Historically we think of Thanksgiving as a time of feasting. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had been on American soil less than a year. During that time, over half the original colonists died from disease or starvation. The Pilgrims hosted the first feast to celebrate life with their Indian friends and give thanks […]
Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Anyone who has served as a caregiver for any length of time knows the challenges, one of the greatest being self-care. When your focus is on someone else, you put off seeing your own needs and attending to them. Don’t be fooled into thinking caregiving applies only to the aging. Mothers, spouses, siblings, and friends, […]
Serving as a Caregiver
Caregiving comes in various forms and different levels. Perhaps you provide care for a friend, spouse, sibling, child, or aging family member. Your support role may last a few weeks or years. Your ascent to caregiving may involve a slow climb or be thrust upon you suddenly via an emergent situation. Regardless of how caregiving […]
Thanksgiving – An Overlooked Attitude and Celebration
With each passing year, Thanksgiving becomes less and less recognized. Merchants haul out Christmas decorations, and advertisers warn of supply chain issues and shipping delays, while encouraging early shopping. I love Christmas—it’s meaning, observance, and celebration, but ignoring Thanksgiving on a November Thursday, and year-round, is a misstep. Giving thanks is an action that is […]
Getting a Grasp on Gratitude
Have you ever wished you had something so much, and been so focused on attaining it, you were miserable? Many times, we can’t be thankful for what we have because we’re so focused on what we’re lacking. And sometimes, when we want something we don’t have and can’t seem to get, we’re not only sad, […]
Restoration is Worth the Effort
Over the last few weeks, I’ve watched the painstaking renovation and restoration of a 1905-era historic home in my town. The house has served several purposes since the original owners built it, including that of an event venue. At one point, the house was for sale for over ten years with no takers. Potential buyers […]
5 Ways to Dial Down Wide-Open
At a recent family gathering, as the grandchildren zoomed through the room, our two-year-old granddaughter stopped in mid-run and announced, “I’m wide-open” before resuming her full-tilt forward motion. Not long after, she was clutching a blanket and staring, fighting the exhaustion that was steadily overtaking her. Often, we know we are over-extending ourselves, but do […]