What 2023 has Taught Me.

On New Year’s Eve, I like to reflect upon what the year has taught me. Life is filled with ups and downs, trials and tribulations, and moments of enormous joy that bring much happiness. Here are some random thoughts to share as we slide on into 2024.

On living 

Don’t ever waste time cleaning your house if you get an opportunity to have some fun or be there for someone else who may need your support. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring and I can assure you that if it all suddenly came to end, I doubt you’ll be thinking about your sparkling sink or dust-free shelves. Cherish the moments because we are blessed with each and every one. Choose wisely. Continue reading “What 2023 has Taught Me.”

The best resolution, is no resolution.

Another year draws to a close with a new one on our doorstep. Many are contemplating bad habits, considering positive changes, and making a list then checking it twice – even if Santa has retired for the next 11 months!

Ah, the magic of January 1st. The clock strikes midnight and we are determined to set forth on a journey of health and wellness. We will drink green juice for breakfast and exercise daily. We will meditate, take up yoga, and rise before dawn. We won’t drink or smoke. We will join a dry- or dry-ish January group, swearing off booze and cleansing our bodies.

And we won’t make one change, or resolution, we will make an unrealistic laundry list of changes that we couldn’t possibly achieve long-term, or even short-term.

Fast forward to January 31st. How did you do? Were you successful? Or did you fall short? And if you fell short, how did you handle it – eat more, drink more? Beat yourself up and feel like a failure?

As we start the last weekend of the year, let us wise-up before the clock strikes midnight on Sunday, kicking off 2024.

January 1st isn’t a magical day. A new year may be full of promise, yet it’s only what you’ll make of it.

How about just taking it one day at a time? How about waking up in the new year and vowing to be the best you can be every day, this year and every year to follow?

How about making no resolutions and simply carrying on with your life, on your journey, improving on what you can, when you can – no date on the calendar, no pressure, no expectations – just gently easing into the year with a commitment to being the best version of you?

The best resolution, may be no resolution. May you make this a wonderful year!

Tidings of comfort and – compassion.

We hear it all the time: just be kind because you don’t know what someone else may be going through.

As we move into Christmas weekend, let’s remember that not everyone is in the holiday spirit and this can be a very difficult time for some.

Those who sat with loved ones who took their last breath, leaving family and friends to grieve.

Those battling illness, terminal or otherwise, loved ones praying for a miracle.

Those without a place to live, sleeping in shelters or on the streets.

Those with food insecurity, hungry and scared.

Those who are alone, no family or friends to lean on.

Those living with depression or mental illness, each day a struggle just to get out of bed.

Those children longing for a forever home.

Those elderly with children that don’t make the time to visit, forgotten.

Those parents fraught with worry about bills that are piling up, simply wanting to keep the lights or heat on.

Those battling addiction of any kind.

Those who are lonely and sad, angry or lost.

Take a moment to see others when you’re running those last minute errands. Take a moment to breathe and remember that most everyone is stressed and tired. Take a moment to think before you speak and just be kind.

If we all just do one thing to make a day better for someone else, think of what a wonderful world this would actually be.

The pure bliss of simplicity.

So many rush around, filling every minute of their life with things to do. I’m no exception with the responsibilities and commitments I’ve taken on, scheduled and on the run much of the time.

Yet I seek out all opportunities to just simply be. I love to sleep in when I can, start the day whenever it starts then take it from there. I cherish time at home and can stay here for extended periods of time, by choice, surrounded by all of the things that bring me comfort and joy – my dog, books, music, the kitchen, to name a few.

Ambience is important to me and time is a luxury, so this morning I enjoyed the process of making breakfast then slowly savoring each bite. I made the time to stretch, tuning in to my aching body which hasn’t been my friend as of late. I played with my little dog, then sat with her on my lap, sipping hot tea, basking in the glow of our lit Christmas tree on this dark and rainy day. And having to end this time is bittersweet, but advance plans were made and life calls.

Find ways to incorporate peace and relaxation into every day. Use an in-shower spray to create an instant spa, opening the sinuses and awakening the senses. Light a candle and take in the aroma, closing your eyes for even just a moment. Breathe in deeply and stretch, allowing your body to de-stress and decompress. Taste your food, enjoying each bite while focusing on the flavor as it satiates your hunger.

The point is, putting into practice the act of such simple pleasures can enhance your life and bring a sense of calm, peace, and joy. Don’t wait. Do something special today, and every day.

This too, shall pass.

Some days are just lousy. Ok – we can say that these days just plain suck.

And there doesn’t have to be a particular reason.

We can wake up on the wrong side of bed – no matter how much we have to be grateful for. We can be in a mood – and even more annoyed by the fact that we can’t pinpoint one single reason to be in that mood. We can feel an overall sense of irritation – recognizing that we need to find a way to get through the day without causing damage to others.

We know that it’s just a day, 24 or less hours that we must show up and be as on our game as possible.

Continue reading “This too, shall pass.”

The sound, of silence.

Have you ever sat in silence, affording yourself the opportunity to focus on a moment – or longer? Fully immersed yourself in simply being?

It’s a ritual of mine to reflect after almost all occasions, to sit comfortably and allow myself to relax physically, while mentally exploring the recesses of my soul. This involves recalling experiences, deep contemplation, and a cascade of feelings that don’t require validation, but rather a time when answers are revealed effortlessly. These are fluid moments in time when the thinking cap is removed, letting the soul speak.

Continue reading “The sound, of silence.”

Gratitude and thanks.

Today, I give thanks for my loved ones and the good people in my life.

I reflect upon our history of Thanksgiving dinners, missing those who have passed. Each of them takes a piece of our heart when they go, but we keep them close each and every day.

I am grateful for those who are true, those who are honest and genuine; selfless and kind.

I cherish each moment and count my blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving.

In Honor of Those who Served – Past, Present, and Future.

As the grandchild of a career U.S. Navy, Pearl Harbor Survivor who fought in all the major battles of the Pacific, the daughter of a Vietnam Era U.S. Army Drill Sergeant, and family of those who served in all branches of the service, I am honored to be crafting this November piece to commemorate Veterans Day.

November is known as Military Family Month, a time when we celebrate the contributions and sacrifices made by not only our service men and women, but the families of our U.S. Armed Forces. The U.S. Marine Corps Birthday falls on November 10th, and of course Veterans Day falls on November 11th – the anniversary date of the signing of the armistice which ended World War I and the day when we thank all veterans for their service. Continue reading “In Honor of Those who Served – Past, Present, and Future.”

The Poisonous Side of Partisan Politics.

No matter what political party you affiliate with, it should never stand in the way of you being a decent human being.

We can all have our opinions, beliefs, and perspectives. We can be pro-something or anti-anything, yet agree to disagree.

Continue reading “The Poisonous Side of Partisan Politics.”