“These are the times that try men’s souls.” Thomas Paine said these words back in December of 1776 in his pamphlet “Common Sense” arguing for independence. However, I think those words are timeless. They certainly ring true today. What were the colonists going through as they fought for independence from England? Were they any less…
Category: Personal growth
Boundaries? What Do I Care About Boundaries?
Anyone who has escaped the clutches of an abuser or a narcissist is completely aware of what boundaries are. It was a hard lesson to learn after leaving that ordeal, but an extremely necessary one. Perhaps even without hearing the term “boundaries” most of us already know what they are and have them in place….
Self-Care Lesson Turning 50
I looked in the mirror today, but I didn’t see anything different. There’s still salt and pepper in my bangs. My weight hasn’t changed from what it was last week. The skin tag that’s been on my neck since I was a child is still there. No new ones have appeared. This is still the…
Have YOU Ever Felt Painfully Alone?
You just lost your job, your spouse ran away with someone else, your cherished childhood pet crossed the rainbow bridge or some other deep tragedy has struck your life. Suddenly, it takes every ounce of energy you can muster to pick your head up off the pillow. No matter how much you try to talk…
Change Is A Choice
There are a thousand adages and quotations about change. “Be the change you want to see … ” “Everyone thinks of changing the world … “ “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous change…” We may not like it, but change is inevitable and unstoppable. And, that’s a good thing. Imagine how boring the…
Ashamed Of Your Past?
Are you proud of the person you are today and the life you lead? If you’ve come a long way from where you once were, you are likely proud of who you have become. But, are you ashamed of that past? Change happens moment by moment, day by day. The person we are today is…
Are You Grateful For The Important Things?
Within the last year, my life has taken a turn down an unfamiliar road overgrown with thorns and obstacles. When I was forced by pain to quit my job I had no idea of the struggles and trials I was soon to face. Many of my acquaintances were quick to pat me on the back…
Writing To Be Heard
For as long as I can remember I’ve been a writer. I’ve always had an affinity for pens and notebooks or typewriters. Perhaps it was a subconscious way to be heard in a house filled with people. I was the oldest of six children born to my parents. As each new sibling came along, my…
“Shut Up, John”
My father died in 1989 when I was barely an adult. As the oldest child, responsibilities fell onto my shoulders when my mother was unable to cope with things. There were many things she had never learned how to do since her role in the family was only to take care of the children. It…
Over The Fence
When I was in high school I wrote a poem I titled “Over The Fence.” I was hoping to find a copy of it here to include with this post but, for some reason, it isn’t in my storage files. I considered trying to write another one in a similar vein but, remakes are never…