The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT TO DO WHEN WILLPOWER FAILS

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    A monkey gritting his teeth wishing he had more willpower

    Why does willpower fail us when our intentions are so good? Why is it so difficult to let go of unhealthy or unwanted behavior? Or take a different…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving

    LEARNING TO LAMENT, A GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS

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    Sad tabby cat

    Why is learning to lament the first task for a new caregiver to master? Because to carry grief is like toting a backpack of heavy stones. The journey becomes…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    HOW TO ACCEPT CHANGE

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    Different colored autumn leaves strung on a clothesline showing how things change with the weather.

    What is it about change that causes us to resist it so strongly? Impermanence is as guaranteed as death and taxes, but we put on the brakes and…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    THE PROS AND CONS OF DIGITAL JOURNALING

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    Slightly ajar laptop on which one can do digital journaling

    If you are deciding on what kind of journal you want to hold your thoughts and dreams, it may be worth looking at the pros and cons of…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    AGING AS A CAUSE TO CELEBRATE

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    The hands of an aging woman are clasped and resting in her lap. she wonders about meaning and purpose of growing old

    Aging is universal across time and place. We all age. The question is, are we going to quake as we age or celebrate each step along the way?

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR INNER ARTIST

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    An image of a photographer in color merged onto a background of a barn in black and white, illustrating the depth of his inner artist.

    Discovering your inner artist might be something you thought was impossible. Click here for a different perspective on 'being an artist'.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    SURVIVING A PANDEMIC

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    microscopic image of the corona virus

    Any time there is a pandemic, there is more than a virus that keeps us awake at night. Roosevelt said "There is nothing to fear but fear itself",…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    THE SECRET OF ‘THE POWER OF SEVENTEEN’

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    A white tropical bird trapped behind a chain link fence with no options.

    When you are in a situation that seems hopeless, and you feel trapped by your circumstances, you may be looking for an answer to a difficult problem that…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    HOW TO START A DRUMMING CIRCLE

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    Hands in motion as they play on djembe drums gathered in a circle.

    Starting a drumming circle can begin with two or more people, a couple of drums and the desire to put inner rhythms together in shared sound.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    What to do With a Difficult Diagnosis

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    Doctor with crossed arms delivering a difficult diagnosis; illness

    When you have received a difficult diagnosis it is normal to find yourself in a twilight zone of confusion and fear as you struggle to come to terms.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    THE ART OF SLOW

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    A person walks slow on a path through the woods in autumn

    In our world of fast food, highways built for speed, and evermore demands to move faster, think faster, eat faster, and even sleep faster, we have set aside…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    CURIOSITY AS A WAY OF LIFE

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    A monkey tries to answer questions by looking in a mirror..aged to perfection

    Curiosity as a way of life does not always look to find the answers. Asking the question is enough to take the next step. What is this trait,…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    Remembering to Exhale

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    An overwhelmed homeless man sitting on front stoop, resting his head on his knees. carrying weight

    'Overwhelm' can happen when we forget to breathe. It is feeling like you are drowning, or engulfed in 'too much, too often.' Although life may flood us with…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    How to Accept an Assistive Device with Grace

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    Waling with an Afari, a specialized walking bike

    The first time you find yourself in need of an assistive device like a cane or walker, it can be devastating. It need not be so.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity,  Life Challenges

    When Should a Should be Eliminated?

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    The word should crossed out with red paint.

    Would you like to eliminate all the 'shoulds' and 'oughtas' from the English language? Where do they originate and what would the impact be if that were to…

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    Ardis Mayo
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