life
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06/23/2026 Joy can be found in the simplest pleasures, yet we also can create joy for ourselves. Have you given that much thought? Neither had I, and many of us don’t. Think about your daily life. We face and handle numerous family responsibilities, work deadlines, and volunteer commitments, all which are expected of us. … Read more
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June 3, 2026 What is hope? Hope is defined as a sense of a certain future that can be achieved. In order to achieve this, individuals need to feel a sense of agency. Hope contributes to our well-being and happiness which motivates positive action. A published study in Health Economics defines hope as the determination… Read more
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5/25/2026 Have you ever felt contentment? What does it feel like for you? As I noted in my two previous blogs, happiness can be elusive; the more we chase it, the more it can slip away. Yet, there is a growing body of research that shows that, though contentment is different from happiness, it is… Read more
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May 11, 2026 Many experts describe happiness as a complex state that can include contentment, joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. Psychologists often define it as a mix of positive emotions and overall life satisfaction. I have found in my research that there are three main differing views on happiness: Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D. wrote… Read more
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May 4, 2026 Recently my husband dropped off some items to our local trash/recycle center and swap shop. As he drove into our driveway afterwards, he got out of the truck holding up something. From the living room window, I could not tell what it was. He walked into our house. I could see by… Read more
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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
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1/18/2026 Are you comfortable sitting quietly with your thoughts alone as company? Are you afraid to be alone as your inner voice chatters away, but not in a good way? Many individuals avoid being alone or in quiet, because they are not comfortable being alone with their thoughts. If you don’t enjoy spending distraction-free time… Read more
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1/8/2026 I had not heard a “nudge word” until I came across a Time magazine article. The idea is to choose a nudge word instead of making a resolution. Others have called a word of the year. Where did this idea originate? Tara Parker Hope kicked off the idea of a nudge word in a… Read more
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1/1/2026 Do you make resolutions each year? I once did, but not anymore. I am not a resolution person. For the last few years, I chose a theme word for the year, but often, by March, I often forget what it was. In 2026, I am taking a different approach. I am embracing intention. What… Read more
Curious and Creative 