kindness
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Everyone Has Something to Give ❤️
Time, energy, money, positivity… I believe everyone has the capacity to make a difference and the originators of “Giving Tuesday“, a tradition started in 2012, say it best: “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we Continue reading
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Peace, Love & Bunnies
Last August I shared a post, “Books, Bunnies and Forgiveness” and included a few snaps of a baby bun-bun. A welcome visitor on our deck. I can’t say for sure, but I think the little dude (or dudette) is now a teenager and decided to visit again. Same spot. Same ambition. Figuring out where the Continue reading
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Celebrating Lisa
I’m proud of my sister, Lisa. She lives every day to help others, despite her own challenges. Life with our mom, Sue, was often difficult but remembering her legacy of service matters and I can see Sue’s positive traits in Lisa. A lovely example? Lisa was recognized this week at an event celebrating the volunteers Continue reading
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Change Your Mind
Where did the time go? The band, Sister Hazel released “Change Your Mind” twenty-five years ago this month?!? When I looked it up, I was in disbelief. So, I checked and checked again, feeling windburn from the emotional rush. I bet you – or someone you hold dear – got a lift, a motivational boost Continue reading
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Signs of Heart
The Faces of Deer by Mary Oliver When for too long I don’t go deep enoughinto the woods to see them, they begin toenter my dreams. Yes, there they are, in thepinewoods of my inner life. I want to live a lifefull of modesty and praise. Each hoof of eachanimal makes the sign of a Continue reading
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Stairs, Smiles and Gratitude
We love our house and I’m grateful for it. Over many years we’ve tended to renovations of all sorts – some of which I’ve shared here. As we’ve approached the finish line with projects (she said hopefully) we’ve finally meandered toward the front door. Literally – to the entry way and stairs. The same tired Continue reading
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Don’t Look Away
I write often about my dad and one post in particular from over two years ago is still a conversation starter with readers – White Shirt, Helping Heart – Victoria Ponders. I think the resonance of that piece comes from the fact that my dad looked like a contradiction; an imposing looking privileged man – Continue reading
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Feeling Fortunate
No, this post isn’t a substitute for a thank you note to a few fantastic gift-givers in my life. It’s just an extra, extra shoutout of gratitude. I don’t know how I got so very lucky, but I have dear ones around me who seem to crawl in and know exactly what makes me smile. Continue reading
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Quiet Confidence
I had a strange moment the other day. It happened while I brushed my teeth…but I promise this isn’t a disclosure about personal hygiene or bathroom humor. I should clarify. Disclosure, yes. But I’m not telling on myself. It’s a story with a resonate undertone about the power of quiet confidence – a desirable quality. Continue reading
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Hand in Hand
I’ve returned to Yeats. William Butler Yeats, that is, because of “The Celtic Twilight” – first published in 1893 yet resonant for me today. A volume that’s comprised of Yeats’ early morning reveries. They speak to me, especially as autumn approaches. Stoking my sense of wonder, my belief in possibilities… Hand in hand. I love Continue reading
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You Were Right
Being a decisive one, I run on conviction most days. Unafraid to take a position on the field yet I need to remember to yield. Give my fellow players…in the game of life…their due. I love a meditative moment when awareness peaks. Across the day, I get swept up in all the “other” but Continue reading
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The Morning Knows…
Some days go awry, don’t they? Even so, every now and then some days unfold better than anticipated. I’ve learned I can’t predict. Just hope for the best and remember to smile whenever possible. Remembering a favorite quote from poet Robert Frost never hurts: “The afternoon knows what the morning never expected.” Isn’t that the Continue reading
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Bringing the Light
Dr. Stein posted a thought-provoking essay today about friendship. I highly recommend it! I love learning new things from him and in this piece, he offers insight about the nature of friendships, the nuances and varieties. There’s so much to worry about in the world at the moment but the one thing that sustains me Continue reading
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Don’t Waste the Moments
I had a wonderful, unexpected encounter the other day. I’m in search mode for athletic shoes that won’t bother my Achilles tendon and Haglund’s Deformity. (How’s that for disclosure right off the bat?) If you don’t know what a Haglund’s issue is, I invite you…err caution you…to Dr. Google it. I resent the oft-applied label Continue reading
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A Greeting Times Three
Sun, moon and stars… A pink stripe in the eastern sky while Venus twinkled heavenward The half-moon said both good day and goodbye And descended into the western horizon…tucking itself in for the day A greeting times three… I like it. This was a fleeting experience this morning. January is making itself known with a forecast Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! Best Friend…Part Deux
Shoot. Darn. Rats. I don’t know where that expression comes from (I haven’t dug in to find out) but it came into my life from a dear work colleague who often wanted to unleash every swear word in her arsenal when she saw someone being slighted or maligned. Instead, “Caitlin” would vehemently vent, while pacing Continue reading
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The Best Morning Smile
Don’tcha love it when something simple makes your day? As I drove to an appointment I dreaded this morning I found myself following a truck with the sweetest bumper sticker EVER. I tried to capture a pic as I sat behind the large red truck at several stop lights, but they didn’t turn out well Continue reading
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One Hand on His Back
The smallest acts of kindness can render me tearful. Yesterday I was at a doctor’s office for a routine procedure and while I waited for my turn, I observed a harried front desk person who was juggling busy phone lines while tending to in-person patients. I wanted to jump in to help her (which, obviously, Continue reading
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Friends are Like Songs in Your Heart
Wynne and I shared a giggle the other day. She gifted me a fabulous book of quotes a few months ago and it’s on my desk…overstuffed with snippets of wisdom. Quotes, bon mots, websites, post-it notes – see the pic above. It’s a hot, hot mess. Notice I’m not giving you the broad shot of Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Angels On My Path
One of the recurrent themes in the story of my mom’s life is the presence of empathy warriors – beautiful humans who stepped out of their comfort zones to provide support, despite the potential of triggering Sue’s wrath. In “Surviving Sue” I pay homage to the individuals who made a difference by extending loving kindnesses Continue reading
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Holding the Universe Together
Can you think of the most cherished compliment you’ve ever received? Mine was from a cousin who studied literature and was knowledgeable and wise and had a way of delivering confidence when I needed it the most. Knowing that he saw much of the madness during my growing up years and was willing to lean Continue reading
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I Smile Therefore I Am…
Maybe it’s a sweet text message or a snippet in your newsfeed…maybe it’s a nugget of insight from a blogging friend but may I ask a question of you? Do you smile when you read? Do other emotions show on your face – maybe a grimace or a frown from time to time? I lean Continue reading
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Making the Effort…With Love
Five things…care & keeping of others… Continue reading
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The Sweetest Thing
Laughter, love and sweet memories! 💓 Continue reading
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Extending Ourselves
Leading with love… Continue reading
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See the Good
Gardeners…who make our souls blossom… Continue reading
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The Delightful Day
From me to you…sharing my favorite morning meditation for extra swirly days. Continue reading
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Not Here…But Near
Two of my all-time favorite cuties… Continue reading
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Blogging Buddies
Yes…I’m talking to you…you’re the best! Continue reading
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Gratitude and HATtitude
Smiles for everyone! Continue reading
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Heart Songs
Positivity and hope are my super powers… Continue reading
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Spring in My Step
Summon that sunny attitude…and a little bounce, if you can… Continue reading
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Who Needs the Leaves?
Look beyond the leaves…the beauty is still there… Continue reading
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Gratitude, Aesthetics & Muffins
I know I do this to myself…but it’s me! Continue reading
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Be the One
Love and kindness are everything… Continue reading
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CSI: Lisa
A smile for you…from sweet sister Lisa. Continue reading
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Smallest Act of Caring
Unexpected and wonderful – kindness and caring, Costco style. Continue reading
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At the Barbeque
The power of a heartfelt compliment. Continue reading
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Loving Lisa
Life lessons learned from my disabled sister. Continue reading
“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.
Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“
Visit Resources on Atkinson Group Solutions for more.
Podcasts
Listen to the “Sharing the Heart of the Matter” podcast.
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Workshops
Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor; How to Create a Writing Platform; AI for Caregivers
About Me
Learn about five books that inspired and supported my writing journey by visiting my personalized book review page on Shepherd.
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