The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

  • HOME
  • Blog
  • DEKKER
  • Manifesto
  • BOOKS
  • HOME
  • Blog
  • DEKKER
  • Manifesto
  • BOOKS
  • HOME
  • Blog
  • DEKKER
  • Manifesto
  • BOOKS
  • Dekker

    Dekker Answers People Questions

    /
    Ardis sits facing Dekker to listen to his wisdom

    Welcome to Dekker’s page of puppy-dog wisdom for humans who have questions. Better than a therapist, Dekker is always faithful in The Reflective Pen to hear you ...

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Spiritual Growth

    Being a Crone Isn’t a Career Choice

    /
    Crone

    I never thought I would want to grow up to be a crone, but then I realized it isn't a career choice. Much like the body I live…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    Aging Gratefully

    /
    golden retreiver with a toy in his mouth, aging gratefully

    Are you aging gratefully? Growing older is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience. Some days I think my dog understands gratefulness and aging better than I...

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to take a Personal Retreat

    /
    woman doing yoga in open field while on personal retreat

    A retreat helps us get apart from all the noise in daily life, chatter from people around us, news, and the call of responsibilities that never end so…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity,  Life Challenges

    How to Overcome Journaling Resistance

    /
    Journaling, aging and writing

    A short reflection on the challenges of developing a practice in journaling and how to overcome journaling resistance

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker’s “Pawnderings”, vol 3.6

    /
    Dekker A service dog with all the answers

    Welcome to Dekker’s page of wisdom and pawnderings…if this is your first visit, check out his other posts, along with some discussion about service dogs, by hitting the…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    What I Learned about God and Life from My Grandmother’s Boobs

    /
    old lady with agency and kind face and wrinkles

    I learned more about God, life and wisdom from my grandmother's boobs than I did from Sunday School. At the age of 10 I looked at my grandmother…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    Growing Old Gracefully: Reflections on Embracing Aging with Wisdom and Humor

    /
    two white haired aging ladies on a bench discussing the meaning and purpose of growing old

    The more years go by, the more I realize that growing old gracefully isn't about having it all figured out. It's about keeping that youthful spirit alive -…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    Don’t Let It Disappear: The Importance of Family Stories

    /

    Storytelling is a fundamental part of the human experience, connecting us to our roots, sharing family stories across generations, and leaving a lasting legacy.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker and his “Pawnderings”

    /
    Dekker, service dog posing on granite slab

    Dekker is a British Black lab whose gifts for writing emerged during the pandemic when he had to stay home much of the time. If this is your…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to Adapt Spiritual Practices as We Age

    /
    Ardis Mayo, soul food, spirituality

    Explore how spirituality evolves with age in our deep dive into 'soul food' for the spirit. Uncover the role of traditions, nature, and personal growth paths in feeding…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    ARE YOU A DRIFTER OR A PILGRIM?

    /
    Woman on the beach, does she drift or is she on a pilgrimage? beyond church

    Most of my life I have been a drifter but not in the sense of a pilgrim who walks the Camino. My drifting has been both an inner…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to Have Gratitude When Life is Difficult

    /
    woman with outstretched arms seeks to satisfy her spiritual hunger

    Gratitude is a transformative gift. It turns what we fear and want to run away from into something we can embrace and hold with pride.

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Pawndering with Dekker

    /

    Welcome to the ‘pawnderings’ of Dekker, a middle aged canine who loves to share his wisdom…as long as there is a piece of kibble in return. As a…

    Read More
    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    What Are You Afraid Of?

    /
    Whit cat with wide open eyes. She must have writer's block and fear

    If you have ever been afraid of anything, this is the article to read for it is a reminder that fear does not have to control your life.

    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

  • Dekker sleeps on organ pedalsDekker Writes Again
    Dekker
  • Doctor with crossed arms delivering a difficult diagnosisWhen Life Hands You a Diagnosis— How to Receive, Accept, and Keep Living (and Laughing)
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • Couple standing at cemetery saying; goodbye; growing whole not oldSay Goodbye Without Regret 
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • Woman with questioning face wonders about sound of silence. mind readingMind Reading – Did You Ever Wish For It?
    Spiritual Growth
  • Dekker, service dog posing on granite slabWisdom from Dekker
    Dekker

Ardis Mayo - The Reflective Pen © 2025
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions