One of the enriching experiences of living in Antigua, Guatemala (among many enriching experiences!) is that a huge percentage of the expat community are in their 70s and 80s. They are mostly retired and living independently. And they are full…
Three Simple Steps to Self-Compassion
If you’re feeling more Grinch than Santa, more Scrooge than Elf, then you may need a little extra dose of tender loving care. And guess who is the best person to provide this TLC? YOU are. Self-compassion practices are remarkably…
When it’s NOT the most wonderful time of the year: strategies for sanity
Look around you. Does everyone else seem joyful, festive, and full of holiday spirit? Everyone, it seems, but you. Perhaps someone important is missing from your life and you’re drowning in deep sorrow. Perhaps you’re absolutely miserable. The truth is…
When it’s NOT the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I was standing in line at the Post Office with packages to mail. The man in front of me, as he received his receipt from the postal worker said, “Well I won’t bother to wish you happy holidays. I can’t…
When Cancer Calls
On Friday June 1st, my beloved husband, Daniel, was diagnosed with colon cancer. He is one of the 112,000 people annually who receive such news. The following week he, at age 46, had his first ever CAT scan, his first…
The Gift of Presence
My fourteen year old daughter has got modern multi-tasking down to a fine art. I might not have believed it possible until I saw it in action: she can watch a television program on her laptop, a music video on…
Mindful Christmas
A friend noticed the brightly wrapped packages under our Christmas tree. “You put the presents out before Christmas?” I responded with “Of course, don’t you?” There seems to be little consensus on the details of how one should celebrate the…
White Friday
I’ve always thought the name ‘Black Friday’ sounded like a plague or a financial catastrophe. The term actually refers to the tipping point for many retailers — the day when their books go from the red to the black.
Greatest Gift of All
My teen daughters think the greatest gift of all is a 10 season set of the sitcom “Friends”. There was a time when they thought the best gift was an American girl doll. I too have spent quite a few…
All the World’s a Stage
I’m standing right beside him as he lifts a small glass, raises his hand high and pronounces, “God bless us, everyone!” The audience, predictably, lets out a collective, sympathetic sigh. This holiday season, I have the pleasure of playing Tiny…