Victoria Ponders

self-care

October 12, 2025

Morning Message

I’m not a poet but I love to dabble, especially when stream-of-consciousness poetry arrives. Almost in an auto-write format. I’ll explain… It doesn’t happen often, but words and phrases…sometimes whole stanzas of poetry command my attention if my dad populated my subconscious overnight. I wish I could summon these bon-mot-moments on demand. Alas, I must Continue reading

Wellness, writing

bold journey magazine, Eckhartz Press, gratitude, insight, poetry, reflection, self-care, Sharing the Heart of the Matter, writing for wellness, wynne leon
August 10, 2025

Finding Significance

“Your legacy is every life you touch.” – Maya Angelou Being an achiever can be depleting. I heard from a former client last week, frustrated by his prolonged job search and slow progress with two creative projects. I listened. Interspersed with legitimate career-related laments, he lit up when he shared photos of his children…and the Continue reading

Family, Wellness

authors, Celtic Knot, community, Inspiration, kindness, legacies, life goals, motivation, psychology, self-care
July 6, 2025

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

kindness

advocacy, books, kindness, love, peace, self-care, writer
June 22, 2025

Full Circle Moments

I’m lucky and I know it. Good news came in threes for me last week. A trifecta of “full circle moments” and I’m still absorbing the gratitude. First – The latest “Surviving Sue” event at the Wauconda Public Library was lovely. The topic was one of my favorites – Navigating Elder Care with Humor & Continue reading

Surviving Sue, Wellness

author, elder care, Family, gratitude, humor, self-care, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writer
May 22, 2025

Empowerment Words: Moving On

I love a good rewind! I wrote a post titled, “Moving On” (see below) almost a year ago. It popped to mind this week because of a conversation with my dear friend, Wynne Leon, about the importance of listening – developing the skill and being good stewards of self-care. Take a look and then check Continue reading

Wellness

Inspiration, listening, quotes, self-care, Thich Nhat Hanh, Wellness
April 28, 2025

Echoes

My friend, Lori Pohlman, wrote a beauty of a post recently and I felt my heart zing and sing as I read. If you’ve missed it, I won’t mind if you pop over right now to take a look. Lori’s post is about “I am From” poetry (also known as “Where I’m From”) and her Continue reading

writing

author, memoir, personal narrative, poetry, psychology, self-care, six word stories, writing
April 3, 2025

Your Astonishing Light

I couldn’t resist reposting a story (“Lean Into the Light“) from December 2023. It’s about a former student, *Jeanine*, and moments that matter. Jeanine reached out last week just to say hello and re-connecting with her was a delight. Sometime soon I’ll take the time to share more about her on-going accomplishments as a single Continue reading

kindness

affirmations, connections, friendship, love, psychology, quotes, self-care, Wellness
March 24, 2025

The Poke-Around Method

My poke-around method isn’t the same thing as ‘trial and error’. Let’s be clear. There’s no method to my madness. No tracking of enthusiastic rounds of ‘trying’ and resulting failures. Not even the micro steps that moved a fix-it campaign forward by an inch or two. My challenges aren’t limited to technology (just ask the Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, humor, patience, problem-solving, self-care, self-understanding, technology, Wellness
February 8, 2025

When You Crack Yourself Up: Hello, Herbie?

Someone told me once that we really write for ourselves. Maybe so. But what I know for sure? I’ll admit that I enjoy my periodic posts titled, “When You Crack Yourself Up“. Depending upon my mood, degree of sleep deprivation or frustration with the world, it’s anyone’s guess what might strike my fancy and send Continue reading

Family, Wellness

Family, gratitude, humor, laughter, love, self-care, storytelling, Wellness
December 2, 2024

Trusting Ourselves

Do you know this quote? It’s one of my favorites but thanks to my friend, Dr. Gerald Stein, I’ve learned the attribution to Nietzche might be suspect. Given that neither of us can find the book or source material to verify the attribution, this quote might be an anonymous gem. No matter — Nietzche or Continue reading

Wellness

family drama, Fast Cars, Nietzche, quotes, self-care, Wellness
November 14, 2024

When to Detach…When to Lean In

You might think this is going to be a post about relationships, but it’s not. Well, at least not in the conventional sense – meaning one’s relationships with others. I’m thinking about numero uno. Our relationships with ourselves. I don’t know about you, but I need a healthy nudge every now and then. A kick Continue reading

