Author Archives: phyllis
How Reunions Can Change Your Brain
According to neuroscience, our experiences can slowly change our brains. So how do we increase our positive qualities? Apparently, if we repeat activities that involve desirable characteristics–like kindness, gratitude and compassion–these inner strengths can become woven into the fabric of our brains. One of many ways to achieve this is through reunions. And that’s what a group of us just did, reconnected in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada after 50 years! Most of us had met as young girls in elementary school, remaining close friends through college. And being together last week was … Continue reading
Posted in well-being, your self
Tagged brain, Canada, challenges, compassion, experiences, friends, grandchildren, gratitude, kindness, mindful, neuroscience, retirement, reunions, women of '44
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Childhood Friends
I’m in Canada for the week, enjoying time with old friends–all born in ’44. We’ll tour the city that shaped us, share photos of our kids and grandchildren, laugh a lot, I’m sure. I look forward to the stories, to reminiscing and savoring the memories of growing up together. In my next post I’ll write about 10 women, friends since primary school, more than 60 years later. We all face transitions at each stage of life. When Rosemary and I began publishing online 14 years ago, we named our newsletter ‘Stepping … Continue reading
Posted in well-being, your self
Tagged 1944, career, friendship, grandkids, health & wellness, memories, relationships, retirement, reunion, self-discovery, women
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Fighting the Stigma of Mental Illness
The Isla Vista deadly rampage happened in May, Mental Health Month. Three were shot and the other three stabbed to death. These six college students were killed by a 22 year old with grandiose and persecutory delusions, suicidal ideation and a well thought out plan. What followed was a week of media coverage on gun control, the NRA, police readiness to assess danger and mental illness. But now the airwaves are quiet–it’s a fading memory. And that’s despite the passionate plea for ‘not one more’ from the father of one … Continue reading
Wrapping Your Head Around Moving
Our priorities and needs are changing as we prepare to move. Downsizing once again, we face the challenge of fitting our treasures into a smaller space. And keeping it simple seems to be the way to go. I still love to turn the pages as I read, yet there’s a growing list of books on my e-reader. And I know that the piles of articles I always intended to reference are now easily accessible on the Internet. As we sift through and make choices–which cherished objects to keep and those to let … Continue reading
Posted in adult children, stress, well-being, your self
Tagged brain, children, downsizing, family history, heirlooms, journaling, keepsakes, memories, moving, neural pathways, teens, traditions, values
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