I’ve been an educator most of my adult life. Over the years I’ve seen many children whose small and innocent lives were consumed with anger and depression — traumatized by violence, deprivation, and untenable circumstances. But, there was one boy who was by far the saddest, angriest child I had ever met. And there was […]
Enlightenment of the Middle Ages: Spiritual Lessons I Have Learned in Midlife
I turned fifty this past summer. Which means if I live to be one-hundred (which is an actual goal) I am squarely and undeniably smack dab in the middle of my life. Middle age has its petty annoyances. It also has its perks. I may not be able to see the dosage information on the […]
Be Wise: The lesson you can learn from Eeyore the “Awfuller”
“Good morning, Eeyore,” said Pooh. “Good morning, Pooh Bear,” said Eeyore gloomily. “If it is a good morning, which I doubt,” said he. “Why, what’s the matter?” “Nothing, Pooh Bear, nothing. We can’t all, and some of us don’t. That’s all there is to it.” “Can’t all what?” said Pooh, rubbing his nose. “Gaiety. Song-and-dance. […]
Be Happy: Just because your teen is unhappy, doesn’t mean you have to be!
I live in a home with two teens and two preteens. In the South, where I live, people tend to respond to this fact by saying, “Oh, bless your heart.” Yes, bless my heart. Bless it with happiness and strength. For, if there is a theme for our lives right now it is this: Moods […]
Be Sweet: Giving up Sugar and Savoring the Real Sweetness of Life
I gave up sugar a week ago. I am not bragging. It’s only been a week, and a week doesn’t especially give you bragging rights. And it certainly doesn’t earn you the privilege of finger-wagging. So just to be clear: I am not wagging my finger at anyone. But I do want to tell you […]
Top Ten Videos that Will Make You Cry (In a Good Way!)
NOTE: Scroll on down if you just want to see the “TOP TEN Videos that Will Make You Cry”! I am a big believer in the healing power of tears. I believe this because I am a cryer. I cry at weddings. Graduations. Bar Mitzvahs. Movies. Poetry. Prayers. And yes, even commercials. I cry every […]
Parents: It’s not “I love you but …” — it’s “I love you AND …”
“I love you but you are being so irresponsible.” “I love you but I am sick and tired of asking you to pick up your stuff.” “I love you but you have got to bring your grades up.” “I love you but you are acting completely helpless.” “I love you but I don’t have to […]
Be Kind: Practice kindness in everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) you do
Kindness. It’s the gift we give to people and animals. Right? Well, yes. But not that alone. Kindness is not just an emotion we feel toward living, breathing beings. Kindness is an energy that abides within you that is waiting to be released into the world, so it can work its magic. What if we […]
Be Courageous: All Meaningful Paths Begin with a Single Step
The path to peace begins with unrest. The path to wisdom begins with unknowing. The path to love begins with loneliness. The path to a new life begins with the old. If we want to get to where we are going, we must first compassionately accept where we are. Then take one brave step forward […]
Be Joyful: A Missing Diamond is Cause for Celebration
I was at a meeting in a local coffee shop when I saw it. Or rather, when I didn’t see it. The diamond from my engagement ring. The symbol of undying love and commitment that I have been wearing every day for nearly two decades. Gone. At first I thought maybe my middle-aged eyes were […]
