The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • 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

    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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    Dekker makes observations about people

    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

    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
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Recent posts

  • Dekker, service dog posing on granite slabWisdom from Dekker
    Dekker
  • Woman sitting in the power of silence on a mournain peak, stories wondering if she were religious, learning to be a human beingThe Stories We Carry
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • dressing up as a child who wants to grow up, the person your younger self neededLessons From Your Younger Self
    Aging
  • old aging tree trunkHow Old is “Old”
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • Dekker A service dog with all the answersDekker Writes Again
    Dekker

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