The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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

    WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CAN’T SLEEP

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    Sleeping lamb, humility

    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.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving,  Life Challenges

    ARE YOU IN DANGER OF CAREGIVER BURNOUT?

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

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    DID YOU EVER WANT TO BE A WRITER?

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    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…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker,  Life Challenges

    DEKKER GIVES CATS FREE ADVICE

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    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.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT TO DO WHEN TERROR STRIKES

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    Girl swimming underwater

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

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    TAKING A TRIP THROUGH LIFE

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    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.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    TIPS TO MAKE LEAVING EASIER

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    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…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    SPIRITUAL, RELIGIOUS OR NEITHER?

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

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    DEKKER’S ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN PAIN

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    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.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Fiction

    A CONVERSATION WITH ANGER

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    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.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    WHAT IS THE SECRET OF AGING WELL?

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    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…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ‘RITUAL’?

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    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…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Fiction

    PLACE

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    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…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW DOES PREJUDICE HAPPEN?

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    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…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS MORNING PRACTICE?

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    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?

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    Ardis Mayo
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Recent posts

  • Journaling, aging and writingOn Writing: Why Your Words Matter More Than You Think
    Creativity
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  • 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

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