Health & wellbeing
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New year, new chapter
“New year — a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.” ~Alex Morritt Today’s quote inspires and challenges me to write the future I want for myself. In fact, the fresh invitation of a blank page is one of my favorite things about starting a brand-new year. What do I need to change? What will I keep? Where will I explore? How do I want my life to look in 2023? I hope the first pages of your new year find you in good health, with a positive outlook for your future. Here’s to a wonderful New Year! ~Cindy…
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Post-holiday musings
“Today is the day the post-holiday blues usually drop in for their annual visit. After any strenuous exertion, especially one that’s lasted several weeks, there’s a natural letdown in energy and enthusiasm.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance Like clockwork, holiday letdown almost always follows a festive series of events — no matter which winter holiday we celebrate. At the beginning of December, our energy runs high as we plan for parties and concerts, decorate our homes, and create special memories for loved ones. Our usual routines and responsibilities — even our worries — are temporarily suspended. Then the holiday arrives … and then it’s over … in a minute! We…
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Getting cozy
“It was so wonderful to be there, safe at home, sheltered from the winds and the cold. Laura thought that this must be a little like heaven, where the weary are at rest.” ~Laura Ingalls Wilder The Scandinavian concept of “hygge” suggests a sense of comfort and contentment. The word possibly stems from a Danish word meaning “to give courage, comfort, joy.” Another theory suggests that hygge was derived from the Old Norse word “hugr” — which is the origin of the word “hug.” Hygge has become a popular marketing term in Scandinavia in recent years — and we’ve embraced it here in the northern United States, especially in the cold winter months.…
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When life is not a beach
“When we dwell on the positive, and feed our minds with beauty and goodness, we exude positivity and create favorable situations. It’s as simple as that.” ~Leona Sokolova Sometimes I’m the poster child for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I typically spend hours outdoors in the summer and fall months — working in the garden, sitting in the garden, walking the dog. Not surprisingly, I hibernate indoors and my mood plummets as soon as winter arrives. I understand why so many folks head south for the winter. But those of us who remain here in the north have to make our own sunshine. We have to brighten our own outlook, whether…
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Book banning
“Ideas are only lethal if you suppress and don’t discuss them. Ignorance is not bliss, it’s stupid. Banning books shows you don’t trust your kids to think and you don’t trust yourself to be able to talk to them.” ~Anna Quindlen Last night, I had the pleasure of working at one of my favorite local libraries. Before my class started, I enjoyed a quiet moment, browsing the shelves and absorbing the ambiance created by so many literary choices. And then I thought about all the recent talk on TV about book banning. As my mother used to say, you can make just about anything twice as attractive or interesting by…
