With wisps of scented trees, bees at work in the gardens, and projects due at school, I realized it was time to really think through what we want out of this summer. When one boy left behind kids’ shoe sizes for good, and the other sprouted whiskers, I suddenly felt the slippery slope of time racing forward a bit too fast. Can you relate? So how do you put on the brakes, without hampering your family’s progress or running up a hefty tab for summer camps? Here are three key steps to create a more satisfying and meaningful summer plan….
Seven Ways To Put More Magic In Your Life
Are mundane tasks dominating your life and stressing your outlook? Here’s seven ways to add more magic into the everyday mixture for you and your family. Light a fire – Whether it’s a candle or a fire in the fireplace, the flickering light seems to signal something special is coming. Usually it leads to more laughter at our dinner table and loosening up for the parents, too. Turn on magical music – We often listen to a station from London broadcasting amazing classical music. Not the kind that makes you snore, but the elegant, heart-lift, gaze sparkling kind….
Turning Up The Fun Meter In Your Life
Part three of the Stress Knock-Out Series You’re still juggling a lot and need another route to de-stress rather than watching the television or eating something you shouldn’t. To find that smile again, try turning up the fun-meter in your life. Sometimes it’s okay to completely alter your personality for a day and push pause on the responsibilities, even if only for a short while. You can totally reset the gauges that measure stress and healthfulness in your life with setting out a path to have more fun. Kids don’t mind asking for it, so why, when we grow up,…
How is your Valentine’s Day Grace?
I have this wise, old character in my story I can’t wait for you to meet. He knows just what to say and do in sticky circumstances, and always has wisdom when I need it. I find myself wishing he was here in our world this week. The big “love” holiday is upon us, yet I’m a bit shattered. Not because of unkindness of others or some life event, but I’m walking through the death of a dear friend who faced her cancer battle like a strong warrior-princess. And a friend’s home burned down. And more deaths or lives are…
Adapt to Open Doors
Part Three in the New Beginnings Series One of the special moments in pursuing your dream is when unexpected opportunities land on your doorstep. Sometimes they come at the craziest moment, when you’re tending a sick one, or mid-stream in another project on an entirely different subject. Has this ever happened to you? How did you respond? Were you rigid in sticking to your schedule or flexible enough to let yourself be open to possibilities? I’ve learned it’s important to pause and give special attention to the moment. Okay, the laundry may back up. And perhaps some other commitment has…
Build Your Infrastructure
Part two in the New Beginnings Series Have you ever watched a bridge or large building being built? First they dig the supports and pour the concrete. Then steel girders or other firm supports are raised as the building slowly goes in place. But before any of this, there were intricate blueprints and other planning involved so it wouldn’t topple over. Building an infrastructure, or supportive systems, to allow you to attain your goal is such a critical step in making a new beginning. If you don’t do this part right, when you reach high for a goal, your foundations…
Eyes Wide Open
Crash goes my arm, yet again. I’m swimming backstroke and have forgotten to keep my eyes open. I love the feel of the water stirring and renewed energy, but only seem to swim straight with my eyes open, not closed. I do some of my best thinking swimming backwards. Not sure why. Except the quiet surrounds me and somewhere in the rhythm I find room to let go. Troubles stirring? Let them sink with the leaves. Aches and pains? Soothe them away with every kick. Decisions lingering? Let them slide aside. Just don’t crash into the divider again. It’s annoying….
The Legacy Gift
My son shook the yellow envelop, trying to guess what was inside. “It’s definitely not a book!” He smiled, putting it on the kitchen table. We all drew close together. My husband John opened it, and out slid the most wonderful gift from my in-laws, all of John’s Boy Scout parent pins. It’s a meaningful tradition from the Boy Scouts, they give the mother a small pin representing each level as they achieve different ranks, including Eagle Scout like my husband. I saw my son, newly inducted into scouts, beaming and asking Dad lots of questions. Memories of my brother…
Guest Blogging At Seriously Write!
Today I’m guest blogging at the wonderful blog to encourage writers, Seriously Write. My thanks to Dawn Kinzer for inviting me to share tips on how to share gems from your heart about being resilient in difficult times, without sharing the “rough.” Come join me there! http://seriouslywrite.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-to-only-share-your-written-gems-not.html
Right-turn The Blues Away
A Recipe For Abounding Hope A weekend of down moments punctuated with sick ones, sad news, and first my husband being far away, then my son going out of town with his class, left me a bit blue recently. My wonderful husband instantly suggested a right turn, which was so nice it felt like a day of vacation. We’ve been tackling serious topics in this blog for a while, and I thought you’d like to come on my most recent “right turn” or intentional change in direction with us. Whenever you need a boost, try dipping your fingers into intense…
Recent Comments