“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” ~Buddha Dear Universe, I am not a fan of cemeteries. Well, I don’t know anyone who is. So it doesn’t surprise me that I never really noticed that right near my work is a sprawling cemetery I drive by almost every day. But the other day, as I stopped at the …
Mantras That Can Make A Difference Starting Now!
“It is only a thought and a thought can be changed.” ~Louise Hay Dear Universe, I am a fan of mantras—you know, phrases you repeat out loud or to yourself in an effort to inspire hope, healing or manifesting your future. I know mantras—or affirmations—have become a more common term, but I think I always used them, long before …
Life’s a Ball
“In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.” ~Gordon B. Hinckley Dear Universe, Sometimes you have to take the time to remind yourself that life’s a ball. For these last several weekends I’ve been experiencing just that. Specifically, life’s a baseball, bowling ball and a basketball. Let me explain. Spring break …
The Blame Game: Why You Need to Stop Playing It
“Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows. Love can only survive these injuries if they are acknowledged, healed and rare.” ~Brené Brown Dear Universe, We all know somebody that is a perpetual blamer. When something goes wrong in life, he’s quick to throw the blame and the shame elsewhere. It doesn’t …
Beyond Blessed: A Heartfelt Birthday Thanks
“The cake had a trick candle that wouldn’t go out, so I didn’t get my wish. Which was just that it would always be like this…” ~Janet Fitch Dear Universe, Today is my birthday. Before the day gets started, I just wanted to say thank you for the gift of another year. My life is full of things I am …
Why a Bumper Sticker Became My Mantra
“Sometimes when you lose your way, you find YOURSELF.” ~Mandy Hale Dear Universe, About eight or nine years ago I saw a bumper sticker with a quote in big, block letters. It said: “Not all who wander are lost.” ~J.R.R. Tolkien I bought it. I wasn’t quite sure why since I knew I wouldn’t be sticking it on my car, …
Nice to Meet You… Finally
“What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.” ~Vern McLellan Dear Universe, Flashback time. It was December 2010. I was in a particularly low place. I was doing my best to stay optimistic during a time of drastic change. I was doing my best not to be afraid …
Greatest Gifts
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ~Mother Teresa Dear Universe, It’s that time of year again. It’s the season to be jolly, with the sounds of fireplaces crackling and sleigh bells ringing. It’s the season to see snowflakes falling and reindeer dashing. It’s also the season of giving. Things can get pretty …