I’ve been volunteering in my friend’s first grade classroom. At times the group of six and seven year old’s can get a little too rambunctious. On one such occasion I interjected, “T.O., T.O.” and made a “T” with my hands. Not wanting to continue until all of the kids were quiet I repeated myself. In…
Why is saying “no” so difficult? I’m as guilty as anyone for not using this word enough. Thinking I can fit in one more appointment, errand, or task I say yes, instead of no. There’s always more I want to do or think I should fit into my day. There’s an art to saying “no,”…
Pinned to my office bulletin board are several of my daughter’s drawings. To Emily they’re nothing more than doodles whipped out during math or English class. To me, they’re treasures of her artistic talent. Had I not stumbled across them laying about the house she would’ve tossed them into the trash without another thought. It…
I think it’s safe to say we’re all feeling the holiday hangover. I don’t even mean the overindulgence of cocktails. I’m talking specifically about the emotional and physical toll of the holidays. As exciting as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is I’m always ready for it to be over. It’s time to…
This week I’m taking a break from blogging to break in my ski legs. For those of you looking forward to my mental meanderings, I assure you I’ll be back next week. If by chance you’re disappointed that there’s nothing to see today, I encourage you to review any previous posts you may have missed.…
Of all your holiday memories what do you most recall? If I had to guess it isn’t the “perfect” ones. It’s the holiday mishaps that stick out. The once in a lifetime situations like the Thanksgiving turkey that slipped out of Grampy’s hands. A turkey is a turkey, but the one on the floor that…
In my opinion there’s not a more important skill than communication. Communication is key to identifying and expressing our personal needs and wants. To be able to speak truthfully and honestly is more than necessary, it is vital. Applying this vital skill with a firm but gentle delivery is an art. One must keep in…
Viewing life as a glass half full or a glass half empty seems to be a limiting approach in my opinion. The options are left to nothing more than a positive or negative outlook when really there are other perspectives to consider. Instead of assigning negative connotation to a glass half empty, I choose to…
I’m taking this opportunity to say “Thank You” to you. Thank you for your friendship, support, and love. Every blog enjoyed, page read, or social media post liked is appreciated more than I can express. The enthusiasm I’ve received for my writing has been touching in so many ways. Book reviews and invitations to speak…
Alcoholics Anonymous defines insanity as “doing the same thing and expecting different results.” You don’t have to be in the program to see the logic of the statement. The concept is pretty simple, yet people (myself included) continue to behave insanely around the holidays. Cooking, cleaning, present wrapping, and people pleasing is exhausting. Come January,…