness & ‘RAIN’

"Don't fret. Everything's going to be OK." That's a helpful advice for someone, isn't it? Yeah, sometimes. But sometimes not. I read a commentary last week in the Wall Street Journal about "toxic positivity." Elizabeth Bernstein wrote that "forcing ourselves or others to always be positive can be harmful to our well-being and our relationships." … Continue reading Mindfulness, Happiness & ‘RAIN’

Escaping the Emotional Rabbit Hole

I came across this excellent post today at ‘Pointless Overthinking,’ a great blog at WordPress where this blog also resides. I believe the article here speaks to a lot people's experience. It certainly speaks to me! I hope you'll find it helpful. "The Parable of the Second Arrow According to the Buddha, any time we suffer misfortune, two arrows fly … Continue reading Escaping the Emotional Rabbit Hole