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The arc of justice

I always thought that this was a quote from Abraham Lincoln, but Jon Meacham, in his book And There Was Light–Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, attributes it to Theodore Parker. I hope we are bending toward justice. “I do not pretend to understand the moral universe: the arc is a long one, my eye […]

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Be still

Rushing. I think I have lots to do. Maybe a bit overwhelmed. “I’ve been thinking,” says Emily St. John Mandel in her book Sea of Tranquility, “a great deal about time and motion lately, about being a still point in the ceaseless rush.” –Joy

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Summer trips

Even though I am anticipating summer trips, I found this quote recently in a restaurant and realized how true it is. I can’t wait to go on a trip, and I know, too, I will be glad to return home. “A man (or woman!) travels the world over to find what he ( or she) […]

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Joy and sorrow

Lots of sorrow and a little joy. Lots of joy and only a bit Of sorrow.             Who can know The formula beforehand? These are words from How Beautiful the Beloved by Gregory Orr.  One of the best kinds of friends are friends who give you a book—a book you never would have read if […]

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Kind, but strong

Jacinda Adern, New Zealand’s youngest ever prime minister, is resigining. After 5-1/2 years as the country’s leader, she concluded, ” “I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, emphatic, but decisive, optimistic, but focused.”

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Be positive

Yes, I had COVID. But, I didn’t go to the hospital. I don’t have long COVID. I am much better. I am going to count my blessings and have a positive attitude during 2023. That’s my Resolution #5. –Joy

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On to Thanksgiving

The elections are over—or almost over–and I’m ready to move on to happy times. Let’s begin the holidays. At least, there are a few things we can agree on. As Nora Ephron once said, “The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we can agree so vehemently about?” –Joy

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They give me joy

I returned from a trip and then welcomed company who arrived just a couple of days later. Finally, this morning, I went for my morning walk again–following the path in my neighborhood that I have taken for more than 30 years. Even though I enjoyed my travels and my guest very much, it was delightful […]

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Take a break

Give yourself permission to relax, rest, do fewer projects, take a break, advises Lisa Congdon in her book You Will Leave a Trail of Stars. “You have “permission to take an intermission.” –Joy

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Think positive thoughts

“We are what we think,” Buddha once said. “All that we are arises with our thoughts. We make the world.” I found this quote in Lisa Congdon’s book You Will Leave a Trail of Stars. –Joy

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