From the Desk of Pennwell Gray
Daily thoughts. Points to ponder. Soulful reflections. The Musings of E.M. Murphy.
As I sat tonight to put my Christmas gift list on paper, I felt my mood shift.
My holiday spirit deflated, my mind went blank and a sense of dread filled me.
Up until that moment, Mrs. Clause had nothing on me.
Continue reading “The commercialization of Christmas. Bah humbug.”Recently many people have been reaching out to me, sharing their personal struggles with alcohol – and I am no stranger to the havoc it can wreck on us physically, mentally and emotionally.
Alcohol abuse is more prevalent than ever in today’s society yet despite how much we work toward removing the stigma, many people fear ridicule and judgment if they openly question their alcohol use or admit that they may have a problem.
What many don’t realize is that alcohol abuse does not necessarily equate to alcoholism or addiction, but it does mean that a person has a propensity toward self-destructive behavior.
There are a multitude of variables at play, thus abuse does not always equal addiction or dependency. We may have developed a habit that we enjoy on one level, but deeply despise on another and is a negative – rather than positive – impact on our lives. Continue reading “Questioning your drinking habits? Six things to think about before you take that next sip.”
It’s a part of my personality to feel the need to place a disclaimer ahead of topics that may be interpreted, perceived or judged differently than how I intended.
Maybe I didn’t express myself clearly or articulately enough or maybe there’s another reason, but I want to make certain readers understand that the objective of many a piece is to provoke thought, inspire reflection and spark conversations.
Still with me? Great! Let’s talk education. Continue reading “Education – more than just a degree.”
Another month comes to an end and as of 15 minutes ago on the East Coast, we welcomed a new one.
Hello, December, the final month of the year.
With just a little more than four weeks on the calendar, we can find ourselves with much to do. The holidays can be stressful, or peaceful – and usually, a blend of both.
Some are happy to see the year pass while others are grateful they survived another one.
Collectively, we have suffered greatly and celebrated largely. We have endured losses and sorrow along with many gains and joy. Continue reading “An invitation for you. Six contemplations as we close out November and wrap up this year.”
As human beings, we more often than not try to control everything.
Our thoughts, feelings and emotions. Our words, actions and behavior. And sadly the future, believing that we can control the direction of our lives and how others may feel, react or treat us.
The only real thing we have control over is cultivating our ability to let go. We may not need to let go of people or things, but we may need to let go of analyzing potential outcomes and dwelling on what if’s. Continue reading “On letting go.”
As I wrap up preparations for tomorrow’s – well, now today’s given the hour – Thanksgiving celebration, I am flooded with wonderful memories from my childhood.
My grandmother would rise at 3AM to put the turkey in the oven. I don’t think I should say ‘rise’, because I’m not sure she ever slept. I’d inherited her ability to get an hour or two of sleep and function at full capacity, but sadly outgrew it.
Continue reading “Thanksgiving eve.”I’d forgotten what it was like to have a day off for reasons other than doctors’ appointments or other commitments that required taking vacation time.
But this week I took some days off which allow for an actual vacation – because it blends into the company Thanksgiving break.
Yes I’ve been guilty of checking in to make sure there are no urgent needs and spent some time answering emails – but not too much. This is a huge accomplishment for me. The reason for this good fortune is that other colleagues shared this same idea. Brilliant!
What a luxury to spend a day running errands without angst, not pressured for time. What a joy to do a bit of this and that, to tackle and participate in activities that I don’t get to during a regular work week. I felt like a little kid again!
Has it really been that long since I’ve taken a full week vs. a day here and there or a long weekend? Has it really been that long since I’ve felt unencumbered, unstressed and simply giddy?
Continue reading “So many moments of gratitude and joy. You just never know.”Taking a few minutes to unwind with social media, I found myself shaking my head and muttering aloud.
A cute baby picture, smiling and clearly enjoying her moment sitting on the grass in her festive sweater – then the comments.
“Watch out for ticks!” “It’s a bit cold for that baby to be on the ground.” “Bring that baby in!”
Continue reading “Scrolling, scrolling … why can’t we just keep on scrolling?”We all like to share a good laugh. Sadly, these days more than ever, our laughter is at the expense of someone else.
No matter what your opinion on the Rittenhouse verdict, the current administration or anything else, the glaring disrespect and crudeness of today’s people is deplorable.
I have a sense of humor and love a good joke. Some of what I see is funny – but it doesn’t make it right.
Continue reading “What is wrong with us?”I am so that stop to look at the moon girl – and the stars, sunrise, sunset, landscapes, seascapes, birds, animals. All of the beauty that surrounds us in our universe and the creatures that inhabit it.
If you want to be reminded of how small we are in the larger scheme of things, look up at the sky tonight. The moon is full, illuminating our sky.
Don’t dwell on the shorter days, because it actually gives us more time to enjoy the night under an Autumn sky. Each change of every season brings with it something to cherish.
This month’s full moon is known as the ‘Beaver Moon’ because this is the time of year when beavers start taking shelter and planning for the winter ahead, fully prepared with their food stores. The Almanac has tied moon names with Native American, Colonial American and European folklore for decades.
So take a moment this evening, look up at the sky and exhale all that burdens you. If only for that brief period of time, you can be reminded that there’s much in life to appreciate, feel grateful for and enjoy.
