-
Growing better as we age
“The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.” ~Robert Frost In case you haven’t seen it yet, Prevention magazine’s October “Love Your Age” issue is a winner. The special edition includes more than 40 pages of pro-aging content, including a piece about four inspiring female athletes in their eighties, plus an in-depth report on the science and scams of anti-wrinkle products. In particular, I was fascinated by the results of Prevention‘s extensive national survey on various aging topics. Here are just a few highlights from the survey:*Despite the stereotype of the “crabby old woman,” many of us get happier and less stressed as we age:“Nearly half of the women in their…
-
Cultivating a garden of brighter thoughts
“I once had a garden filled with flowers that grew only on dark thoughts — but they needed constant attention, and one day I decided I had better things to do. ” ~Brian Andreas Glass garden ornaments at the Bayside Gallery in Suttons Bay Cindy La Ferle
-
Keeping my own score
“Nothing has transformed my life more than realizing that it’s a waste of time to evaluate my worthiness by weighing the reaction of the people in the stands.” ? Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead Silver Beach merry go ’round, St. Joseph / Cindy La Ferle Today’s a big day for college football in my part of the state. Michigan State University (my alma mater) and the University of Michigan (my husband’s alma mater) are gearing up for their big showdown this evening. Everyone I know will be watching. We are, after all, a nation of spectators — and proud…
-
The beauty of real conversations
“True happiness arises from the friendship and conversation of a few select companions.” ~Joseph Addison A boxed set of Picture a Conversation(TM) cards by Debra and Martin Darvick Debra Darvick, a longtime pal of mine, has created a brilliant card deck that’s sure to revive what she calls “the endangered art” of simple conversation. I’m so enthused — and proud of my friend — that I want to share Picture a Conversation with you. A little background: For several years, Debra and her husband, Martin, have been designing and selling greeting cards that combine Martin’s beautiful photography with Debra’s inspirational messages. But that was just the beginning of this talented couple’s…
-
Looking for hope in dark times
“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” ? Kurt Vonnegut Sunset on Silver Beach, St. Joseph / Cindy La Ferle Every day this year, I’ve been reminding myself to limit my intake of news on current events. Despite our ongoing national turmoil, I keep looking for all that’s beautiful, respectful, compassionate, wise, and loving. I try to block out (or avoid) anything divisive, combative, abusive, or hateful. In other words, maintaining my optimism is…