Wellness, writing

author, autumn, gratitude, love, motivation, nature, reflection, self-care, walking, Wellness, writing
November 10, 2024

Love, Most of All…

“The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.” — Alexandra Elle Journey wisely. I like that advice. Perhaps it’s the byproduct of the past week and the culminating factors of the time change, resulting in less light – literally Continue reading

kindness

author, girlpower, Inspiration, kindness, love, resilience, self-care, womens rights
November 7, 2024

Extra Scoop of Grace

I’ve taken my own advice over the past day or so, limiting my overall media consumption from a self-care standpoint. My professional life has taken the forefront as I’ve offered care and resources to colleagues, clients, former students, friends and family members regarding the outcome of the Presidential election here in the U.S. If I Continue reading

Wellness

disabilities, diversity, election, LGBTQIA, love, mental health, self-care, stress reduction, Wellness, womens rights
November 4, 2024

Dinner at Breakfast

I’ve been busy pulling together some of my favorite self-care strategies – the tactics and habits that helped me navigate my difficult childhood and I thought I’d pause to talk about one of those themes. Readers of “Surviving Sue” have often asked if I might pull the curtain back, just a smidge, to reveal the Continue reading

Wellness

author, Family, food, healthy eating, self-care, survivingsue, Wellness
October 17, 2024

Dreamy With a Purpose

The quiet in the morning speaks of promise and possibilities. I know it sounds trite, but fresh starts put pep in my step. Daybreak has the power to upgrade my perspective. Pointed wisdom from Rumi popped into my awareness yesterday as well-timed encouragement: The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back Continue reading

Wellness

dreams, love, quotes, self-care, slow mornings, tea time, Wellness
August 15, 2024

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

Wellness

Frost, Inspiration, kindness, lifestyle, poetry, self-care, Wellness
July 25, 2024

Inspire

When readers of “Surviving Sue” ask about my courage and fortitude to write about my mom and my complicated life with her, I smile and share that I received plenty of support from allies and mentors along the way and choosing a career as a licensed counselor solidified my belief in the power of personal Continue reading

Surviving Sue

humanism, Inspiration, Maslow, mental health, psychology, self-care
July 22, 2024

Humor and Grace…

I shared this news a few weeks ago but can’t resist one last reminder that I have a presentation upcoming — next week — on a topic near and dear to me. Many thanks to librarian, Austin Nord, for the invitation to present at the Woodstock Public Library on Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30 pm. Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book signing, elder care, humor, presentation, self-care, Wellness
July 14, 2024

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

kindness, Uncategorized

friendship, gratitude, kindness, lifestyle, nature, self-care
June 4, 2024

Fresh Feedback & Coming Soon!

I’ve got some fresh feedback – two lovely reviews to share – and a reminder about an upcoming event! The friendly folks at the Woodstock Public Library have invited me to present on Tuesday, July 30 and I can’t wait: Navigating Elder Care with Humor and Grace | Woodstock Public Library (librarycalendar.com) Caregiving is a Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, books, caregiving, elder care, event, gratitude, mental health, self-care, Wellness
May 15, 2024

In it…to Win it…With Gratitude

I hate to exercise. Hate, hate, hate it. Except…I always feel better after. Everything I know about endorphins and ‘happy chemicals’ from a therapeutic point of view – often helping athletes with sports performance issues – applies to me. It always has, but to get the benefit, like most things that are worthwhile in life, Continue reading

Wellness

consistency, exercise, friendship, lifestyle, motivation, self-care, Wellness
May 13, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Nap If You Want To

Some of my favorite queries from readers are questions about my mom’s sisters and whether they’re in my life now, nearly nine years after my mom, Sue, passed away. The short answer? No. I’ve had no contact with them since 2016 – just a few months after Sue died. The longer answer? Heartache precludes me Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book, Family, humor, napping, relationships, self-care, Wellness
May 5, 2024

My Favorite Trio…

I love it when the Universe sends mini-messages. I need to pay attention, but more often than not while I’m drinking my morning tea or coffee, I can conjure up a dynamic duo of insight. Occasionally they roll in as terrific trios. That’s what happened this morning. I give myself a set amount of time Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, humor, Inspiration, laughter, love, mentors, self-care
April 22, 2024

