Tag: gratitude

Ring in the New Year Without the Resolutions

Written by Cheryl on . Posted in Cheryl's View.

I am not a huge fan of New Year’s Resolutions, because I believe it sets the stage for high expectations, unrealistic results, and ultimately the feeling of failure. What a terrible way to start a new year! I have a better idea. Many years ago, I heard that what you do on New Year’s Day is what you will do for the rest of the year. I’m not sure if that is true or just a superstition, but isn’t it interesting that our actions on New Year’s Day might set the tone for the rest of the year? It’s an interesting concept, and it made me start thinking. What if, instead of making lofty (and often unrealistic) New Year’s Resolutions, why not flip the script, and focus on the present day, the first day of another New Year, and set the scene for the best year...

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Roses in November

Written by Cheryl on . Posted in Life's Lessons.

I love November. I love the entire fall season, with the weather changing, the leaves turning, the incredible bright blue skies of October. But I have always loved November, and I especially love Thanksgiving. I grew up in Western Pennsylvania where the winters are brutal, and can sometimes start as early as October. But, 10 years ago, the weather was a completely different story. I ought to know, because I was there. Both my parents were ill with leukemia. I know. What are the chances? My 2 older sisters and I spent the entire year of 2010 taking turns “visiting” them for a week to 10 days at a time. They would never accept help if it was offered and would NEVER ask for it, but they were happy to have us “visit.” If we just happened to take them to their treatments,...

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A different kind of family Christmas….

Written by Cheryl on . Posted in Joyful Holidays.

Everyone has their Christmas traditions and time they spend with friends and family. Our Christmas tradition is simple; my husband and I spend a quiet Christmas together. But when my mother-in-law took a turn for the worst and my husband left town on the 23rd, my plans for Christmas suddenly and dramatically changed. No quiet Christmas Eve dinner at home. No Christmas Day champagne brunch at the Brown Palace. My Christmas just got thrown a curve ball. I knew I would be bombarded with invitations if my friends knew I would be alone on Christmas. However, I really didn’t want to be pulled into someone else’s dysfunctional family Christmas. Nor did I want to go to a movie and go out for Chinese food. I figured sitting at home watching old movies sounded like my best choice. Then I...

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Sense of smell. How neuroplasticity saved the day.

Written by Cheryl on . Posted in Cheryl's View.

A few weeks ago I was hiking in the mountains with my husband. I was in  a terrible mood. I was irritable, sad, depressed and feeling sorry for myself. It was Father’s Day, and the first Father’s Day without my Dad. This was only 6 short weeks after going through the first Mother’s Day without my Mom. Trying to hide my bad mood, I did what I do best….I put my head down and stubbornly forged ahead, placing one foot in front of the other and forced myself up the mountain, oblivious to the spectacular scenery around me. After about an hour we stopped to rest. The wind shifted, and  I caught the indescribable fragrance of clean mountain air, pine trees, melting snow and damp earth. As I stood there soaking in that incredible smell, my mood immediately began to shift....

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