Curious and Creative

Embrace Intention

Paula R. Baines

  • Life, as we know, can be messy, complex, and uncertain. Disruption and change are two constants in life. Have you ever asked why this happened? I think many of us have one point or another. What can be effective to manage change that we face in life? Our mindsets are especially important. Recently, I have… Read more

  • Use the Power of Yet

    Are you someone that keeps pushing through obstacles to learn something new? Do you love challenges because you become smarter because of your perseverance? Do you take time to learn from a mistake you made? Do you believe that how smart you are now is not fixed, there is room to grow? If you answered… Read more

  • Do you tell yourself, “No way, can I do that. I am not smart or talented enough. Why try?” Do you focus on the outcome only? If your hard work did not yield the result that you wanted, do you think it was all for nothing? Your view of yourself can determine everything. Do you… Read more

  • Impact of Mindset

    Have you heard the term mindset? Mindsets are cognitive frameworks that dictate how individuals perceive their abilities, challenges, and successes. Dr. Lauren Braithwaite wrote that the concept of mindset refers to our beliefs about how our intelligence, talents, and personal traits shape how we manage challenges, ultimately affecting our ability to achieve our goals. “What… Read more

  • March 3, 2026 “We are disturbed not by things, but by the views which we take of them.”- Epictetus, Stoic Philosopher Psychotherapist Dr. Ilene Strauss Cohen, Ph.D., wrote that perspective refers to the mental framework through which individuals view the world around them. She added that perspective influences our daily interactions and decision-making processes. Other… Read more

  • February 23, 2026  “Small changes lead to big things.” – author unknown. The concept that small changes lead to big results is a popular philosophy put forth by author James Cleary of Atomic Habits. Cleary stated, “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as… Read more

  • Hitting a Pothole in Life

    Life can be so confusing and frustrating. At least lately it has run concurrent with Maine’s ever-changing weather patterns. You might see snow covered roads one day while enjoying the serenity of the falling snow. Then next day, you are swerving to avoid the potholes that appear out of nowhere. Unfortunately, I do not always… Read more

  • Do Not Get Too Comfy

    February 9, 2026 “Life is full of opportunities to step outside the comfort zone, but grabbing hold of them can be difficult,” wrote Dr. Oliver Page, MD. Added, what holds people back most of the time is their frame of mind, rather than any distinct lack of knowledge. I was curious what is being written… Read more

  • February 2, 2026 “Failure is difficult and certain,” wrote blogger Delaney Tosh. It has been a big challenge for me to see failure with a positive perspective, as my anxiety often works in tandem with my fear. If I do not face them both down, anxiety wins. I know in my logical, rational mind that… Read more

  • 1/26/2026 “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change” — Wayne Dyer Have you ever felt stuck? When I am in a rut, I am challenged to think of new ways of seeing things, because, well, my brain does not let me. It is not always the exterior way of physically… Read more