The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • Dekker

    DEKKER’S ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN PAIN

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    Ardis sits facing Dekker to listen to his wisdom

    Dekker, a service dog, takes on new challenges as he draws from his dog-wisdom to give advice to humans in pain.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Fiction

    A CONVERSATION WITH ANGER

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    purple bugged eyed monster makes one question the purpose of living

    When George found himself trapped in a room with Anger, he didn't recognize it as his own. His conversation turns his fear into empowerment.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    WHAT IS THE SECRET OF AGING WELL?

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    chalk figures on a sidewalk

    Growing old isn't an option for most people. How we look at it is a choice and the secret to aging well may lie in the language we…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ‘RITUAL’?

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    ritual of making tea

    Rituals are an important part of our daily lives, but what is a ritual and who is qualified to carry one out? What makes a ritual sacred? Here…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Fiction

    PLACE

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    Dog at rest on back of sofa

    In a piece of short fiction this scene at an urban bus stop introduces the reader to a number of people through the eyes of one harried, tired…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW DOES PREJUDICE HAPPEN?

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    Heavy closed door

    Prejudice, an opinion based not on facts but on limited personal experience, is part of the fabric of our lives, either as holder or recipient. This article is…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS MORNING PRACTICE?

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    low angle shot of tall trees

    Many coaches and guides recommend beginning your day with a spiritual practice. What is that? And how do you do that?

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    LEARNING TO WALK…AGAIN

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    The author draws from her own experience in learning to walk again after a flare-up of multiple sclerosis to inspire anyone who finds themselves sidelined by accident, illness,…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW TO PRACTICE THE ART OF OF WAITING

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    black dog waiting by the window

    Waiting is one of life's challenges that everyone gets to practice sooner or later. Waiting can be difficult or easy depending on the outcome. This article takes a…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    THE THRILL OF BEING A WRITER

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    Boy at the end of a thrilling slide

    An aspiring writer asks how old is too old to take up with art of writing by comparing it to a thrill ride at the fair.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity

    8 WAYS TO FIND INSPIRATION

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    Man leaning on his fist waiting for inspiration

    Being creative is a matter of knowing how to show hospitality to Inspiration and there are a number of ways to invite Inspiration to visit. Here are 7…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Resources

    WHAT MAKES A DOG A SERVICE DOG?

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    Dekker the Service Dog waits by a fog with mist

    There is a big difference between a service dog, and an assistance dog, an emotional support dog and a pet. This article explains that difference and addresses the…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    HOW TO FORGIVE WHEN IT HURTS

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    two hands face up with an offering of a buttercup in an act of forgiveness

    How do we forgive when we have been betrayed? Is it possible to move forward while still bleeding from the wounds? In a society that tells us to…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS BREAKING A VOW?

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    many hands from a community all palms together in solidarity

    Breaking a vow made with the whole heart can be devastating at worst; life-changing at best. This article is a look at the forces that may bring about…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    KEEPING YOUR BALANCE SPIRITUALLY

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    man balancing on highwire

    There are some ways to keep standing when the world seems upside down that involve finding insight, protecting your inner ears, and making choices aid in balance.

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    Ardis Mayo
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Recent posts

  • 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
  • older man listening to bring comfort, memoryMemory as Both Gift and Grief
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • Walking away from religion
    Spiritual Growth
  • man who knows how to live fully lifts his arms to the sunsetFinding Sacred in Everyday Life
    Spiritual Growth

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