Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Although we usually associate loss with death, loss comes in many forms. Perhaps your loss is related to a broken relationship, a health situation, a life change, or some other challenge. No matter how loss comes, working through it takes time. Following are some tips to help you successfully navigate loss: Grieve Your Loss Sometimes […]
Last week, we celebrated the life of my 96-year-old aunt. Although we miss her, her death was the natural outcome of a long life well lived. At the visitation, many shared stories of their friendship with her and what she meant to them over the years. Those stories delighted and encouraged me. No one said […]
The room is dark and silent except for your steady breathing, punctuated by an occasional stop and restart. Death waits, lurking in a shadowy corner. Your leg moves. A nurse attends. Grief engulfs, squeezing our hearts, wrapping tendrils around us like the curtains surrounding your bed. When will your chest fall and not rise? When […]
I am experiencing a time of waiting—for my foot to heal, for the day I can drive again, for the return of writing inspiration, and waiting bedside with a loved one, who is hovering between earth and eternity. I should be able to wait well. After all, I wrote a book on life pauses […]
Have you experienced times when difficulty comes in clusters? My husband and I are navigating such a season. Physical recovery, providing care for an aging loved one, and other stressors combine to make it feel as if we are swimming in a sea of icebergs. We know eventually all these situations will moderate, or end, […]
In the time since my foot surgery, I’ve realized the surgery was the easy part. The healing process is much harder. I have mobility limitations and directives to aid healing, but as is often the case when you suddenly can’t do certain things, all you want is to do those very activities. Healing is not […]
Last week, I finally had foot surgery after putting it off for years. Now that I’m on the other side of the surgery, I’m thankful it’s over and wish I’d done it sooner. Following are thoughts on why we delay and the benefits of having a hard thing behind us: Causes for delay: Fear of […]
At times, we are faced with handling multiple stressors. Rarely do we get to do one hard thing at a time. Perhaps your children are facing challenges while you are dealing with health issues, or you are providing care for a family member while working an intense job. These scenarios, and others unique to you, […]
Every time I attend, or teach, at a writing conference, I am reminded of the power of community. The interaction, learning, camaraderie, encouragement, and support inspire and propel forward motion. But community isn’t limited to writers. Faith-based, creative, work-related, local, regional, and family-oriented communities enrich our lives. Following are some of the gifts of […]
This week I am at a writing conference. Honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to it. Last month was one of ups and downs, challenges on top of challenges, and lots of stress and physical exhaustion. Thoughts of a week of a fast-paced conference schedule at a mountainside retreat center only added to my level of […]