When it's over ... moving on!
Sat, 09/02/2023

When it's over ... moving on!

Who out there over the age of say, 13, hasn’t had their heart broken by someone breaking up with them? I would venture to say, no one. It happens…

We Can Do More Than We Think We Can!
Fri, 09/01/2023

We Can Do More Than We Think We Can!

When a horse starts his training, he's afraid to pull 25 pounds, when in fact he has the power to pull 9000 pounds. But he doesn't know it. He has…

Watch out for that speed bump!
Thu, 08/31/2023

Watch out for that speed bump!

There’s nothing more annoying than going through a supermarket parking lot. All you want to do is park, go in, get your Rocky Road ice cream, and…

Walking on Tiptoes!
Wed, 08/30/2023

Walking on Tiptoes!

Is there a person in your life in whose presence you're not You? A person in whose presence you have to watch what you say, what you do, what you…

Unanswered Prayers!
Tue, 08/29/2023

Unanswered Prayers!

When I was 17, I prayed for Greg Kracy to like me and ask me to the prom. Greg Kracy did neither.

When I was 21 and pregnant with my first…

Trials: The Art of Being Perfected!
Mon, 08/28/2023

Trials: The Art of Being Perfected!

While talking to my brother some years ago, he shared that November had been quite a trying month of one unfortunate event after another. First, a…

To What Are We Hanging On?
Fri, 08/25/2023

To What Are We Hanging On?

So often we hold onto beliefs based on something we heard as a child, or from something we heard on the news, or even from something someone said…

Thoughts, Thoughts, and More Thoughts!
Thu, 08/24/2023

Thoughts, Thoughts, and More Thoughts!

There are so many that run through your minds, every day--too many too count. A lot of them are negative; so negative in fact, they ruin your day…

Things Don't Equal Happiness!
Wed, 08/23/2023

Things Don't Equal Happiness!

If they did, everyone with lots of things and money would be the happiest people in the world. But they’re not. My husband has the opportunity to…

They're Your Shoes! Only You Can Fill Them!
Mon, 08/21/2023

They're Your Shoes! Only You Can Fill Them!

Somewhere along the way, people have gotten the idea that they’re not enough; that they’re missing a piece; and that without that piece they’re…

There Are None More Blind Than...
Fri, 08/18/2023

There Are None More Blind Than...

Being blind isn't just a physical condition that affects the eyes. In fact, there is a worse kind of blindness—ignorance, selfishness, prejudice,…

The YOU Behind the Mask!
Thu, 08/17/2023

The YOU Behind the Mask!

You walk into the Masquerade Ball outfitted in vibrant blue; a green, yellow, and purple Mask over your face, making you unrecognizable. You snake…

The Unexpected Visitor!
Wed, 08/16/2023

The Unexpected Visitor!

Sometimes our plans just don’t work out. In fact, sometimes something so unexpected happens, it throws us completely off the track.

And yes…

The TRUTH Behind the Lie!
Tue, 08/15/2023

The TRUTH Behind the Lie!

What you say: “Everything’s fine!” What you’re thinking: I’m about to lose my job and just had a fight with my son.

What you say: “…

Like a Tree!
Mon, 08/14/2023

Like a Tree!

“Trees in winter lose their leaves. Some trees may even fall during storms, but most stand patiently and bear their fortune.

They endure…

The Suspicious Shadow
Sun, 08/13/2023

The Suspicious Shadow

You come home tired from work, drop your keys in a bowl, and check your phone messages. As you mindlessly listen to a host of insistent…

The Stranger and the Flower!
Fri, 08/11/2023

The Stranger and the Flower!

When I was 17-years-old, my parents asked me to go with them to the market. Preferring to stay home, I resisted. It didn’t do much good, though. I…

The Spark!
Thu, 08/10/2023

The Spark!

