A universal language: laughing is always the best medicine
Laughter is the language of the soul. ~ Pablo Neruda Today my story in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s most recent book—Laughter’s Always the Best Medicine—is available in stores and online! “Fall Risk” is about a funny prank my fodder-loving husband, Bob played on me during my inaugural trek on the trails post-wrist surgery, and…
A funny thing happened on my way to 60: learning how to love myself
No, I haven’t turned 60, yet. But a few months ago, I blogged about intentional acts of kindness, and my plans to prepare for a milestone birthday and brand-new decade at the end of 2025. So far this year, it’s included activities such as donating to Goodwill, writing a note of encouragement to an acquaintance…
The story of the bison: facing obstacles head-on
A popular meme that’s been circulating the internet jokes about returning the new year after we’ve tested it out for a few weeks. Can you relate? On a recent hike, my husband and I stumbled upon a downed tree blocking a trail that, a few weeks earlier, had been clear of debris. After a quick…
A ‘word’ for 2025: the compass for directing our paths
For the past few weeks, I’ve been working on my vision board for 2025, with a “word” serving as my navigational tool. From there, I choose an overarching scripture verse to inform the year ahead. Some years, it’s proven a simple process, but this year my family experienced a bumpy start, including challenges and setbacks…
Highlighting the wins: an exercise in celebrating our achievements
On the last day of 2024, I received an email from another author who suggested beginning the year by filling a page with my accomplishments—big and small—from the previous year. A few that ended up on the list included walking 10,000+ steps for 249 consecutive days (and still going strong); the release of my debut…
Happy, healthy + whole: regaining control in 4 simple steps
Research states that by now, 43% of New Year’s resolutions have been broken. Though I haven’t made resolutions for years, I’ve already run into setbacks with my health and wellness goals two weeks into the month. Most change is hard, but my daughter reminded me recently that we choose our hard—meaning we get to decide…
Day in the life: when the unexpected happens, yell ‘plot twist’ and move on
On Sunday evening, my real-life prince entered our bedroom with his palm extended. “This isn’t good,” he said. My eyes shifted to what looked like a tooth in the center of his hand. After a reduced holiday workload, visions of my Monday morning plans at my desk dissolved and I mentally yelled “plot twist!” The…
Reflections on the new year: tools to navigate a long-term vision
Welcome to my final post of 2024! Over the past few weeks, I’ve been goal planning for the coming year by spending time in prayer, and reflecting on what kinds of improvements I can focus on to help me grow as an individual. Unfortunately, early on in the process I became overwhelmed with everything I’d…
Unwrapping the blessings of the season: a celebration to remember
This week, Christmas will be celebrated in some capacity by almost every country in the world, plus billions of people across the globe. At the same time, many of us may be struggling with the loss of loved ones, or feeling the distance from family and friends. In fact, due to household moves and travel…
Power, love + self-discipline: a winning combination
For God has not given us the spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 While journaling during a recent quiet time, I was reflecting on a Bible verse when something clicked—an answer to a decades-long petition related to a mental struggle of mine. I’d even considered it…
Another year, another birthday: what it means to me
This is my birthday week, and a friend recently messaged me an article published in our high school paper featuring yours truly. The headline read: Typing Touch Earns Chris Maday Dollars. As I read the piece, I tried to recall life as a 17-year-old junior with my shiny future spread out before me. At the…
The universal law of attraction: becoming who we’re meant to be
Not long ago, I awoke in a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad mood. I debated returning to bed and crawling out the other side with the hopes it would help. Instead, I warned my husband, Bob that I was crabby. Thanks to wisdom gleaned over 36 years of marriage, he opted to maintain a…