We all long for self-improvement. Sometimes we have a dream: “I want to write a book.” “I want to run a marathon.” “I want to retire at 55.” Other times, something triggers a desire for change. We eat a big holiday meal, or step on the scale after a vacation, and think “That’s it! I’m […]
How Minimalism Impacted Me
My first real encounter with minimalism happened in Japan in 2009. I was very grateful we’d booked a Japanese room in that ryokan (Japanese b&b) as opposed to a western room. I was amazed by the boldness of having nothing in a room. There was a small tv set in a corner but the futon […]
Resolve
The new year. A time when many are trying to unsuccessfully convince themselves to exercise more, lose weight, and get organized. Yet, you may have a few friends who are optimistically coming up with a resolution or two. They’re eagerly dusting off cookbooks, setting their alarms for before the crack of dawn, and making space for new […]
Zest for Each New Day
I get out of bed before my alarm goes off, stretch, shower, make a cup of tea and grab some yogurt. Then my computer is on and I’m writing, working on a new book about gratitude. I don’t take a break until almost two hours have gone by, and the time feels like it has […]
The Glad Game
Have you ever heard someone referred to as a “Pollyanna?” It’s intended to be an insult, by the way. Pollyanna, the heroine of a 1913 children’s book, is determined to see the bright side. She always looks for the good in people and situations. So calling someone a Pollyanna is to say that person is […]
Breathe
I’ve spent the majority of my life holding my breath. When I was in junior high, I held my breath when I got called out of class to go see my guidance counselor. She told me that some kids had complained that I got too sweaty in gym class and that I needed to wear […]
What We Really Want
A new study conducted by Gallup for the Wellbeing for Planet Earth Foundation reveals that all around the world (116 countries and territories were surveyed), 72% of adults said that they would rather have a calm life of inner peace and contentment than a life of excitement. Only 16% chose the opposite. Even in the […]
Making the Holidays Meaningful
Christmas for our family this year will have an uncanny feel. Instead of spending the winter holiday visiting family or hosting friends, we will spend it… packing. Yep. We’re spending the “most wonderful time of year” in complete transition mode. Our project this year has been building a house—comparable in size to our apartment home, […]
How I Find Holiday Spirit
Is it getting harder to feel the Christmas spirit? In 2019 there were devastating fires not far from where I live, and one of my husband’s students was struck and killed by a drunk driver while he was walking to school shortly before Thanksgiving. In 2020 we were under quarantine, and dealing with restrictions, shortages, […]
Habits that Matter
Decades ago I was asked to house-sit for a family who was traveling to France for the summer. They lived in a beautiful old home and wanted someone to feed their animals, clean out the kitty litter and walk the dog daily. Living at my parents’ house at the time and a recent college graduate who was in-between […]