It takes a ratio of 5:1 of positive to negative interactions to maintain happy relationships. — This is a response to Yana Bostongirl’s prompt “My cup runneth over.” “Mom, did you catch it?” my youngest child calls out. He places he hand on his chest, then to his lips and blows a kiss across the room. “Into you heart.” “I love you!” he calls out as…

Lots of questions, not many answers. As parents, do every really have the answers? — How do you teach your child that they are capable of taking care of themselves and making their own decisions? How do you help them learn how to make decisions without feeling like they are being pushed away by their parents? I have questions and few answers. As a parent…

You might not love your newborn child at first sight, and that’s okay — The love for your child is like nothing you have ever experienced before. It’s instantaneous and fuels deep inside you. As your newborn curls on your chest, you feel the beat of their heart so close to yours, you feel love like you never thought possible— unless that doesn’t happen. …

The best thing about adversity is that it forces you to grow. You can’t escape from the tough times in life, but you can choose how you want to react to them. — Refresh the soul prompt response. As the waves push my body, standing in the frigid ocean, back and forth — I give in. The current is too strong, and rather than fighting it, I realize I need to go with the flow. I’m carried into the seeming abyss, like a…

The ones that spark pure joy! — What are those experiences that bring you back to your childhood? The ones where you feel the innocence of your early years? Those magical childhood moments…. You know — those experience that remind us of the value of living life through the lens of a child and to do so…

Whether you are a classroom or world learner, now it the time to explore! — Maybe I am humbled to know how little I know because I’m going back to school — again. The greatest pivot point in my life in recent years was returning to school. I was never an academic, but I have a joy for learning. I know it’s not for everyone…

Is anyone else like me and finds it painful, tear-jerking and anxiety provoking? — I’m paralyzed to spend money on myself. Reading Charles Amemiya’s article, The High Cost of Being Cheap, left me with a solid reflection: “When I don’t have clothes to wear to work and it impacts my confidence and self-esteem, that’s an awful price to pay.” The High Cost of Being Cheap Trying to save money will oftentimes cost you more in the long run.medium.com

A humbling story of selflessness and the generousity of a stranger — “I can’t pay the hydro bill or make rent. I’ll got three days to figure this out and I don’t know what to do.” I could hear the dread in their voice. The last minute phone call and a cry for help. They are not one to reach out. But…

Looking back when priorities were seemingly much more clear and our washroom really was a hole in the ground. — Reading a story by Sara Burdick sent me back in time. Isn’t a compost toilet just a fancy outhouse? When I was ten years old, I had a best friend.saraburdick.medium.com She reflects that now not having a bathroom is in style — thank you van life! Growing up we were fortunate enough to have a “summer cabin.” My parents bid on it on a whim when we missed a…