A few months ago, I set a huge goal for myself – to have a clutter-free home by December 31st. I enlisted my husband’s support – to have it be a mutual goal, since his support is crucial to having this work, for a number of reasons. The clutter we accumulate (and whose it is, [...]

"People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."   Abraham Lincoln  When I read that quote, I imagine I can hear Mr. Lincoln saying those words in a down-to-earth, folksy manner.  Simple, matter-of-fact, this is how it is.  My heart really warms to it, even though it seems TOO simple.  I [...]

Over the last six months, three of my dear friends have lost their spouses.  Each time, I've been shaken by it, but I guess this third one has felt like a real wake up call.  All the cliches apply:  Life is short; Life is precious; Don't take life for granted; etc.  I want to throw [...]

Yesterday, I received a "you've got to see this" email from a friend.  She was absolutely right, even though at first glance, I was thinking "Oh, brother!  What is THIS?"    Here is the link to an amazing video: http://www.maniacworld.com/Phone-Salesman-Amazes-Crowd.html  I'm not an opera fan and I don't have much appreciation for these talent shows, [...]

In a recent class discussing living a full life, my instructor asked us to go into our hearts and see (or hear or feel) what our deepest heart would long to have written on our gravestone.  (It wasn't as morbid as it might sound, honest!)  Mine went something like, "Loved God and shared that love [...]

I've been fortunate enough to get to spend the last week with my son, Tre, and his family…wife Shelly, 4 year old Serenity, and 2 year old Connor.  Being around the little ones, especially, has been such a treat, reminding me of the joy and enthusiasm I want to continue to maintain.  They are bundles [...]

Over the last several months, I’ve been enchanted by the idea and experience of “sparkle.”  It sends me back to being about four or five, when I just loved being myself.  I hadn’t had teachers reprimand me for always wanting to do show and tell.  I hadn’t yet gotten my first (humiliating) birthday spanking in [...]

 For all my enthusiasm about putting new learnings into practice, one thing I hadn't taken into consideration is that, for me, I really need to periodically take time to integrate the new learnings, expansions, etc.  I've been so excited about "moving forward" and taking new actions…some of which were pretty bold expansions of my comfort [...]

I love being enthusiastic!  Most days since I've returned from Wizard Camp have been pretty exciting.  At least partially because I'm consciously putting to use a number of the great things I learned/had reinforced – which, frankly, I'm not always very successful at doing.  But having completed Wizard, I notice I am wanting to do [...]

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross This light from within is what I am working to kindle for myself.  Sometimes this light is a roaring [...]