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
  • Creativity

    DID YOU EVER WANT TO BE A WRITER?

    /
    writing with typewriter

    Many people have a secret desire to write, a desire that gets snuffed out by inner voices saying they do not know how. This article looks at the…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker,  Life Challenges

    DEKKER GIVES CATS FREE ADVICE

    /
    the fab four cats

    As a service dog, Dekker has begun to serve as a spiritual guide to anyone (including cats) who have questions about dealing with difficult issues in their lives.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT TO DO WHEN TERROR STRIKES

    /
    Girl swimming underwater

    Trapped beneath a floating raft, terror builds for a swimmer who, moments before, was enjoying a summer afternoon swim.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    TAKING A TRIP THROUGH LIFE

    /
    empty road going around a bend

    How we navigate through life will change, but the reality that life is a journey to new places and new discoveries will remain.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    TIPS TO MAKE LEAVING EASIER

    /
    man leaving and dragging a suitcase

    When it is time to leave it doesn't matter if it is a home, graduation, a relationship or a habit, leaving can be difficult. Here are some tips…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    SPIRITUAL, RELIGIOUS OR NEITHER?

    /

    Taking a look at spirituality and religion, the places they overlap, and the practices that support them.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    DEKKER’S ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN PAIN

    /
    Ardis sits facing Dekker to listen to his wisdom

    Dekker, a service dog, takes on new challenges as he draws from his dog-wisdom to give advice to humans in pain.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Fiction

    A CONVERSATION WITH ANGER

    /
    purple bugged eyed monster makes one question the purpose of living

    When George found himself trapped in a room with Anger, he didn't recognize it as his own. His conversation turns his fear into empowerment.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    WHAT IS THE SECRET OF AGING WELL?

    /
    chalk figures on a sidewalk

    Growing old isn't an option for most people. How we look at it is a choice and the secret to aging well may lie in the language we…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ‘RITUAL’?

    /
    ritual of making tea

    Rituals are an important part of our daily lives, but what is a ritual and who is qualified to carry one out? What makes a ritual sacred? Here…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Fiction

    PLACE

    /
    Dog at rest on back of sofa

    In a piece of short fiction this scene at an urban bus stop introduces the reader to a number of people through the eyes of one harried, tired…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW DOES PREJUDICE HAPPEN?

    /
    Heavy closed door

    Prejudice, an opinion based not on facts but on limited personal experience, is part of the fabric of our lives, either as holder or recipient. This article is…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS MORNING PRACTICE?

    /
    low angle shot of tall trees

    Many coaches and guides recommend beginning your day with a spiritual practice. What is that? And how do you do that?

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    LEARNING TO WALK…AGAIN

    /

    The author draws from her own experience in learning to walk again after a flare-up of multiple sclerosis to inspire anyone who finds themselves sidelined by accident, illness,…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW TO PRACTICE THE ART OF OF WAITING

    /
    black dog waiting by the window

    Waiting is one of life's challenges that everyone gets to practice sooner or later. Waiting can be difficult or easy depending on the outcome. This article takes a…

    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