The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • Life Challenges

    WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CAN’T SLEEP

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    Sleeping lamb

    Sleeping may not be the problem we think it is if we learn to sleep according to our bodily rhythms instead of by the clock.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving,  Life Challenges

    ARE YOU IN DANGER OF CAREGIVER BURNOUT?

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    Caregiving is a tough and under recognized challenge in many homes and the danger of burning out as a caregiver looms over many familes.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • 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

    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
  • 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

    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
  • Spiritual Growth

    A PERSONAL LOOK AT RACISM

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    5 eggs balancing in a tower

    Because I live in a geographic area where there is more diversity in the eggs I eat than in my neighbors, I hid behind the myth that racial…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving,  Dekker

    A SERVICE DOG SPEAKS TO CAREGIVERS

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    Dekker standing up on fence

    My name is Dekker. I am a service dog and like many other caregivers, I devote my time and energy 24/7 to a person I love so that…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Uncategorized

    ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?

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    Become part of a growing community of thoughtful readers and receive "Seeds of Reflection" from TheReflectivePen every Sunday, with links to new blog posts.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving

    WHAT IS CAREGIVER GUILT?

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    Old woman consing a weeping younger women perhaps overcome with guilt

    Few people who have cared for a loved one over many long months and years of chronic illness get through it without expressing feelings of guilt "I could…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT TO DO WHEN WILLPOWER FAILS

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    A monkey gritting his teeth wishing he had more willpower

    Why does willpower fail us when our intentions are so good? Why is it so difficult to let go of unhealthy or unwanted behavior? Or take a different…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    AGING AS A CAUSE TO CELEBRATE

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    The hands of an aging woman are clasped and resting in her lap. she wonders about meaning and purpose of growing old

    Aging is universal across time and place. We all age. The question is, are we going to quake as we age or celebrate each step along the way?

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    Ardis Mayo
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Recent posts

  • Dekker’s Thoughts About Legacy
    Dekker, Life Challenges
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