When I was in my mid twenties, I went to see the movie Staying Alive. At that time, John Travolta had a six-pack instead of one. The movie was…

The Span of Life
Mon, 08/07/2023

The Span of Life

The Buddha asked a Shramana, "How long is the human life span?"

He replied, "A few days."

The Buddha said, "You have not yet…

The Snooze Button
Sun, 08/06/2023

The Snooze Button

My husband and I have had a running argument about “Snoozing.” He’s a true Snoozer. When the alarm goes off in the mornings, he hits the snooze…

The Sky is Falling...The Sky is Falling!
Fri, 08/04/2023

The Sky is Falling...The Sky is Falling!

These are the people who go around talking about all the bad things that are going on (i.e., the molestations, the mass shootings, the train…

The Side-effects of Wishing!
Thu, 08/03/2023

The Side-effects of Wishing!

“When you wish upon a star Makes no difference who you are Anything your heart desires Will come to you..."

I think most…

The Servant
Wed, 08/02/2023

The Servant

Recently, the topic of being a People Pleaser (PP) came up in a group discussion. I thought it would be an important topic to address since…

The Rise and Fall of Communication!
Tue, 08/01/2023

The Rise and Fall of Communication!

While we all know how to talk, few of us know how to communicate effectively. We either lack communications skills, or rarely communicate at all…

Knowledge
Mon, 07/31/2023
Knowledge
Sun, 07/30/2023

The Other You!

Recently I watched an episode of Friends on Netflix. It was the one where Monica’s identity is stolen. She starts analyzing her credit card bills…

Smart Phones: The New Drug of Choice!
Sat, 07/29/2023

Smart Phones: The New Drug of Choice!

Smart phones have easily become the new drug of choice. Look around. If Smart phones and texting were a disease, we’d be calling it a pandemic…

The Microwave VS the Oven!
Fri, 07/28/2023

The Microwave VS the Oven!

I think we can all agree on the fact that we love to eat! It’s what we do, not only to keep on living, but to celebrate anything, from a…

The Magical Bank Metaphor (Dr. Claire Milligan)
Thu, 07/27/2023

The Magical Bank Metaphor (Dr. Claire Milligan)

$86,400 -- Something To Think About!

Imagine that you won the following prize in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400.00…

The Lookie-Loo!
Wed, 07/26/2023

The Lookie-Loo!

Have you ever been on the freeway, when all of a sudden, without warning, every car starts to slow down? The fact is, we all have. The reason…

The Last Words...
Tue, 07/25/2023

The Last Words...

Some years ago, a daughter and mother had a fight. Not an uncommon scenario. In this story, however, the daughter was so angry that she told her…

The Juke Box!
Mon, 07/24/2023

The Juke Box!

THE JUKE BOX SITS IN THE CORNER. It is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. The first thing you hear. This morning it’s…

The Good "Mistake!"
Sun, 07/23/2023

The Good "Mistake!"

I was talking to a friend who told me that she and her family were going on a cruise. She then proceeded to tell me that the cruise line had…

The Gold Nugget!
Sat, 07/22/2023

The Gold Nugget!

Have you ever been panning for gold? It is the oldest and simplest way to extract gold.

I see all of you as having an abundance of gold…

The Gift of Misfortune!
Thu, 07/20/2023

The Gift of Misfortune!

A few years back, I was excited to attend the launch of Gregg Hurwitz’s new novel, Don’t Look Back, at Book Carnival in the city of Orange. Gregg…

The Genetic Lotto? Or Not!
Wed, 07/19/2023

The Genetic Lotto? Or Not!

Have you ever paid someone a compliment for being pretty? Or perhaps someone has remarked on how beautiful or good-looking you are. The response…

The "Fortune-less" Fortune Cookie!
Tue, 07/18/2023

The "Fortune-less" Fortune Cookie!

Wow! No fortune? Bummer!

Maybe. Maybe not!

A while back, we decided to get lunch from Pick Up Stix. One of the things to which we…

The First Day!
Mon, 07/17/2023

The First Day!

