Sometimes ‘helping’ with gift ideas is effective for taking away a degree of holiday stress. I confess to dropping hints to ‘help’ my husband and son with their shopping. Although surprise gifts are fun, they can also disappoint. For some people, surprises make the best gifts as they enjoy shopping and selecting something perfect for […]
Smells evoke memories
Did you know that smell is closely linked to parts of the brain that process memory and emotion? This week, when I opened a package of holiday potpourri (purchased on impulse at Costco) I was bombarded with memories related to smells. As I ripped the cellophane from the cluster of pine cones, dried flowers, and […]
How Books Change Us
When I finish a book, I stop to think about how reading the book changed me. Sometimes it doesn’t feel as if the book created any changes and then, a few days later, I find that — more than entertaining me — the book offered a new way of thinking or a new set of […]
Does curiosity promote happiness?
The dozens of questions asked by my grandchildren make me wonder if curiosity promotes happiness. When provided with an answer, their eyes sparkle. I often struggle to find an appropriate answer to the questions. What’s more, once provided with an answer more questions ensue. Children’s endless questions demonstrate their eagerness to discover the world. They […]
A Mindset of Abundance
As someone who has a tendency to save things for a special time rather than using things I love, I’ve been working to develop a mindset of abundance. Adopting this way of thinking has challenged me as I grew up with a mother who lived through tough times of the 30s depression when she learned […]
Use the Good Dishes
Many years ago I read Use the Good Dishes: Finding Joy in Everyday Life by Elaine Dembe. Dembe urges the celebration of ordinary things to awaken a sense of joy. This is one of the many self-help books that left a lasting impression. I sometimes quote the title (‘use the good dishes’) as a mantra/reminder to […]
Thoughts on turning 76
I’m turning 76 today and counting on living for many more years! At this age, I’m well into the second half of my life. I welcome this time as I can just be myself — whatever that means! Unlike many people, especially women, who don’t ‘do age’ or celebrate birthdays, I’m proud of my years. […]
55 Years and Counting
Today is our Wedding anniversary. 55 years ago I walked down the aisle and into a new life — a wife, later a mother, and now a grandmother. Ours was an evening wedding followed by a dinner. Close family members attended along with friends. Our honeymoon included a week at Emerald Lake in Jasper National […]
Summertime Joy
Finding summertime joy when coping with southern Ontario heatwaves takes a certain mindset. It’s mid-August and that means summer is nearly over. It’s time to engage in those summertime activities that bring joy regardless of the weather mother nature has in store. A few precious weeks remain for taking full advantage of this season. Enjoying […]
Simple Living in Midsummer
It’s Civic Holiday Weekend which marks mid-summer in Ontario. What better time to focus on the joy of simple living! Simple living heightens every summer pleasure. As is our summer routine, we spend the precious summer weeks at our cottage. This is the time when our psychic batteries get a re-charge. Our cottage is nestled […]
