Taking an opposite approach to how we complete even one thing in our lives can get us out of a rut if we’re in one. It can also give us the added bonus of living well. In Felix’s case, a divorce is what puts him in a rut, but it’s also the catalyst for getting him out of it. Because his friend won’t let him be the same person he was when he walked through the door, Felix begins to change–starting with how he prepares a leg of lamb. Oscar tells Felix “We’ll get our own pots!” and start new. If you’ve ever seen The Odd Couple–the play or series (1970 or 2015), you know how rigid Felix can be. Honestly, if someone as structured as this character can change, so can we. The wisdom from this line directs us toward possibility.

A three and a half hour family car trip to a nearby city is no big deal. That’s what families do–just not my family. In fact, it was a rare day that we drove anywhere together with the exception of a quick ride to the icehouse down the street for a soda and a candy […]

When I was ten, my family took a car trip to Houston. That’s about a three hour drive–not so bad if you like road trips–only I did not. Since I was six years old I suffered from motion sickness. Back then, it was always car induced. These days, anything can trigger it ( a porch swing, a rocking chair, someone swaying side to side while talking to me, and especially my own erratic movements).

When a teacher asks you to set an intention for your practice, don’t linger on the decision. Choose quickly. They rarely give you that much time to come up with one, so if you have decision fatigue, this is important. If you really like the idea of setting an intention for your yoga time, or if you just like following directions because you’re that kind of student, you don’t want to miss an opportunity.

Recently, I was feeling lost and like my days were running together. Twenty-four hour periods were going by, and I was aimless but still busy. I knew I needed a reset and to focus on living with intention. Doing so also meant reminding myself of my purpose. Even though I’ve accepted and voiced my purpose […]

Velasco: Well, I took a look at you last night . . . I took a long, close look at you . . . Do you know what you are, Ethel? Mother: (Ready for the compliment.) what? Velasco: A good sport. Mother: Oh . . . A good sport. Neil Simon, Barefoot in the Park, […]

Each time I heard Chip Gaines say “Welcome home,” to the homeowners at the end of the HGTV show Fixer Upper, I cried. I think it’s because I’ve never experienced that feeling of walking into the home I want to stay in for the rest of my life. After I was married, the first place […]

People often believe that writers live an easy-going life dreaming up fantastical stories. This snippet from the play True West is a great example of that belief. But despite how simple it might appear, writing for a living is challenging. Writing is not all that easy–just like the character of Austin says in the excerpt. […]

If you have a room, a closet, a drawer, or a pantry that you want to reorganize, the thing that will help you the most is having a process to follow. For me, I’ve been using the rules I learned back in 2003 from a reality TV show called Clean Sweep any time I am […]

Before I could move forward with the actual reorganization and redecorating process and get out of a befuddled, unpeaceful state, I first had to acknowledge and sit with my feelings of mental and emotional clutter. Then I was able to look carefully at my work environment and revaluate my needs since my daily labor situation had changed. It was worth it. I know this because I’m writing this post from a newly organized and redecorated space that cries out to be used and enjoyed everyday.