The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • Creativity

    THE THRILL OF BEING A WRITER

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    Boy at the end of a thrilling slide

    An aspiring writer asks how old is too old to take up with art of writing by comparing it to a thrill ride at the fair.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    8 WAYS TO FIND INSPIRATION

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    Man leaning on his fist waiting for inspiration

    Being creative is a matter of knowing how to show hospitality to Inspiration and there are a number of ways to invite Inspiration to visit. Here are 7…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Resources

    WHAT MAKES A DOG A SERVICE DOG?

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    Dekker the Service Dog waits by a fog with mist

    There is a big difference between a service dog, and an assistance dog, an emotional support dog and a pet. This article explains that difference and addresses the…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW TO FORGIVE WHEN IT HURTS

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    two hands face up with an offering of a buttercup in an act of forgiveness

    How do we forgive when we have been betrayed? Is it possible to move forward while still bleeding from the wounds? In a society that tells us to…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS BREAKING A VOW?

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    many hands from a community all palms together in solidarity

    Breaking a vow made with the whole heart can be devastating at worst; life-changing at best. This article is a look at the forces that may bring about…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    KEEPING YOUR BALANCE SPIRITUALLY

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    man balancing on highwire

    There are some ways to keep standing when the world seems upside down that involve finding insight, protecting your inner ears, and making choices aid in balance.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    DISCOVERING THE MYSTERY OF DAWN

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    Sunrise at Cadillac Mt in Maine

    Rising early enough to see the sunrise is the way to experience what is known as a 'Thin Place' where heaven and earth meet.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    A PERSONAL LOOK AT RACISM

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    5 eggs balancing in a tower

    Because I live in a geographic area where there is more diversity in the eggs I eat than in my neighbors, I hid behind the myth that racial…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW MUCH DO YOU MATTER?

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    How much do you matter.? How do you know?  What measure do you use to determine how much you are worth?

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving,  Dekker

    A SERVICE DOG SPEAKS TO CAREGIVERS

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    Dekker standing up on fence

    My name is Dekker. I am a service dog and like many other caregivers, I devote my time and energy 24/7 to a person I love so that…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    8 WAYS TO PRAY WITHOUT WORDS

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    Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words when it comes to prayer? There are other ways to pray that do not call for using language.…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Uncategorized

    ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?

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    Become part of a growing community of thoughtful readers and receive "Seeds of Reflection" from TheReflectivePen every Sunday, with links to new blog posts.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS MEANT BY A SPIRITUAL PATH

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    a path across a field and through the mist

    What is meant by a spiritual path is illustrated by considering some of the natural paths followed in life.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving

    WHAT IS CAREGIVER GUILT?

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    Old woman consing a weeping younger women perhaps overcome with guilt

    Few people who have cared for a loved one over many long months and years of chronic illness get through it without expressing feelings of guilt "I could…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE A CONTEMPLATIVE

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    A contemplative dog rests his chin on the sheets as he ponders the purpose of living. Old pet

    You may wonder why your dance in the world seems to have a different rhythm...To be a contemplative is to treasure solitude and not be lonely.  To see…

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    Ardis Mayo
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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

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