The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • BLOG
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  • Manifesto
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  • Dekker

    Dekker is back to work!

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    Dekker the Service Dog waits by a fog with mist

    Welcome to Dekker’s page of canine reflections. What?! Didn’t you know dogs can write? Dogs (and cats, on occasion) are great thinkers and only need a bit of…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Life Challenges

    Aging as a Spiritual Practice

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    aging man with cane when walking is difficult

    How can aging be a form of spiritual practice? Many people think of ‘spiritual practice’ as attending religious services once a week, a morning devotional, or a commitment…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    When Should You Call Hospice?

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    two hands reaching for support, when should you call hospice

    Are you afraid to call for hospice care when someone you love is very ill? We will all die. And if we are fortunate, we will have enough…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Uncategorized

    Seventeen Ways to Overcome Obstacles

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    dog with his chin on the floor feeling grief and loss and question the purpose of living. facing an obstacle with no solution.everyone is dying

    How do you overcome obstacles that seem to have no solutions? Some problems need "the Power of Seventeen" to help you get unstuck.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker,  Life Challenges

    Dekker Sleeps on the Job

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    dekker sleepinig, during illness

    Today Dekker is sleeping on the job, so I get to write about my thoughts about everything he has taught me.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    How Do You Know What You Know?

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    Who are you wonders the Rodin sculpture 'The thinker'. and how do you know what you know

    How do you know what you know? If you have never really thought about it, you may be surprised at the number of ways you have come by…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    How to Say Goodbye – For The Last time

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    man facing sunset with suitcase in his hand. HOw to say goodbye. pilgrimage

    How do you know what to say goodbye when someone is dying? It could be you... Do you know how or what to say at the end of…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    Writer’s Block: Myth or Reality

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

    If you have ever started to write but keep getting stuck, you may have writer's block. Some call it a myth--but there is some reality to it. Tips…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    Aging and Spirituality, the Pilgrimage Within

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    old aging tree trunk

    Aging and a growing interest in spirituality seem to go hand in hand. Looking at aging as a pilgrimage, here are some questions to ask yourself.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • 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
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Recent posts

  • Child's hands in prayerWhen Prayer Becomes Silence
    Life Challenges, Spiritual Growth
  • man waiting in reflective practice, doubt and prayer - boredom; holesThe Curious Case of Holes
    Creativity, Life Challenges
  • Dekker, service dog posing on granite slabTHINGS I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME
    Dekker, Life Challenges
  • a cat with with a fear of missing out leaning out a window Ardis Mayo, the stories we tell ourselves too lateToo Late?
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • A black dog with a yellow cap, clumsy, not gracefulIf Not Grace, Then What?
    Aging

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