When You Crack Yourself Up: Tailgating Giggles

There are days…when I’d pay loads of money for a good giggle or two. Know what I mean? Today’s been one of those days and I’m grateful for the dear ones and near ones and the friends far afield who know how to bring the sunshine, no matter what. Most often, my deepest belly laughs Continue reading

Wellness

author, gratitude, humor, laughter, podcast, self-care, Wellness
March 17, 2024

Lizette’s 4-Steps

I love, love, love it when a former student stays in touch. In most situations the reason is related to providing a reference or a letter of recommendation – for grad school or for a job opportunity. I don’t care about the ‘why’. It’s a privilege to be thought of, sometimes five or ten years Continue reading

Wellness

friendship, gratitude, insight, meditation, self-care, teachers, Wellness
January 7, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Speakers Bureau

Two years ago, I’d just finished my experiment. My writing experiment. My audacious and scary commitment to write 500 -1000 words a day as the story about my mom, Sue, poured out of me. What began on October 1, 2021 as a lark, a project about writing for resilience and healing, turned into a book. Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, books, lifestyle, love, mental health, public speaking, resilience, self-care, Wellness
December 27, 2023

Embrace the Messy

I took a photo of the moon this morning. This moon – the one in the pic above. I had one eye open (barely) as I crept downstairs before dawn. The moonshine was so very bright I thought I’d missed a few hours of daylight. I thought the sun was already high in the sky. But Continue reading

Wellness

Family, gratitude, love, mental health, NAMI, self-care, stress, Wellness
December 15, 2023

Podcast Friday! Holiday Wisdom 🌟

I have a love/hate relationship with the holidays. I love the revelry and festivities. I hate the anxiety and retread over painful bits of family history. Every family’s got their share and I’ve yet to find wisdom that’s better than the gift Wynne and I received from our friend and writer, Stuart Perkins. Across my Continue reading

Wellness

chosen family, friendship, gratitude, lifestyle, podcast, self-care, stress relief, Wellness, wisdom
December 10, 2023

Lean Into the Light

I’ve had many mantras. Nothing fancy, just little bits of wisdom that fly into my consciousness if I can air it out. I tend to be a wayward thinker and can get wrapped up in cloaking mode, self-editing. Some days…. it’s a chore to self-talk my way into being me. Less artifice. Invoking advice from Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, love, mantras, mindfulness, quotes, self-care
December 8, 2023

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

Wellness

communication, kindness, lifestyle, mental health, podcast, relationships, self-care, Wellness
December 1, 2023

Podcast Friday! Being Your Own Best Friend

It’s a delight when Wynne and I get to visit with our friend, Dr. Gerald Stein and this week’s podcast was sooooo good, it’s dropping in two parts. I find I’m especially ready to receive wisdom when the calendar turns to December. Something about the end of one year and the near dawn of the Continue reading

Wellness

mental health, podcast, self-care, Wellness, wisdom
November 26, 2023

Lucid Dream: Vicki Style

Do you have recurring stress dreams? I’ve had the same one for years and I think it’s related to my former work life and a lot of travel – presenting at conferences and seminars around the country. I LOVED that part – doing the workshops and visiting with people. But traveling for me – then Continue reading

Wellness

dreams, humor, lucid dreaming, self-care, stress
November 18, 2023

The Mismatch: Words and Deeds

I haven’t shared much about my poetry practice here on Victoria Ponders but it’s a part of my life and a tool that I return to for reflection and resolution. I love a good ‘free write’ and while I’ve written about other poetry in the past, taking a few minutes to allow a stanza or Continue reading

Wellness

healing, Inspiration, lifestyle, poetry, reflection, self-care, writing
October 17, 2023

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Pause It, Name It

Hey, friends – I promised a few weeks ago that I would eventually get around to sharing more about my toolkit for dealing with complicated emotions – especially those related to my mom, Sue. As a counseling professional, I utilize my degrees and training and generally feel confident about helping others, but when I’m the Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book, Buddha, mindfulness, self-care, stress reduction, Wellness
October 8, 2023

A Little Spark

My dear blogging buddy Deb wrote a fabulous post this week about courage and singing. It was enchanting and enjoyable and reminded me of a silly chanteuse moment, years ago where I embarrassed myself but lived through it. Here’s the post: Falling in Avignon. If you read, promise you won’t think less of me. And Continue reading

Wellness

creativity, humor, lifestyle, love, self-care
July 30, 2023

Learning from Wise Ones: Three C’s

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. -Viktor Frankl When people ask me – especially after reading “Surviving Sue” – about my self-preservation secrets and tips for resiliency, I smile. Continue reading

Wellness

fathers, gratitude, love, quotes, self-care, Wellness
June 25, 2023

Making Peace with Food

In my Heart of the Matter post this morning I share my ‘Top 13’ tricks and tips for taking care of myself. I edit it from time to time, but for the most part they’re my tried-and-true healthful habits. But that’s not the point of this post. Nope, nope, nope. Welcome to the dark side, Continue reading

Wellness

healthy eating, lifestyle, self-care, Wellness
June 13, 2023

My Life, My Happiness

I know writer Hunter S. Thompson was an intriguing and controversial figure. I’ve found those two words – the adjectives ‘intriguing and ‘controversial’ – to be frequent descriptors when I think about him. I love reading about people who spent their lives stirring things up. 😉 It doesn’t mean I condone the behaviors or actions, but Continue reading

Wellness

confidence, happiness, lifestyle, self-care, self-respect
June 6, 2023

Triumph Tale

With permission, I invite you to into a Triumph Tale about a former client (and yes, I’ve changed her name and identifiable details). When I asked if I could write about a recent transformative experience, “Maria” laughed, fairly certain no such growth had occurred. I disagreed. Proud of her for finding her way, I told Continue reading

Uncategorized

confidence, friendships, self-care, workplace
May 15, 2023

Morning Giggles

I wrote a silly post a few months ago about what a klutz I am… lacking in coordination BIG TIME. Falling down choral risers in picturesque Avignon and careening into a colleague in a stairwell. I mean…I’m a menace. It’s bad enough if you’re clumsy and the phrase ‘you’re your own worst enemy’ describes you Continue reading

Wellness

growth, humor, lifestyle, love, self-care
May 12, 2023

The Pouring Out

Some days I don’t think I offer much at all to others. I’m not pandering for compliments; I’m just musing over the ’empty vessels’ that we can all become. I mean…it’s my job to be a listener, advisor, coach, and source of support. On a good day, I might provide a bit of inspiration, but Continue reading

Wellness

Inspiration, lifestyle, quotes, self-care, writing
April 23, 2023

Heart Songs Within

Every day I DO want to change the world. My ‘to do’ list often starts with what everyone else should be doing because I sometimes fancy myself brighter and better able to see opportunities for improvement in others. I’ve learned…such a fool’s gambit. Instead, lead by example. Do…what’s right…demonstrate that which matters most in actions, Continue reading

Wellness

creativity, gratitude, poetry, self-care, Wellness
April 17, 2023

When You Crack Yourself Up: Silly S’Mores Style

I’m trying to eat healthier…for a whole host of reasons. I’m a grown up and know that a steady diet of my ‘comfort foods’ (which, despite my attempt at healthfulness, everything I love to eat…truly love… is a carb when I’m honest). Mixed nuts? Left alone – those are great options but to my tastebuds, Continue reading

Wellness

eating well, humor, internal dialogue, s'mores, self-care
April 2, 2023

Borrowing from Buddha

My dad was a believer in the idea that friends pass through our lives for ‘seasons and reasons’. He was a realist about the fact that some friendships are destined to be situational, not everlasting. He’d say “people roll in and out and you need to let the door swing both ways”, to benefit each Continue reading

Wellness

Buddha, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-1895, father's wisdom, friendship, self-care
March 28, 2023

It’s Never Too Late for Courage

This week a friend asked if I’d talk to her brother who’s struggling with a workplace dilemma. She told me a little about his situation and my first reaction was that it sounded as if he’s dealing with anticipatory grief, unrelated to death, but a loss just the same. This sweet man, fifteen years into Continue reading

