Category

Mindfulness

Wealth and Wellbeing: Gardening Cultivates More Than Plants

At various points in its growth cycle, my garden can look like any of the small photos in the bigger collage. Why do I garden, which could be just one more job? In the midst of the hustle and bustle of “real” life, finding meaning and purpose can sometimes feel like an elusive goal. However,...
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When Your Child is a Forgetter/Part Two: A Tale from the Realm of ChatGPT

In Part One, our tale of woe ended with “What could work?” True confessions, that was nine posts ago, so clearly I forgot to follow up, which is the topic of this post. I thought I’d have fun with a writing partner this time. Part Two is a collaboration between Chat GPT and me. Enjoy...
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The Art of Distractibility, Part V: Go Through the (E)Motions

I have earned a C- on a test I was sure I’d aced. I feel my shoulders slump and my energy plummet. I hide the test and start chatting with my friends, trying to put my sadness and shame from my mind. Have you ever tried to shove away an unwanted feeling? Who hasn’t! No...
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The Art of Distractibility, Part IV: Recharge with Positive People

After an unbelievably tough day, I slump through the door. I should get to work on my assignments or chores, or at least eat a healthy dinner, but I feel way too defeated to do any of that. I just want to relax! I grab a bag of chips, flop on the sofa, and lose...
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The Art of Distractibility, Part III: Fortify with Good Thoughts

I wake up, an underslept mess because I was tossing and turning all night, pestered by regrets and worries. The morning starts in a confused fog of bad feelings and muddy thinking. I’m sullen towards everyone I see, and I’m angry at myself. I want to get things done! I want to get along with...
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The Art of Distractibility, Part II: Turn Towards Positive Thoughts

It’s my birthday. My friends serenade me as my mom brings out the birthday cake, the candles glowing. I’m about to blow them out and make a wish when the negativity hits. My birthday will be over soon, and then it’s back to chores and assignments. What if I don’t get what I wish for?...
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The Art of Distractibility, Part I: Monkey Mind to Masterpiece

Sitting with my interview file on my lap, I try hard to pay attention to my interviewer. I know it’ll be important to respond that what she’s saying, but my thoughts keep wandering. Do I look okay? Can she hear the waver in my voice? Will she smell that “everything” bagel I ate for breakfast?...
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Why Your Friends Who Meditate Are Better at These Things

Are you presently satisfied with your life? Most people say they are. You probably would like to be more than just satisfied, though. It’s kind of meh. Actual positive emotions have great benefits beyond happiness. They broaden attention and thinking (great for managing attention) encourage higher-level and creative thinking (great for problem-solving) build cognitive, social,...
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Your Easy-As-Pie Resilience Recipe, Step 4: Attack What Holds You Back (Taste What’s Missing)

You take pride in your one-of-a-kind Resilience Pie, so you want the result to be the best that you can make it! Your high-quality ingredients and skills will go a long way to making it good, but how can you rocket your Resilience Pie to masterpiece level? You’ve got resilience factors within and all around...
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Unleash Your Artistic Optimist, Part IV: Repair, Don’t Despair!

The client said, “I was livid with my boyfriend and he had no idea why. He was late for lunch, and I was ravenous. I blamed him for both my hunger and my rage. I grew increasingly frustrated when he appeared oblivious to my distress. The nerve!” Hoping someone will read your mind – or...
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