How to Bend and Be Resilient
I've been thinking about how to be resilient this weekend, how to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. On one day, you encounter obstacles and the stresses of life. Stuff that's important that may not work out. Important stuff. So what helps us recover?
It’s Time To Savor Spring
Spring is a time of change. Emerging leaves, melting snow, blooming flowers. So don’t be afraid to change, even in a tiny way. Step away from your desk, your counter, your indoor work space and go outside. Being outside changes your perspective. There’s a temperature you can’t control. A vista greets you, sometimes narrow or wide or small. And maybe sun, wind, maybe rain. An open freshness surrounding you. It always amazes me how a short walk beneath trees or a moment of staring at the sky can settle the…
Might and Main Monday: Perfection Vs. Good
My husband and I were eating lunch at our local brewery the other day. I explained to him how, even though I was taking on the daunting task of blogging every day for September, I was ready to lower my standards if I had to to complete the task. He, a software architect, thought it was a good idea. He said, “Like they always say in engineering: don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good.” Engineers often slow or stop a project in the name of perfection.…
Might and Main Monday: Tim Gautreaux
I’ve been thinking about this quote from Louisiana writer Tim Gautreaux. It feels appropriate as families across America will be celebrating the 4th of July. He reminds us that the place you grew up is valid material for creative expression, no matter how humble or obscure it is. People own the territory they are born into. That’s the richest ore writers can mine…. Get in touch with where you’re from, even if it’s a subdivision in Kenner, Louisiana, that is your literary heritage. If you look at it closely enough,…
Might and Main Monday: Joseph Campbell
The idiom “with might and main,” is an old literary phrase that’s gradually dropped out of modern use. It translates to “with as much strength and effort as possible.” I kind of love it. It’s dramatic, it’s antique. I thought it was apt for how I could approach Mondays, similar to “seize the day.” Monday rings in a new week, a fresh slate, a new window of time to accomplish things. How ever I failed the previous week, Monday gives me an opportunity to redeem myself. So join me in…