Wellness

courage, fresh starts, relationships, self-care, workplace stress
March 14, 2023

Friendship…is Everything

Sometimes our friends now us best… Continue reading

Family

friendship, laughter, mistakes, self-care
March 12, 2023

Power of Intuition

Reckless honesty…I’m not much of a concrete thinker… Continue reading

Wellness

intuition, Jung, relationships, self-care
February 19, 2023

In the Old Days…I Would’ve Asked My Dad…

A bit of a tech ramble…some pondering thoughts… Continue reading

Wellness

60's tunes, being present, photography, self-care
February 5, 2023

Pieces of Me

Self-understanding…one piece at a time… Continue reading

Wellness

love, memories, resilience, self-care
February 2, 2023

Call Off the Search Party

I wasn’t lost…I just tweaked and pivoted! 😊 Continue reading

Design

art, artists, Design, insight, self-care
January 18, 2023

Finding the Funny Bones

Put on your dancing shoes…find those funny bones! Continue reading

Wellness

humor, love, memories, self-care
January 11, 2023

Enough

Enough…is a good place to land. Continue reading

Wellness

love, peace, relationships, self-care, Wellness
January 9, 2023

A Few Beads Short

Giggle fits at 3am? I couldn’t help myself… Continue reading

Wellness

humor, laughter, Prince Harry, self-care, sleep deprived
January 6, 2023

See the Good

Gardeners…who make our souls blossom… Continue reading

Wellness

blogging, friendship, gratitude, kindness, love, self-care
January 3, 2023

Big News…

Ever in search of…what matters most! Continue reading

Wellness

community, connection, friendship, gratitude, love, self-care, Wellness
December 29, 2022

Finding Better Days…Together

No gift wrapping required…a gift nonetheless… Continue reading

Wellness

families, grudges, honesty, love, optimism, self-care, sisters, stress
December 24, 2022

Holiday Hugs

Stay connected to those we care about…especially right now. Continue reading

Wellness

be the one, friendship, holiday blues, love, new year, self-care
December 17, 2022

My Kind of Swirl

Brew a pot and join me! Continue reading

Wellness

Design, Inspiration, self-care, teatime
December 14, 2022

The Delightful Day

From me to you…sharing my favorite morning meditation for extra swirly days. Continue reading

Wellness

kindness, morning affirmation, self-care, stress relief
December 12, 2022

Beware the Saboteurs!

Knowing how to receive…and pause before responding… Continue reading

Wellness

emotional intelligence, grace under pressure, self regulation theory, self-care
December 3, 2022

Forget with Generosity

It’s easier to let you go when I realize you never mattered in the first place… Continue reading

Wellness

letting go, love, Pablo Neruda, poetry, relationships, self-care
December 2, 2022

It Was Never About the Mashed Potatoes

A new Dottie came to play… Continue reading

Family

bah humbug, Family, holidays, humor, self-care, stress reduction
December 1, 2022

Steady As She Goes…

I hate winter…but I’m trying not to whine… Continue reading

Wellness

ableism, garage rock, gratitude, Jack White, joy, let's dance, mono-tasking, self-care, self-talk
November 25, 2022

You’ve Got The…

Surviving the cloudbursts, the messy, the maddening and the melancholy….. Continue reading

Wellness

holiday blues, love, relationships, self-care, strength, Wellness
November 21, 2022

Let the Sunshine Swivel Your Way

Take care of yourself…without losing yourself… Continue reading

Wellness

balance, happiness, love, relationships, self-care
November 17, 2022

Welcome to My Brain…Days of the Week as “People” in My Head

Laugh along with me…it makes me feel less lonely, despite the annoying voices in my head… Continue reading

Wellness

humor, laughter, self-care, self-talk, silly, stress reduction
November 16, 2022

Ladybugs and Motherhood

Sharing…love, wonder and ladybugs… Continue reading

Family

fertility, gratitude, love, motherhood, self-care, sisterhood
November 15, 2022

Frosting with My Morning Coffee…

I’m not a snow lover…but… Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, love, nature, self-care, snow
November 14, 2022

You Choose…What Matters to You

Ignore the stupid…focus your attention on what matters most…whatever that is for you. Continue reading

Wellness

Einstein, gratitude, humor, love, meaning and mattering, selective attention, self-care, Wellness
November 8, 2022

Spring in My Step

Summon that sunny attitude…and a little bounce, if you can… Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, happiness, humor, joy, kindness, mental health, self-care, walking
November 5, 2022

Daring to Share

Capacity for caring…living with light and dark… Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, marginality vs. mattering, misfits, Nancy Schlossberg, psychology, self-care, self-esteem, self-improvement
October 31, 2022

Who Needs the Leaves?