When my grandchildren were younger I would watch as they get their pictures taken before heading off to their First Day of school. I began to…

The Erasable Pen!
Sun, 07/16/2023

The Erasable Pen!

A few years back, I was at CVS looking for a pen. My favorite pen, the Gel Paper Mate, was out. I was bummed; I really love the smoothness of how…

The ELEPHANT in the Room!
Sat, 07/15/2023

The ELEPHANT in the Room!

“What elephant?” The elephant in the room is that THING—that large issue of which everyone is acutely aware, but of which not a word is said. It’s…

The Duffel Bag
Fri, 07/14/2023

The Duffel Bag

It’s morning—another beautiful day lies ahead. At least it starts out that way. Your night was restful. You feel refreshed, but it’s short lived…

The Cost of Technology...Is the price too high?
Wed, 07/12/2023

The Cost of Technology...Is the price too high?

Take a look at this couple. Pretty typical, I'd say. I often see people on their phones at restaurants as well as in homes, where families are…

The Comfort Zone...Are you in it?
Sun, 07/09/2023

The Comfort Zone...Are you in it?

How are you feeling today? Comfy? Most of us are, for the most part. We generally do nothing that causes us to feel fear or excitement. Nothing…

The Clutter in Your Closet!
Fri, 07/07/2023

The Clutter in Your Closet!

If you immediately started thinking about that pair of boots you’ve been meaning to throw out, but keep thinking you’re going to wear one day, or…

The Bright Side!
Thu, 07/06/2023

The Bright Side!

When my son Josh was a young boy, he would try and stare at the sun. Then he'd complain about how his eyes hurt. We would stay, "Stop looking at…

The "Bad" Event!
Wed, 07/05/2023

The "Bad" Event!

Everyone has a "bad" event occur at some point--during the day, the week, the month, etc. But some of you allow the “bad” event, whatever it may…

Patience is the Key!
Mon, 07/03/2023

Patience is the Key!

Thaddeus Thomas didn't see it coming. He knew his wife had a temper, but he didn't expect to die because of it.

In May 21, 2014, Toya…

Stop Trying to Control the Uncontrollable!
Fri, 06/30/2023

Stop Trying to Control the Uncontrollable!

Have you ever noticed that the more you try to control a situation that's out of your control, the more frustrated you become? That's because you…

Step to the Side, You're in the Way!
Thu, 06/29/2023

Step to the Side, You're in the Way!

Is there something you've been wanting to do, accomplish? Something for which you've always longed? Yet despite your fervent desires, there seems…

Sometimes you realize you CAN'T see, until you CAN
Wed, 06/28/2023

Sometimes you realize you CAN'T see, until you CAN

My husband and I, in an effort to be proactive, made a list of all the things we had to do around the house, (i.e., repairs, cleaning, de-…

Count Your Blessings!
Tue, 06/27/2023

Count Your Blessings!

Borghild Dahl was born practically blind. She had only one “working” eye. I use the term working loosely, because her one eye was covered with…

Someone Wants What You Have!
Mon, 06/26/2023

Someone Wants What You Have!

A while back, I was at Trader Joe's paying for my groceries. The checker, a young woman in her twenties, was making small talk. "Did you find…

Shake, Rattle, and Roll!
Sun, 06/25/2023

Shake, Rattle, and Roll!

When I was working on my B. A. many moons ago, my husband, Joe, got laid off. I was beside myself with worry. How would I finish with no money for…

Self-Confidence is the New Sexy!
Sat, 06/24/2023

Self-Confidence is the New Sexy!

So there are the “Beautiful” people, the “Not So Beautiful” people, and the “Less Than Not So Beautiful” people. The NSB people, and the LTNSB…

Pedestal! What Pedestal?
Thu, 06/22/2023

Pedestal! What Pedestal?

