The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • Creativity

    Memoir Writing: Can You Bury the Past and Tell Your Story?

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    writing memoir

    The question, “Can you bury the past?’ surfaced as I contemplated whether to resume work writing a memoir that had been gathering dust for a couple of years.The…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    The Art of Waiting-A Spiritual Practice

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    man waiting in reflective practice, doubt and prayer - boredom

    Waiting can be more than foot tapping and annoyance. Waiting is an opportunity to nourish the soul and strengthen us for what is ahead.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Passion or Calling?

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    Is this tabby cat thinking about meaning and purpose or passion and calling? or aging

    Is it passion or calling that drives us forward with the choices we make in life? This article explores the differences and similarities.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker responds to humans…and dogs

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    Dekker standing up on fence

    What follows is a bit of canine wisdom from Dekker, the service dog. Dekker considers questions sent to him by both humans and their pets, giving his wisdom...

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    Aging and Writing

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    Journaling, aging and writing

    Is writing something that you have wanted to do, but find that the older you get, the more reasons you can come up with for not doing so?

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to Feed a Hungry Soul

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    a man walks a labrynth, perhaps he is looking to feed a hungry soul. Ardis Mayo, meaning of life

    When was the last time you were intentional about feeding your soul? Did you ever feel like you have let your spiritual growth fall by the wayside while…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    What Does Silence Sound Like?

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    What does silence sound like? I know that seems like an oxymoron, and when I say how important it is for me to take time to “listen to…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker Writes

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    I invite you to pretend for a moment that you see paw prints, a bit of drool and some kibble crumbs on this page. Such is life when…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    Growing Old for the Fun of It

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    a stressed out dog with his chin on the floor, growing older, aging

    I often say “I am growing old for the fun of it,” but the other day I stumbled stepping off a curb and I an image of myself…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    What holds you back from living a full life?

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    boys jumping with joy begin again,living a full life

    What is it that holds us back from living the fullest life possible as we age? Most of life is about moving forward, achieving, acquiring and growing.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker Answers People Questions

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    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 ...

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Spiritual Growth

    Being a Crone Isn’t a Career Choice

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    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…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    Aging Gratefully

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    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...

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to take a Personal Retreat

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    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…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity,  Life Challenges

    How to Overcome Journaling Resistance

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    Journaling, aging and writing

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

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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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