Let's Talk About Words

    "Nothing we use or hear or touch can be expressed in words that equal what we are given by the senses ," as stated by Hannah Arendt. She died in 1975 after writing and publishing many books. I find it interesting that an author would say that nothing we use, hear or touch can be described adequately in words. Isn't that the goal as a writer, to make the reader feel and experience a situation as if they were there? I know that as I am writing my first novel, I struggle to find the words to describe what I want to put down on paper, but I assumed that was one of the conditions of being a new writer. I think this is perfect advice for myself though; to look , taste , touch , smell and listen to the world all around me. I am often hurrying here, hurrying there, on my phone, thinking of all that I need to do that I don't often "stop to smell the roses" so to speak. I miss the sound of the bird in the tree, the smell of my morning coffee, the taste of...

" Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."                                                                         -Chinese Proverb     Even though I intended to go on to Graduate School or Law School after I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, I wanted a break. Fast forward 27 years later and I still wish that I had not taken that break since I never went back. I did not love doing homework or taking tests, but I have always appreciated learning . There is something magical in understanding something new that I previously didn't know. I read magazines and books that entertain me as well as educate me. Psychology Today and Self magazines still intrigue me as I read through the different studies quoted. When my daughters received suggested books to read ...

      Thomas Szasz was quoted as saying, "A child becomes an adult when he realizes that he has a right not only to be right but to be wrong ." I am not sure if a child becomes an adult by this realization, but I agree that everyone should learn this truth . We live in a society that expects perfection in school, in our looks, in our work and in our families. The list could continue. We desire this need to always make the right choice from ourselves and from others. I don't want to be wrong , but it is okay if I sometimes am. The world does not end when I am wrong, nor does it when my children and loved ones are. I want to take chances and try to make educated choices, but if I choose wrong, I want to feel that it is alright to choose again. I do not need to punish myself or even be disappointed. Being wrong reminds me of the corn maze at the pumpkin farm. I hate going in them because often the choice you make leads to a dead end or circles back to where you start...

    The quote by Dag Hammarskjold says, "The more faithfully you listen to the voices within you, the better you will hear what is sounding outside." He was a Swedish diplomat and Secretary-General of the United Nations. This sentence indicates that he valued the importance of  listening  to yourself. I would believe that during his life, he considered advice from others as well as offered some often. I feel that this quote also relates to how people communicate with one another, as well as hearing your own inner guidance. Often when I am at a meeting or in a discussion with someone, it is hard to stop talking, or even to stop thinking, and really listen to what others are saying. My mind comes up with responses and suggestions even as I am hearing them speak. I have read about a process of mirroring what others are saying to ensure that each person is listening when someone is expressing their feelings, ideas or thoughts. The purpos...

      Buddha offered the advice, "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." This advice could not be more appropriate for me today. As my two older daughters are away at college and my youngest is finishing her college applications, I have been missing the past and nervous about the future. As I saw all of the children trick or treating at Deer Park Mall yesterday, I was overcome with feelings of nostalgia and thoughts of how quickly those years went by. As an infant teacher at a Bright Horizons Family Solutions, I often advice mothers of infants and young children to enjoy this time, that it flies by. I tell them to not worry about doing everything "right" and just enjoy it. I am sure that they don't believe me just as I would not have either, but I hope that they heed my advice anyway. At the same moment th...

    " Humanity is just a work in progress."                                                    -Tennessee Williams    I read the newspaper; I see the news on TV, and I hear what is happening in the world around me. I am often shocked and disheartened by much of what I hear and see, but I am an optimist by nature. I believe in the best from others; I believe that the world is a great place to live; I believe in mankind . Although I have experienced and witnessed sadness as well as evil, in my own life as well as the lives of others firsthand, I am still full of hope. For every story I read or hear, I notice one of people helping. There are so many organizations and people working to make this a better world to live in, to help others and to make a difference.  We can each improve ourselves individually, but what a...

    Norman Schwartzkopf was quoted as saying, "The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it." There are many things in life that keep a person from doing the right thing or living the life they want. Real obstacles and fears can indeed prevent a person from doing the right thing, living the life they want or  pursuing the life of their dreams.  When I decided to write the book Fun4Babies,  I wanted pictures of infants doing the activities from my work, but I could not get that approved. I could have given up. When I received a rejection from a publisher, I could have decided that it was not meant to be. In addition to larger problems, s imple choices and excuses can deter a person as well. I work  full-time, and it look much more of my time to write, edit and finalize it than I thought possible.  It sometimes takes hard work and much thought to pursue a passion.   I know the right thing...