Distractions—Time Chompers

A counseling phrase that I latched on to years ago--‘Life is a series of crises’--came to mind this week after participating in an outdoor wedding service where several components of crises were active: interruptions, distractions and disruptions.  All three reek with hidden stressors but the only controllable happening…

Wistful Waiting

Wistful: full of melancholy yearning; longing pensively; wishful. Emotions from waiting range from agony, distress, miserable, disquieting, cheerless, uneasiness, to excitedly, anticipatory or wait worthy. Take a few minutes to recount your stored memories regarding exceedingly long periods of waiting. No one likes to wait. In fact, most people despise…

Sowing Seeds of Encouragement

“You can do it; try it again”, a mother’s soft voice encouraged her small daughter learning how to put shapes in the matching box lid. Before children can talk, they need consistent encouragement as they practice hand/eye coordination. Seeing smiling faces, being gently bathed and dressed, hearing books…

Our friend, Anger

Has anyone ever said to you “I never get angry?” Don’t believe them.  If people are normal, they’ll experience some form of anger. After several conversations this week where anger was the main topic,   I realized it was time to re-visit our friend, anger. One gal said she…

Personal Protective Pruning

Like my total amazement after being away for a week with great-granddaughter’s running-fast skills, I was totally dismayed to discover that our humongous clematis vine was covered with powdery mildew fungus looking brownish as it hung limply over the trellis rather than looking healthy and full of buds for…

Spontaneously Running from…. or to…

“Come on Grama Ruth. “Run”, 2 ½ year old grand-granddaughter urged as she took off to the front yard.  After a week of being away, I was impressed with her accomplishment of fast outdoor-running. Before I left, she was running from the front door to my chair in the next room—…

Courage to Do a Difficult 180

“I’ve thought it over, and my answer is right”. I’ve made up my mind and there’s no turning around.”  ” I stick to my original decision, no matter what.” “Changing your mind is a sign of weakness.” Have you ever done a 180-change based on new facts, reasons…

Wrestling Clutter

“Has anyone seen the scissors?” “Have you seen my phone?” “Who moved my stuff?” “What happened to my backpack?” “I can’t find my billfold.” “I’m gonna be late, where are the keys?” Sound familiar? Has the clutter bug taken up residence in your house? Clutter quietly and quickly…