When I was in my 30’s and 40’s, I used to look up to an actor and motivational speaker named Richard Hatch. I thought he was incredible and I…

PADDED CELL, Patient #777 - Vacate Immediately!
Wed, 06/21/2023

PADDED CELL, Patient #777 - Vacate Immediately!

Most of you are familiar with padded cells. You've probably seen them in a movie scene at some point. The "insane" person who's usually not really…

Meet Your New Neighbor, MR. FEAR RAEF!
Tue, 06/20/2023

Meet Your New Neighbor, MR. FEAR RAEF!

On Sunday morning you’re awakened by the sound of a large truck. Groggily, you look out your window and see a huge moving van. The house next door…

Lost in a Fog!
Mon, 06/19/2023

Lost in a Fog!

When I was in high school, just a sweet girl of 17, my dad let me drive the car to school. Looking back now, I seriously don’t know how we made it…

Consistent Small Acts = Success!
Sat, 06/17/2023

Consistent Small Acts = Success!

Most of us want to accomplish something; do something that will make us feel successful in life. But sometimes the steps to get there seem…

"One day, when I__________, I'll__________."
Fri, 06/16/2023

"One day, when I__________, I'll__________."

When you what? When you finish school? When you get a better paying job? When you've paid off that loan? When you have a bigger house? When your…

The Rooster Teaches Me Humility!
Thu, 06/15/2023

The Rooster Teaches Me Humility!

I have a little wooden rooster that sits on a step stool in the kitchen. I’ve had it for years. Unfortunately, dogs, kids, people, mops, etc.,…

Imitation...the greatest form of flattery?
Tue, 06/13/2023

Imitation...the greatest form of flattery?

“ . . . nobody wants a phony. Nobody ever wants a counterfeit coin.” ~Paul Boynton

It’s often said that imitation is the greatest…

Be Like a Detective!
Mon, 06/12/2023

Be Like a Detective!

Recently, I switched purses to a cross-body because I was going to be doing a lot of walking and didn't want to keep adjusting the ******** my…

"It is what it is!
Sat, 06/10/2023

"It is what it is!

But does it have to be?

I’ve heard this phrase often. Someone tells me about a situation they’re in, and then follow it with, “It is what…

Signs of Aging...
Fri, 06/09/2023

Signs of Aging...

I don’t know of any human, animal, or thing that does not show signs of aging with the passage of time. It’s an indication of life. Of life…

Invest in Yourself: Give!
Thu, 06/08/2023

Invest in Yourself: Give!

Do you want to feel happy, full of joy, satisfied? It’s quite simple—GIVE!

There’s nothing more uplifting than Giving, providing support to…

Just An Illusion...
Tue, 06/06/2023

Just An Illusion...

Illusions! They seem so real, don't they? That's why you believe them. That's why magicians can captivate and hold an audience's attention. They…

If Worrying Were a Currency, You'd All Be Rich!
Mon, 06/05/2023

If Worrying Were a Currency, You'd All Be Rich!

You all do it! Worry, that is. You all entertain those thoughts, images, or emotions, usually negative in nature, about some potential catastrophe…

If Only We Could All Be Like Starlings!
Sun, 06/04/2023

If Only We Could All Be Like Starlings!

Scrolling through YouTube, I happened to see a video of the starling murmuration. I was enthralled, amazed, in awe, that anything like that was…

"I'll Start on Monday..."
Fri, 06/02/2023

"I'll Start on Monday..."

“I’m going to write my paper, on Monday.” “I’m going to start my diet, on Monday.” “I’m going to quit smoking, on Monday.” “I’ll…

"I Want My Money Back! This Coffee is Too Sweet!"
Thu, 06/01/2023

"I Want My Money Back! This Coffee is Too Sweet!"

A while back, I was talking to a friend of mine who’d been working a food truck at a golf tournament. They were the only truck around where anyone…

"I Love You!"
Wed, 05/31/2023

"I Love You!"

The three most important words to say! The three hardest words to say! The three words most taken for granted! The three words…

"I have a feeling I should..."
Tue, 05/30/2023

"I have a feeling I should..."

