Are squirrels really pessimists?
Nooo! I don’t want to believe it! I’ve prided myself on being an optimist! And I just know that it is good for me to think optimistically!! But… research published by the American Psychological Association last year showed that pessimists-because of their penchant for seeing life through a grim lens-take steps to improve their health, […]
Our stumbles can transform us
An interesting thought from spiritual author and teacher Marianne Williamson: “In order to create their beautiful plumage, peacocks sometimes eat thorns. Hard, pointed, razor-like objects are processed in their abdomens and then contribute to feathers with colors and shapes unmatched throughout nature for their extraordinary beauty. So it is with us. Often that which is […]
How Old is Grandma?
( How old is grandma? The answer is at the end of the article!) Today is Grandparents Day! And here’s a cute story… One day a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events. The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in […]
Did you get some right?
Here’s one of my favorite stories from 6 years ago: Little Emma is 6 years old and in first grade and it’s the end of the first week. When Mom picked her up from school, Emma bounced happily into the car. “How was school today, honey?” Immediately and very happily, Emma answered: “I had my […]
It’s that time of year again…
But it’s okay… It’s okay to be lost. It’s okay to not know-because that’s what learning is, that’s what life is. After all, it’s September and back to school time for all of us. Whether we’re in kindergarten or just a bewildered adult, life is all about the learning. And it’s not a waste […]
Can’t sleep? Think on these!
Here’s some ideas that can keep you awake at night! Why is the Lone Ranger called ‘Lone’ if he always has his friend Tonto with him? At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours? What happens to an irresistible force when it hits an immovable object? If money doesn’t grow on trees then why […]
another Zen story…
Once there was a person who wanted to relocate to a new village. Wondering if he’d like his new town, he went to consult the Zen master, “Do you think I will like this new village? Are the people nice?” The Zen master asks: “How were the people in the town where you come from?” “It […]
More than enough?
Saying that “I have enough” or “I am enough” isn’t really “enough,” even though they are useful affirmations and certainly head us in the right direction. I suggest we consider the option of replacing the word “enough” with the word “plenty.” Consider the difference in feeling and tone generated by the two phrases “I have […]
A teaching story…
One day, a famous samurai set out to find a monk who was known to be very wise. When he arrived at the monastery, he demanded of the serene man, “Tell me, you are learned in this matter. What is heaven and what is hell?” The monk turned and looked up at the warrior. “You […]
An Amazing Word…
Read until the end and just enjoy our delightful language! This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word. This word is “UP.” This one word in the English language can be a noun, verb, adjective, adverb and preposition. Who knew?! Not this (ex)English teacher! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses […]