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
  • Aging

    HOW DO YOU DEFINE GROWING OLD?

    /
    dictionaary

    The definition of 'aging' depends on a lot more things than one's chronological age and how we define it can influence how we live it.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    3 WAYS TO FIND JOY IN THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE

    /
    a child finds joy in the journey

    Here are three ways to find joy when life seems to be crashing around you and you are in danger of losing hope.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    SIMPLE WISDOM FOR PEOPLE IN DISTRESS

    /
    Dekker

    Dekker has advice for people on a number of issues, including broken New year's resolutions.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    IF YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER, WHY NOT WRITE

    /
    Woman under stress chews on a pencil

    When you write, why do you write? Is it a life-long passion? A professional obligation? Or do you resist writing because, after all, you are not "a writer?"…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    LOST AND FOUND – A CAT TALE

    /

    An outcast—neglected, homeless and starving— she sat waiting, eyes alert to the feeder where perched the possibility of breakfast on a cold March day. 

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    3 SIMPLE WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

    /
    a stressed out dog with his chin on the floor, growing older, aging

    When confronted by a stressful event it helps to know three simple ways to manage the accompanying feelings.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    HOW TO LET A WALK IN THE FOREST INSPIRE YOUR WRITING

    /
    City Forest stream

    Taking a walk through the forest is one of the best ways to inspire your writing, regardless of subject matter.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    DEKKER’S ADVICE ABOUT PEOPLE PROBLEMS

    /
    Dekker standing up on fence

    Dekker listens to a lot of 'people problems' and offers his best advice from his perspective as a service dog.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    ALL ABOUT DEKKER, THE SERVICE DOG

    /
    Dekker, service dog posing on granite slab

    Dekker, a NEADS-trained service dog "tells" about his training to become a world class dog who helps someone with a disability.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WRITING

    /
    levenger fountain pen

    The importance of writing surpasses our objections to the reasons we do not write and motivates more creativity with every word.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOALS

    /
    A dachshund using willpower to carry a stick much bigger than he is

    Accomplishing goals is not only about to-do lists and calendars. Having the right mindset and slowing down are equally important.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving

    HOW TO CARE FOR A CAREGIVER

    /
    weary woman at her desk

    If there are fifty-three million caregivers in the U.S. (2020 Caregiving in the U.S. report from AARP) there must be at least that many friends or neighbors of caregivers. Are you…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    DEKKER RESPONDS TO HOLIDAY BLUES

    /
    Dekker the service dog reads a book

    Dekker, the service dog who has advice for humans and other creatures, gives guidance to some issues that arise over the holidays.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CAN’T SLEEP

    /
    Sleeping lamb

    Sleeping may not be the problem we think it is if we learn to sleep according to our bodily rhythms instead of by the clock.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving,  Life Challenges

    ARE YOU IN DANGER OF CAREGIVER BURNOUT?

    /

    Caregiving is a tough and under recognized challenge in many homes and the danger of burning out as a caregiver looms over many familes.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
 Older Posts
Newer Posts 

STORYTELLING STARTER KIT

Receive Ardis’s weekly blog posts, occasional newsletters and get your FREE Storytelling Starter Kit!

ESPECIALLY FOR WRITERS

reflective collective

Are you tired of facing a blank page or screen when you want to write? Click on the image to join a growing and active Facebook group and receive a prompt to jumpstart your writing every day.

Search for topic or word

Categories

Recent posts

  • aging and illness, aging gracefullyThe Myth of Aging Gracefully
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • Dekker the Service Dog waits by a fog with mistDekker on Ice Fishing
    Dekker
  • Finding one clock out of many, chronus timeTwo Kinds of Time
    Life Challenges, Spiritual Growth
  • man facing sunset with suitcase in his hand. HOw to say goodbye. pilgrimageThe Pilgrimage of Aging
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • this Boston terrier knows how to procrastinate with syle with his chin on the arm of the sofaHave You Practiced Yet?
    Life Challenges

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