Look beyond the leaves…the beauty is still there… Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, happiness, kindness, love, nature, seasons, self-care
October 29, 2022

Creature Comforts

Refuel, recharge…do what works best for you… Continue reading

Design

Design, interior design, introverts, nesting, renewal, self-care
October 25, 2022

When You Crack Yourself Up: Halloween Edition

Fun Halloween memories – pain and humor often ride together. Continue reading

Family

addiction, Alzheimers, dementia, family madness, gratitude, humor, mental health, moms and daughters, self-care
October 23, 2022

Loving her anyway…

Bittersweet memories – they’re the best. Continue reading

Family

compassion, family memories, gratitude, hoarding, humor, love, moms and daughters, self-care
October 22, 2022

C’mon…We Can Do This…

I don’t want to give you ‘side eye’… Continue reading

Wellness

Adam Grant, enemies, friends, love, self-care, sisterhood, Wellness, workplace stress
October 17, 2022

Be the One

Love and kindness are everything… Continue reading

Wellness

Family, gratitude, kindness, love, self-care, Wellness
October 13, 2022

One Foot…in Front of the Other

Moving through the middle is the hardest part… Continue reading

Wellness

confidence, hope, love, motivation, self-care, stress, Wellness
October 7, 2022

Shine On…

I love the phrase “You Do You”… Continue reading

Wellness

authenticity, confidence, insecurities, self-care, Wellness, workplace stress
September 30, 2022

The Yodas Don’t Lie

My Yodas have spoken: Do it Anyway. Encouragement when I needed it the most. Continue reading

Wellness

blogging, confidence, encouragement, gratitude, humor, motivation, resilience, self-care, writing, Yoda
September 27, 2022

Send Out the Search Party

I am the Patron Saint of Lost Stuff… Continue reading

Family

Family, home, humor, husbands, kids, mom life, parenting, self-care, Zen
September 26, 2022

Hello, Yellow…

An old yellow bowl…holding memories AND meatballs. Continue reading

Family

antique bowls, food, gratitude, meatballs, memories, self-care
September 24, 2022

Rescue Ralph

Wisdom that stands the test of time…from my favorite Ralph… Continue reading

Wellness

humor, Inspiration, Ralph Waldo Emerson, self-care, Wreck it Ralph
September 23, 2022

Not Much of a Navigator

I can’t decide for you…but I’m here to help just the same… Continue reading

Wellness

empowerment, friendship, listening, self-care, Wellness
September 22, 2022

Morning Stripe

The pink stripe in the morning sky heralds the change of seasons… Continue reading

Wellness

comfy, fall, gratitude, self-care, sunrise, sweatshirts
September 18, 2022

Turn Down the LOUD

Learning to deal with LOUD…sounds as anxiety triggers. Continue reading

Wellness

anxiety, Highly sensitive persons, HSP, noise, self-care, sound sensitivity, Wellness
September 15, 2022

Verbal Guard Rail: Thanks, Dad!

Wisdom in wee morsels from my papa… Continue reading

Family

dads and daughters, Family, memories, quotes, self-care, Wellness, wisdom
September 11, 2022

When You Crack Yourself Up

Best laughter? Giggling at our own mistakes! Continue reading

Wellness

blogging, humor, laughter, self-care, typos
September 11, 2022

Finding My Way to Forgiveness

Despite the madness, forgiveness was always the destination. Continue reading

Family

Family, forgiveness, girlfriends, gratitude, love, mental health, self-care
September 6, 2022

Laugh Track with Lisa 😊

A tale of Jungian insight over a bowl of brownie batter. Continue reading

Wellness

ambivert, Carl Jung, extraversion, Family, introversion, listening, love, self-care, stress
August 24, 2022

I Confess…A Vitamin Story

Make it pretty: My vitamin-taking hack. Continue reading

Design

confession, Design, self-care, vitamins, Wellness
August 22, 2022

Monday MEOW

Start the day anew – make your bed! Continue reading

Wellness

Admiral McRaven, make your bed, self-care, stress, Wellness

“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.

You can find our podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify and Pocket Casts. Please subscribe!

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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