In the late 1980s, many of us, who were alive so long ago, were singing the lyrics of a Grammy-award winning song entitled Don’t Worry Be Happy. Throughout the tune, Bobby McFerrin repeats the phrase “In every life we have some Trouble, but when you worry you make it double/Don’t worry Be Happy.” And In …
Category: Habits
End of Me
It would certainly bolster my spirits to have a few empathic readers say that not only can they appreciate the struggle I’m about to reveal, but also share the angst that accompanies trying to reach the End of Me. Even writing that statement discloses just how challenging dying to self truly is. Offering even further …
Meet in the Middle
On a recent road trip, I utilized a streaming service to select my music, which can often lead to befuddlement as I question the algorithm’s choices. However, for the most part, the songs seemed to align with what I was hoping to hear and even allowed for some reminiscing about college days. One song that …
Hang Time
Walking across Union’s campus during the summer, it’s not uncommon to encounter evidence that Fuge Camp is occurring, whether it’s viewing hundreds of young people engaged in outdoor recreation or seeing their small-group rooms decorated with the year’s theme. One day as I passed the Fuge store, where participants can purchase merchandise, I noticed a …
Digital Boundaries
When I pull out my lawnmower and cut the grass for the first time of the season, it can sometimes be a challenge to clearly define where to stop on either side of my property, for there are no fences to prevent me from entering my neighbors’ grass. Once that first cut is made, it’s …
Habit of Attentiveness
“To thine own self be true.” Most of us find this a familiar phrase since it would be difficult to receive any education in the United States without an introduction to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. While, yes, I do agree self-care is an important part of cultivating well-being and living a flourishing life, today’s culture might be …
Pay Attention
Have you ever been at your wit’s end? This college professor who dearly adores her students is befuddled, bewildered, baffled, perplexed, and mystified about how to encourage students to Pay Attention to verbal instructions and information offered in class. Consider this scenario and how you might have prepared for the class activity: One week prior …
Quitting Social Media
I’m too stubborn to quit much of anything; however, I am wise enough to discern that sometimes there are moments to cease what you are attempting, reflect on where things are going, and assess a best strategy for moving forward. As a Gen Xer navigating the digital age, I am finding myself Pressing Pause more …
Paper or Plastic
Paper or Plastic? Do you recall a specific time and place when this inquiry became a part of your decision-making process at the grocery store? If this question was never asked of you and you’ve only known the plastic bags with handles that serve so well as small garbage-can liners, ask an older relative if …
Trivial Pursuit
For a knowledge junkie like me, the Christmas gift of the board game Trivial Pursuit from Uncle Gene and Aunt Sissie in 1984 might earn high rankings on my list of all-time memorable gifts. For years, earning those colored wedges from categories like entertainment or sports & leisure was an enjoyable way to engage in …