Are your worries overrunning the good stuff in your life? Learn life lessons from your cat. Learn to ignore little things and keep them  from taking over your life Little problems & concerns that often get blown out of proportion:   Unfair criticism Doing the lion’s share of work Worry, worry, worry about things you can’t control Feeling misunderstood Feeling unappreciated Unable to change things Lighten Up Surrender to the fact that life isn’t fair Don’t... Read Full Story

 Are you one of those people who ruminate after you said or did something you regret? You know, you can’t get it out of your mind, replaying it over and over in your head. You spend lots of time thinking what you should have done or said.  I find self-talk to help me with a reality check when I am over-worrying and can’t let go of something I regret having said or done.  A sense of humor helps to keep a reality check and goes a long way to relieving your angst.  Try these suggest... Read Full Story

Every holiday (but none I think as clearly as  mother’s day) reminds us that another year has passed and how time flies! Perhaps it because the kids ‘grow so fast” and seem so much older. Then you realize how old that makes you!  There is no need to fret about the passing of the years I have some good news!   In reading May Sarton’s Journal “At Seventy” I came across this wonderful passage. A young student had asked May “Why is it good t... Read Full Story

Blue Footed Booby When ever I go on a trip to a far off place I like to think about what I have learned. To me the important things to keep on learning are not so much facts ( I did learn a lot of these!) but what I call life lessons. Sometimes these lessons are not so obvious. I need to put my mind to thinking about them.  One of the  lessons I seem to relearn with every new experience is that of patience,  tolerance and acceptance of differences. There are so many things about other’s... Read Full Story

Working on my Bucket List and Stress Reduction Blue Footed Booby Dancing for the Ladies Male on the left I’m off to the Galapagos islands in search of the blue footed booby. This bird has always fascinated me and long been on my list to see. This seems like a good year to visit Galapagos because it is the 200 anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth. He has always also been of great  interest to me. Here is some information on the Blue footed booby for those interested. The Blue-fo... Read Full Story

Crabapple Tree I needed some personal spring rejuvenation this week. I spent time taking care of myself and I thought I would share these reminders with other women:   Reminded myself for the umpteenth time to take care of myself, it will make me more able to help others and feel less taken advantage of.   I said lots of “no’s” this week, actually cancelled 2 engagements (boy did that feel good).  Spent some very restful time alone.  I napped often  Took  care of other... Read Full Story

Holidays are often just the opposite of what they should be. Easter is no different. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the day. If you are cooking, keep it simple, plan what others will bring. Give them a choice, “can you bring a salad or dessert?”  Make dinner later in the day to reduce stress, people are usually tired and don’t stay too long. Put a time frame on your invitation.  Say something like “We will be having our Easter celebration from 4-7 pm, din... Read Full Story

I am worried my brother has some kind of paranoia disorder.  He believes people are following him, listening and watching him through radio transmissions, etc.  He is not to the point where he’s totally disfunctional but he lost her job because of it and  family relations are seriously strained.  His family and  work have tried to get him to seek psychological counseling but he refuses.  What can I do to help him when he doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with him? Thank ... Read Full Story

Question to Dr. Duffy Dear Dr. Duffy, Sometimes you think you know someone— and you really don’t know them at all.  I thought I knew my sister- I thought her selfishness was harmless-  I had no idea that there was nothing she would not do to get her way or get what she wanted. My sister Mary and my brother Joe were fighting twenty years ago- it was horrible.  My Father went by to check on my sister- she was screaming about our brother Joe- our Father went home and went to bed and ... Read Full Story

Working on My Bucket List  Above is a picture of me in Grand Manan Novia Scotia touring a fish factory This is a pretty personal post, ignore it if you wish, I won’t mind! I would like to hear your comments about this kind of post. Well when it rains it pours, I have 2 new illnesses this week. (Well not new, just actually diagnosed).  I have spent most of the week in doctor’s offices or having tests. I have had Hepatitis C for many years, now it has progressed to Cirrhosis.  Stati... Read Full Story