The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • BLOG
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  • Dekker

    Dekker Writes Again

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    Welcome to ‘the Dog House.’ This is where Dekker, a multi-talented service dog, offers his canine wisdom to humans.Today, he is asked about the reality of dogs who…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    The Benefits of Preparing for Death—It’s not as morbid as you think

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    A group of hands holding fall leaves perhaps pondering death in autumn. is there meaning and purpose in growing old

    Do you find yourself avoiding any thoughts about death…your own or that of someone you love? You would be among the majority. There will even be some readers…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Introvert or Extrovert and Spirituality

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    Two cats - extrovert and introvert

    How does your personality influence your spirituality? A look at the importance of embracing yourself just the way you are, whether that is introvert, extrovert ,or ambivert.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity,  Life Challenges

    The Art of Journaling

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    procrastination in writing helped by journaling

    Are you thinking about journaling? Or creative writing? Or letters of legacy? What are you waiting for? There are stories only you can tell. Ideas and perspectives no…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker goes to church

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    Dekker sleeps on organ pedals, rest

    Woof Woof! My name is Dekker. I am a service dog, and usually, in this space, I get to answer questions from humans. I used to think that…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Spiritual Growth

    How Do Animals Bring Spiritual Growth

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    Dekker as a pup helps with spiritual growth

    Do you have a dog or cat? Or perhaps another critter that is part of your family? (No I am not talking about spouses!). As I sit here…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Spiritual Growth

    Embracing Wrinkles as Maps of Wisdom

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    old lady with agency and kind face and wrinkles

    I wonder if wrinkles are more than just signs of aging but also maps of our spiritual pilgrimage. Every line on our faces represents a significant moment in…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Heartfelt Communication: Listening Beyond the Surface

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    silouette of couple practicing art of listening to each other as they sit on a dock. Hard to do when the subject is death.

    To have heartfelt communication, it is necessary to listen below the surface, embrace silence in a conversation, and be patient. Growing up there was a commandment in my…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker’s People Guide

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    Dekker A service dog with all the answers

    Dekker, a world-class service dog, not only works full-time attending to his person but has been building a side gig, giving advice to people from his perspective.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Life Challenges

    Create an Inspiring Bucket List

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    making a bucket list

    Many fun and adventurous things can be more than just dreams. In this inspiring approach to writing a bucket list, your adventures await.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    A Positive View of the End of Life

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    Woman sitting in the power of silence on a mournain peak, stories wondering if she were religious, learning to be a human being

    At some point in our lives, we will all have to face the inevitability of death. For many, the thought of the end of life can be daunting…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    The Importance of Rest

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    A young woman wears a purple dress enjoys the importance of sabbath rest

    In our fast-paced world filled with endless to-do lists and constant demands, we often overlook the importance of rest. Exhaustion and fatigue are lurking just past the next…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    What’s the Purpose of Growing Old?

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    leaves on a branch as an icon of the meaning and purpose to life growing old

    We are all going to grow old…if we are lucky. But not everyone is able to find meaning in the process. However, there are some important steps we…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker returns to sharing wisdom

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    Dekker, service dog posing on granite slab

    Woof! For the last three months, I have been sharing my stories of becoming a service dog. If you have missed any of these you will find them…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Life Challenges

    Meaning and Purpose in Aging and Loss

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    And owl tilts his head with curiosity as to about meaning and purpose

    Transforming loss into strength is akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes. It's about using our experiences to grow and evolve, finding meaning in the process.

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    Ardis Mayo
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Recent posts

  • dekker sleepinigWisdom from Dekker
    Dekker, Life Challenges
  • clasped hands, lonlinessLoneliness and Aging
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • two white haired aging ladies on a bench discussing the meaning and purpose of growing old, memoryThe Body Remembers
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • woman journaling to-do list and goalsJournaling as a Path
    Creativity, Life Challenges
  • Dekker, service dog posing on granite slabWisdom from Dekker in Autumn
    Dekker, Life Challenges

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