Has that ever happened to you? Where a feeling rushes over you like some kind of warning? It does to everyone. You're about to say or do something…

Hurry, Hurry Catch That Thief! (II)
Mon, 05/29/2023

Hurry, Hurry Catch That Thief! (II)

The Stolen Lap Top, Part II

We made our way to the gate, all the while my eyes scanning the airport. A part of me was still hopeful I’d see…

Hurry, Hurry, Catch That Thief!
Sun, 05/28/2023

Hurry, Hurry, Catch That Thief!

The Stolen Laptop, Part I

Several years back, I went to South Carolina with my son and grandson to visit family. Because I wanted to be…

Having More Money Won't Make You Rich!
Fri, 05/26/2023

Having More Money Won't Make You Rich!

So often I’ve heard people say, “If I had money, all my problems would be solved.” Or, “If I won the Lotto, I’d be able to help so many people.”…

Searching for that Four-Leaf Clover?
Wed, 05/24/2023

Searching for that Four-Leaf Clover?

Finding a four-leaf clover has been considered a source of good luck. Unfortunately, the chances of that are estimated at 1 in 10,000. This cute…

For Better of For Worse...
Tue, 05/23/2023

For Better of For Worse...

Or more realistically, “Until you do something I don’t like.”

A while back, I attended the beautiful wedding of a young couple in their…

Flight #727 Ready for Takeoff!
Mon, 05/22/2023

Flight #727 Ready for Takeoff!

You are the Pilot of Flight #727. Everyone and everything that needs to be on that flight, is. Everything is loaded and ready to go. The control…

Fear of Rejection or Rejecting Opportunity?
Sun, 05/21/2023

Fear of Rejection or Rejecting Opportunity?

Recently I had a conversation with a young woman who told me she had an interest in someone but was afraid to ask him to hang out. When I asked…

DOUBT...The Silent Killer!
Sat, 05/20/2023

DOUBT...The Silent Killer!

Client had a recent situation come up with her BF and it upset her enough that we needed to address it today. Her BF went to dinner with a friend…

Be You Unapologetically!
Fri, 05/19/2023

Be You Unapologetically!

Dot-Marie Jones is a woman. At first glance, however, if you're not paying close enough attention, you might think she's a man.

I first saw…

Dope on a Rope!
Thu, 05/18/2023

Dope on a Rope!

A criminal committed a crime. (Because hey, that’s what criminals do.) Anyway, he was sent to the king for his punishment. The king told him he…

Work Hard, But Don't Kill Yourself in the Process!
Wed, 05/17/2023

Work Hard, But Don't Kill Yourself in the Process!

“Mary Jane” has been an excellent employee most of her life. She has worked hard, has gone above and beyond the call of duty, traveled three weeks…

Don’t Believe the Mirror!
Tue, 05/16/2023

Don’t Believe the Mirror!

You’re getting ready to go out, and step in front of the mirror. Sadly, that’s when the dissection begins. You immediately focus on:

• The…

Don't Change!
Mon, 05/15/2023

Don't Change!

Sometimes when someone doesn't accept you, or like you for one reason or another, you might think it's you, that if you were different they'd see…

Saying YES When You want to Say NO!
Fri, 05/12/2023

Saying YES When You want to Say NO!

DO YOU SAY YES WHEN YOU REALLY WANT TO SAY NO? If you're nodding your head, then you're not alone. It's not uncommon for many of you to say Yes to…

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!
Thu, 05/11/2023

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

They’re inevitable! Often during your Life’s Journey, you will come to that proverbial Fork in the Road. And it won’t be just once; it will show…

Trapped by Cujo or...?
Wed, 05/10/2023

Trapped by Cujo or...?

In the 1983 Stephen King film, Cujo, there’s a scene where a mother (Dee Wallace) and her little boy (Danny Pintauro), are trapped in a broken…

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