Choose a new view. Speaking to wives who want to save their failing marriages, Laura Doyle, author of The Empowered Wife, points out that our perspective will change “depending on what we focus on. If we focus on the lack, that’s what we create. If we focus on gratitude, we get more of what…

As Barney Stinson would say, “Challenge accepted.” Lori Dooner tagged me recently, challenging me to list five phrases I love and five phrases I love to hate. As a professional editor and proofreader, I see spelling and grammatical errors everywhere I go, especially in cyberspace. This gift (curse?) of observation comes with the job — reading and…

What made him so damn cheerful? I still remember how annoyed I was. The guy was so blissful, so composed, so relaxed. He was sharing his confoundedly joyful thoughts in a very calm, soothing voice at my weekly 12-Step meeting — and all his good vibes got me riled up. I think he may have been…

Praying with the Power of God’s Name. The awesome female presence of God became an absolute lifesaver for me — many years ago, after a medical exam. I hadn’t been to see a doctor since our daughter was born, 11 years earlier. As a Christian Scientist, I turn to God as a first resort. Since I’d met…

Time is an illusion. Time isn’t absolute; time is a continuum, a fourth dimension, after the three dimensions of height, width, and depth. “The distinction between past, present, and future is an illusion, although a persistent one,” Einstein said. What does this tell us about the possibilities for healing? A “chronic problem” is one…

The what-ifs. I felt a weird tingling on one side of my lip — pins and needles. Then in my fingers on that same side. I didn’t think too much of it, until it didn’t go away. That’s when the what-ifs began. What if I’m having a panic attack? What if I’m…

The Chicken Whisperer. You can’t tell from this picture, but this girl is wearing a T-shirt that says Chicken Whisperer. A year ago when she had just moved to town, its annual Rooster Crow Festival was in full swing. She was so thrilled by the idea, she declared, “I want to do that.”…

The Virgin Mary appears to three children in Portugal. On May 13th, 1917, three children were tending sheep in Cova da Iria, Fátima, Portugal, when a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared. Surrounded by an intensely glowing light and dressed all in white, she told them it was important to pray daily. …

The Furry Dance, Helston, Cornwall — Gary Dawes What’s furry about it? Cornwall, the picturesque southwestern tip of England, is one of the most attractive regions of the United Kingdom, dotted with lots of charming harbor villages and scenic seaside resorts. …