Featured
Time for Reflection
Being reflective is a worthy human characteristic in every situation. Taking time to pause, to think, to pray perhaps, before sharing an opinion, even before starting a new project, will lend the light of illumination to any experience. Particularly in times like these, the more often each one of us can carry a peaceful heart and mind into every setting, the greater will be our individual reward and we will be adding to the peace of others too. I believe there is no greater effort we can make on a daily basis than this. [ Read More ]
All We Have Is All We Need
All We Have Is All We Need is the title of my newest book, released by Conari Press in May, 2006. The book combines essays with nearly 400 simple suggestions for clearing the clutter from our minds so that we are able to live peaceful, hopefilled and helpful lives. It's my contention that we are constant examples to others and choosing to be kind, loving and forgiving examples is as close as our next thought. Perhaps this sounds beyond your capacity at this time but making a tiny decision for an even tinier change in behavior will reap huge benefits. [ Read More ]
Your Experience, Strength, and Hope
Every person reading this has had a significant and troubling experience in a relationship. This might have occurred in childhood, your first marriage, or last week. How did you handle it? What was your solution? What might you have done differently?
It's important that we interact through this section of the Web page so I hope you will get involved. We all heal our lives a tiny bit more when any one of us reaches out with suggestions, compassion and sincere interest about the well being of one another. We are not alone. Ever.
Circle of Family and Friends - You and Your Personal Community
How our family and friends impacted our lives before our healing began as opposed to the present, is worthy of recall. It may well be that you see your family as the root of your problems today. Likewise, it may seem like your friends are the only ones who ever really loved you or understood you.
What I hope we can discover together is that our families played a necessary role and its impact helped us make the choices that are guiding us now, including the friends we cherish. Let's share examples of the wisdom we have gleaned from hindsight and with the help of friends. We could not have progressed to this point without all the input.
What I Believe - You and Your Higher Power
It's only fair that I share with you what my spiritual perspective is before asking you to share yours. As a child, I was clueless. My parents didn't adhere to any set of beliefs. They didn't discourage the idea of religion. It simply wasn't discussed. In college, I shunned every thing that smacked of religion. Native American spirituality appealed to me when I got into graduate school, but it wasn't until I got into 12 Step recovery that I actually became "a believer."
I didn't easily believe that God or a Higher Power was really present every moment, however. Fear overwhelmed much of the time. And I began writing as my invitation to Her/Him to offer solace. In fact, that process is what has guided me through every book I have written. I do not doubt the presence of God in my life. I simply don't often feel that presence except when I have turned my mind over to it during the writing process.
I do know that I will never lose faith. I do know that God is always present. I do know that help and comfort are as available as I allow them to be. I also know that I can still get in my own way after all these years of recovery.
What are your beliefs? Where did they come from? Are you satisfied with your spiritual journey? How might you want to change it.
Reflections in the Mirror - You and Yourself
I am relieved to say that I like myself most of the time. This statement doesn't mean I don't have regrets on occasion, particularly when I speak too soon or too harshly. But I have learned how to right my wrongs, which allows me to move forward rather than staying stuck in the past. I think I am a compassionate woman and a great listener. I can laugh at myself which means I don't wallow in shame or guilt.
I feel good about the direction my life has taken. I have been a willing participant. Although I may resist change when it first beckons, I know and celebrate the philosophy that no door closes without the next right door opening.
When I "look in the mirror," I see a happy woman who is grateful for every single moment of her life. The hurts of the past are just that. Past. I live here, now, as the result of all that came before and I trust that the future will allow me the same gratitude when it has become my past.
What do you see in the mirror? Are there things you want to change? How might we help?
