The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • BLOG
  • About Me
  • DEKKER
  • Manifesto
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  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • About Me
  • DEKKER
  • Manifesto
  • BOOKS
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    The Journey of Life from Womb to Grave

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    newborn on first journey of life

     We speak a lot about the journey of life, but do we ever think much about the process of travel from birth to death?  How do we get…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Creativity,  Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    What is an Ethical Will and the Steps to Creating One

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    Man hold glowing lightbulb to symbolize an ethical will

    An ethical will can leave light in the lives of your heirs through your values, life lessons and principles, shared through your writing and preservation of snippets of…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Spiritual Growth

    Will you be having fun when you are old?

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    old woman having fun wearing colorful hat

    Is having fun possible when you reach a point in life where every joint aches, you can’t hear conversations and you forget everyone’s name and who is President?

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging,  Spiritual Growth

    Three more lists besides a bucket list you may want to consider

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    Besides a bucket list, here are three more lists that you may want to keep and share with friends and family before you die.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

      How to Avoid Growing Up Before Growing Old

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    never too grown up to play in the sand barefoot

    Are you confused about what it means to 'grow up?' And is it necessary to grow up as we age? A humorous look at this dilemma follows.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    Creative Solutions When Walking is Difficult

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    Sitting on a walker called the 'Goat' aging

    When walking gets difficult it isn't necessary to give it up when there are so many creative - and fun - solutions!

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    Are there any benefits of aging?

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    two white haired aging ladies on a bench discussing the meaning and purpose of growing old, memory

    The benefits of aging can sometimes be best understood in the old vehicles we continue to drive, like the rusty Ford 150 with the odd-colored tailgate that has…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    What is the Purpose of Living?

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    A contemplative dog rests his chin on the sheets as he ponders the purpose of living. Old pet

    "What is the purpose of living" is a question that arises several times across the lifespan and sometimes the answer is quite simple as illustratedd in the life…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Manifesto – TheReflectivePen – Part three, More goals

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    TheReflectivePen part three, more goals

    This is the third and final part of the Manifesto of TheReflectivePen - Goals numbered 6-11 with a summary of all eleven goals for writing this blog at…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    A Manifesto – TheReflectivePen – Part Two

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    manifesto of thereflectivepen part two goals

    Part two of a three-part Manifesto of TheReflectivePen is the first half of a list of goals that guide the writing on this blog.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    A Manifesto of TheReflectivePen Part One

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    a manifesto of thereflectivepen part one

            Genesis   The genesis of TheReflectivePen is a tale of collective failures and successful adventures in both writing and technology in a search for meaning and…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    How to Forgive Yourself When You Make Mistakes

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    when you have taken the wrong path it is time to forgive yourself

    How do I forgive myself? ‘Going down the wrong road’ is a common expression for having made a poor choice. This happens. To forgive yourself is the challenge.…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    Five Things to Know About Grief and Loss

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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

    When you lose a spouse there are a series of expected feelings and experiences ahead. Grief, loneliness, pain, laughter, and joy are only five but worth taking a…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How To Begin Again When You Fail

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    boys jumping with joy begin again,living a full life

    "Always we begin again.” These are grounding words of St Benedict. Words that speak a gentle truth when we find ourselves up against a brick wall of failure. 

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    Five Ways to Stay Calm Without Losing Patience

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    exhausted woman with head in her hands losing patience

    Five ways to not lose your patience - 1. Slow down...2. Breathe...3. Make waiting a spiritual practice...4. Smile...5. go for a walk

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    Ardis Mayo
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