Life Changes

Recently, my husband retired. Over the years, we discussed his retiring at this time, but ultimately, the decision came with mixed emotions. He has so identified with his work as an architect that retiring feels like closing a major life chapter. Yet, he is ready for less stress and a slower pace. As with most […]

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Finding a Major Key

Last week, as I prepared a snack basket for a friend’s family to enjoy following a celebration of life, I listened to Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor. It was what happened to be playing on Symphony Hall that day at that time. Although I’d heard the piece before, I suddenly noticed many sections end in […]

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The Joy of Christmas

What brings you joy at Christmas? Is it time with family, baking, singing, volunteering your time and talents? Christmas is a time for celebration, rejoicing, and counting blessings, but it’s also a time to brighten the lives of others, and give as your heart prompts. Here are a few of my favorite things at Christmas: […]

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Grief at Christmas

Will this be a difficult Christmas for you? Amid all the activities and festivities, is your heart breaking as you miss the presence of a loved one? Loss comes in many different forms and the associated grief manifests differently for each of us. Your grief may be new or surface afresh after many years. I […]

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7 Keys to Successful Relationships

My parents have been on my mind this week. If they were still living, they would have celebrated their 74th anniversary March 1. They had the kind of relationship most of us aspire to. Their genuine love and affection for each other were obvious in words and actions. Their relationship was laced with humor and […]

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Is Your Life Puzzle Missing a Piece?

Several friends enjoy working jigsaw puzzles. Often, they post pictures of their completed puzzles on social media and mention if the puzzle had an extra piece or a missing piece. When a piece is missing, the satisfaction of completing the puzzle is diminished. Our lives are as intricate and multifaceted as a multi-colored, many-pieced jigsaw […]

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Finding Balance in Life’s Hard Things

Have you noticed that when you face difficult situations they seem to come in multiples? We hardly ever get to do one hard thing at a time. Often, challenges stack atop each other, demanding immediate attention and vying for priority. Following are ways to find balance in life’s hard things: Learn Multi-Level Thinking I was […]

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Handling Holiday Grief

The holidays bring joyous festivities, hustle and bustle, and time with family, but for many, grief is also present. Some grieve the loss of loved ones. Others experience the nostalgia of childhood holiday memories or gatherings that no longer happen. Still others grieve ongoing relationship challenges or difficult memories of unpleasant holidays past. This year, […]

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