Compassion Fatigue — I have always been a sensitive, empathetic person. Even as a child, I was acutely attuned to the emotions of the people around me. I am also an introvert; I need a lot of quiet, alone time. I care about people, and I have spent my adult life pushing myself…

Trusting your gut — It is 2009. I am newly separated, and still reeling from my husband’s betrayal. I am feeling the relief of being alone, but also the vulnerability of being alone. I am doing my best to cope, with the help of a great psychiatrist and the love of a new puppy. …

Beginner’s Mind — "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them.” Albert Einstein I teach Mindfulness to adults. My niece teaches Mindfulness to children. Our experiences are extremely different. While the children love the practices and ask for more, the adults are quick to quit when asked…

But some of us do it anyway — There are all sorts of awards connected to being voted MVP in professional sports — fame, promotional contracts, GOAT status, being remembered in history. But there is no outward reward that goes along with being an MVP in life, for being someone who makes contributions to the world by doing…

This old dog learns new tricks — I was born in 1959; I am not a child of the digital age. I had to force myself to learn how to use a computer when I returned to college in my 40’s. …

Conversations with a teenager — One of my nephews came to stay with me for a week. He was 15 at the time, and we had lived far apart for most of his life. I looked forward to some one-on-one time. I remembered him as a curious 2-year-old. He had the most insightful questions as…

Why are you running for office? — Dear Candidate: Why do you want to hold office? I have listened to you speak, I have read your campaign literature. I know what you say you stand for. I want to know what your plans are once you get elected. …

When you live in a small apartment or hotel room — Amanda Laughtland recently asked for suggestions on how to cope with rising food prices, and she is already getting some good responses. Your Creative Responses to Rising Food Prices (So Far!) More ideas are always welcome at The DIY Diariesmedium.com Many of us are lucky enough to have our own home, condo, or apartment. But the people who are struggling with high rents, or who share living quarters…

The adult, pandemic, going broke version — Summer is my favorite season. I love the flowers, the vegetables, the warmth of the sun. I love being able to just put on a tank top, shorts, and flip flops to go outside, rather than layering on a sweater, coat, scarf, hat, mittens, socks, and boots. My husband tells…