In the U.S., physical beauty generally is highly esteemed only if it fits the ideal set by Hollywood: a willowy size 0. While hiking a few years back in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, I realized the beauty I appreciate most in nature is in the hard-earned tenaciousness that allows an organism to thrive in [...]
One of the most detrimental emotions we can rigidly cling to after a loved one crosses over is guilt: over what we didn’t do, what we did do or what we thought during those last moments together. And, while this post focuses on the deep regret we feel after someone has passed away, any [...]
Good health is a gift. Two of the most important aspects to maintaining wellness are knowing your body and paying attention to the signals it sends. While these may seem trivial, it can be tough to remember to do when facing challenges. After my miraculous healing in 2007, I resolved to respect my body and [...]
For me, the ego insidiously wheedles its way into my mindset usually long before I realize it’s returned. I can fool myself to believe I’m living in faith when I’ve really grabbed the reins from the Most Sacred and veered off my spiritual path. Why is the ego a big deal? The ego centers arounds [...]
Over the years, I’ve heard people say that “God is testing them” when they feel buried in a bad situation. But I don’t believe the Supreme Power ever puts us through misery to see how we’ll react. Why? Tests are given to determine what we know or how we’ll respond to a situation. Since the [...]
While meditating a few weeks ago, I received a message to be more grateful for the life I can now lead. This reminded me of the trials of my past and made me appreciate my younger self who never gave up. This is what I would tell her: I appreciate what you did correctly when [...]
During long periods of my childhood, I didn’t have many friends. At that point, I didn’t understand that it was because I wouldn’t conform to what others were doing, acting or saying. While I didn’t have insight into who I truly was at such a young age, I still followed an inner compass that guided [...]
If you’re like me, you put pressure on yourself whether it’s to get all your errands done or to achieve success in a specific area. Then, when it doesn’t pan out as you expected or as quickly as you wanted, you blame and get upset with yourself. This mindset is unproductive at best. The rougher [...]
When my illness reached its worst, I spent almost all of my time in bed (or on the couch). My life seemed completely out of my control. My health severely restricted any physical activity. I couldn’t earn enough money to support myself. And, if I wanted to read a book, I couldn’t as I didn’t [...]
As those who’ve read A Reluctant Spirit know, I once suffered greatly from Post Viral Neurasthenia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For years, I was almost completely bedridden and suffered great pain and cognitive impairment. At about my lowest point, a “friend” declared, “If you were a better Christian, you would’ve been healed by now.” He [...]
