The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • About Me
  • DEKKER
  • Manifesto
  • BOOKS
  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • About Me
  • DEKKER
  • Manifesto
  • BOOKS
  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • About Me
  • DEKKER
  • Manifesto
  • BOOKS
  • Dekker,  Life Challenges

    Dekker Sleeps on the Job

    /
    dekker sleepinig, during illness, retirement retirement

    Today Dekker is sleeping on the job, so I get to write about my thoughts about everything he has taught me.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    How Do You Know What You Know?

    /
    Who are you wonders the Rodin sculpture 'The thinker'. and how do you know what you know

    How do you know what you know? If you have never really thought about it, you may be surprised at the number of ways you have come by…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    How to Say Goodbye – For The Last time

    /
    man facing sunset with suitcase in his hand. HOw to say goodbye. pilgrimage

    How do you know what to say goodbye when someone is dying? It could be you... Do you know how or what to say at the end of…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    Writer’s Block: Myth or Reality

    /
    Whit cat with wide open eyes. She must have writer's block and fear

    If you have ever started to write but keep getting stuck, you may have writer's block. Some call it a myth--but there is some reality to it. Tips…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    Aging and Spirituality, the Pilgrimage Within

    /
    old aging tree trunk

    Aging and a growing interest in spirituality seem to go hand in hand. Looking at aging as a pilgrimage, here are some questions to ask yourself.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker Writes Again

    /

    Welcome to ‘the Dog House.’ This is where Dekker, a multi-talented service dog, offers his canine wisdom to humans.Today, he is asked about the reality of dogs who…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    The Benefits of Preparing for Death—It’s not as morbid as you think

    /
    A group of hands holding fall leaves perhaps pondering death in autumn. is there meaning and purpose in growing old

    Do you find yourself avoiding any thoughts about death…your own or that of someone you love? You would be among the majority. There will even be some readers…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Introvert or Extrovert and Spirituality

    /
    Two cats - extrovert and introvert

    How does your personality influence your spirituality? A look at the importance of embracing yourself just the way you are, whether that is introvert, extrovert ,or ambivert.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity,  Life Challenges

    The Art of Journaling

    /
    procrastination in writing helped by journaling

    Are you thinking about journaling? Or creative writing? Or letters of legacy? What are you waiting for? There are stories only you can tell. Ideas and perspectives no…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker goes to church

    /
    Dekker sleeps on organ pedals, rest

    Woof Woof! My name is Dekker. I am a service dog, and usually, in this space, I get to answer questions from humans. I used to think that…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Spiritual Growth

    How Do Animals Bring Spiritual Growth

    /
    Dekker as a pup helps with spiritual growth

    Do you have a dog or cat? Or perhaps another critter that is part of your family? (No I am not talking about spouses!). As I sit here…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Spiritual Growth

    Embracing Wrinkles as Maps of Wisdom

    /
    old lady with agency and kind face and wrinkles

    I wonder if wrinkles are more than just signs of aging but also maps of our spiritual pilgrimage. Every line on our faces represents a significant moment in…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Heartfelt Communication: Listening Beyond the Surface

    /
    silouette of couple practicing art of listening to each other as they sit on a dock. Hard to do when the subject is death.

    To have heartfelt communication, it is necessary to listen below the surface, embrace silence in a conversation, and be patient. Growing up there was a commandment in my…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker’s People Guide

    /
    Dekker A service dog with all the answers

    Dekker, a world-class service dog, not only works full-time attending to his person but has been building a side gig, giving advice to people from his perspective.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Life Challenges

    Create an Inspiring Bucket List

    /
    making a bucket list

    Many fun and adventurous things can be more than just dreams. In this inspiring approach to writing a bucket list, your adventures await.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
 Older Posts
Newer Posts 

FREE STORYTELLING STARTER KIT

Storytelling Starter Kit

Begin writing the stories only you can tell!

Receive the Storytelling Starter Kit—free and ready when you need it.

A TIME FOR STILLNESS

A Sacred Pause
A simple space to begin your day—
with breath, silence, and reflection.

Wednesdays at 7:00 AM ET (via Zoom)
No charge. You are welcome as you are.

Register once to join anytime.

Search for topic or word

Categories

Recent posts

  • Journaling, aging and writingOn Writing: Why Your Words Matter More Than You Think
    Creativity
  • woman face down on a lot of open books; consumption vs digestion The Art of Spiritual Digestion
    Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized
  • dekker sleepinig, during illness, retirement retirementDekker Reflects on Retirement
    Dekker, Life Challenges
  • A pug wearing a grey sweater and enormous glasses to aid his aging vision..aged to perfectionWhat Is The Secret of Aging Well
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • old aging tree trunkWhat Must Die for You to Age Well
    Aging, Life Challenges

Ardis Mayo - The Reflective Pen © 2026
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions