The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • Life Challenges

    SURVIVING A PANDEMIC

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    microscopic image of the corona virus

    Any time there is a pandemic, there is more than a virus that keeps us awake at night. Roosevelt said "There is nothing to fear but fear itself",…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    THE SECRET OF ‘THE POWER OF SEVENTEEN’

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    A white tropical bird trapped behind a chain link fence with no options.

    When you are in a situation that seems hopeless, and you feel trapped by your circumstances, you may be looking for an answer to a difficult problem that…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    What to do With a Difficult Diagnosis

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    Doctor with crossed arms delivering a difficult diagnosis; illness

    When you have received a difficult diagnosis it is normal to find yourself in a twilight zone of confusion and fear as you struggle to come to terms.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    THE ART OF SLOW

    /
    A person walks slow on a path through the woods in autumn

    In our world of fast food, highways built for speed, and evermore demands to move faster, think faster, eat faster, and even sleep faster, we have set aside…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    Remembering to Exhale

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    An overwhelmed homeless man sitting on front stoop, resting his head on his knees. carrying weight

    'Overwhelm' can happen when we forget to breathe. It is feeling like you are drowning, or engulfed in 'too much, too often.' Although life may flood us with…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    How to Accept an Assistive Device with Grace

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    Waling with an Afari, a specialized walking bike

    The first time you find yourself in need of an assistive device like a cane or walker, it can be devastating. It need not be so.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity,  Life Challenges

    When Should a Should be Eliminated?

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    The word should crossed out with red paint.

    Would you like to eliminate all the 'shoulds' and 'oughtas' from the English language? Where do they originate and what would the impact be if that were to…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Things We Can Learn While Walking in the Rain

    /
    Feeling the rain

    Does rain...of any sort...dampen your day or does it awaken your senses with its cool splattering and cleansing rinse? Join the author in reflections inspired by walking in…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    The Art of Letting Go

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    letting go of a bird from an outstretched hand

    There is a natural tendency to hang on to what we have even while we yearn for things to be different. Why we do this and what can…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to Leave a Legacy of Story

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    The importance of recording your story to leave as a legacy for your descendants, based on the metaphors of a hike towards a waterfall.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Resources

    Marry Your Muse by Jan Phillips

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    book cover for review

    A must read for anyone wanting to find a creative path to spirituality.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    5 Spiritual Lessons You Can Learn From Your Dog

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    Dekker reads a book

    Are you looking for a spiritual guide to lead you into a deeper understanding of yourself? Your next guru may be as close as your dog. . .

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    Is There a Purpose to Waiting?

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    a pile of ordinary acorns

    Understanding our ultimate purpose in life is often frustrated by having to wait so long to see it manifest. If you have ever had to wait a lifetime…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Creativity,  Resources

    The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

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    Pressfield gets to the point without wordiness in this pocket sized treasure that offers space for your own reflections.

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    Ardis Mayo
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