Focusing On What Matters

I often have to remind myself to pick my battles. This has been especially true in parenting teenagers. One of life’s biggest lessons for me has been realizing that I have control over very little. And when I try to control things, it rarely goes well.  In fact, keeping too tight a grip on things usually breaks them. So how do I keep my focus on what matters? Practice, patience, and giving up on perfection. I started this post inspired, in part by the quote: Life is short. Focus on what matters and let go of what doesn’t. Now that I Read More

A Day of Happiness: Let’s Celebrate

March 20 has been designated as the International Day of Happiness by the United Nations. If I was more cynical, I could make all sorts of sarcastic remarks and point out all the ways the world falls short in regards to happiness. But I’m not that cynical. In fact, I’m an optimist and a big believer in looking at the bright side of things. If that’s an idea you can get behind, read on. Come be part of the Day of Happiness. You’ll be in good company. All 193 countries in the U.N. have adopted a resolution that calls for Read More

Making Choices Out of Hope Instead of Fear

I don’t know about you, but it seems everywhere I turn lately, I see a news story or read a Facebook comment or overhear someone talking about something that we all need to be worried about. Maybe even afraid of and probably angry about too. One thing I know for sure, making choices and taking action out of fear, anger, and other negative feelings is a mistake. It is much better to make decisions from a place of optimism, kindness, and love. Making choices out of hope instead of fear can make a big difference in our lives and in Read More

Self-Care Resolutions for the New Year

I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I have a hard time keeping them and that always leaves me feeling bad. But I am all for making self-care a priority and maybe setting a few resolutions could help. Self-care became a major buzzword in 2017. As the year winds down and we start thinking about 2018, I thought it would be good to review what self-care is (and isn’t), and why it will still be important in 2018 even if a new buzzword comes around.         What is Self-Care?   At its most basic, self-care is taking Read More