I definitely overindulged during this past holiday season. I actually thought I was doing ok and being mindful but the scale says otherwise. Now the long slog of working off that unwanted weight starts. Walking is going to be a big part of my effort. My dog is going to be very happy! Walking is a simple yet highly effective form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits.

Stress rarely announces its arrival. More often, it accumulates quietly in the background of daily life, woven into routines, responsibilities, and expectations. Small pressures—tight deadlines, unresolved conversations, financial worries, or constant digital noise—seem manageable on their own. Because each stressor feels minor, we dismiss it and move on. Over time, however, these moments stack upon one another, forming an invisible weight we carry without realizing how heavy it has become.

The start of a new year often comes with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. We set goals, make plans, and imagine progress, yet we know setbacks are inevitable. A Stoic mindset offers a grounded way to navigate this emotional rollercoaster by reminding us that while we can’t control everything that happens, we can control how we respond. This simple but powerful idea creates stability in a year that will almost certainly bring both highs and lows.

After a much longer writing journey than I'd care to admit, I finally finished the next book in The Fairies of Oylara series. There were many starts and stops along the way and several side projects that took my attention, but the first of what I hope are several follow-on books to the original Fairies of Oylara children's books is available.

Winter brings colder temperatures and closer indoor contact, both of which make it easier for illnesses to spread. One of the most effective ways to stay healthy during this season is to practice consistent hygiene. Washing hands regularly with soap and water helps remove germs that cause colds and flu, especially after being in public places. When handwashing isn’t possible, using hand sanitizer can provide an added layer of protection.

Continuing some form of education as an adult is one of the most powerful investments a person can make in themselves. Learning does not end when formal schooling is over. In fact, adulthood often provides clearer purpose and motivation for education. Whether it’s earning a degree, learning a trade, taking online courses, or simply developing new skills, ongoing education keeps the mind engaged and adaptable in a world that is constantly changing.

Keeping our cool around difficult people is one of those life skills that rarely gets taught, yet constantly gets tested. Whether it’s a coworker, a family member, or someone we simply can’t avoid, repeated interactions with people we don’t particularly like can slowly wear down our patience. The challenge isn’t just dealing with them once, but maintaining composure over time without letting frustration seep into our mood, work, or sense of self.

Hi there! I’m excited to share a consolidated list of The Fairies of Oylara I’ve written along with their descriptions. Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect bedtime story or a fan of unique and adventurous tales, this post has everything you need to know. It’s been such a fun and creative journey crafting these stories, and I’m thrilled to share them with you all.

The start of a new year carries a rare kind of energy. It is a moment when the past loosens its grip and possibility feels wide open. It’s a natural reset point, inviting us to take stock of where we’ve been and, more importantly, where we want to go. Fear often whispers that we should play it safe, stay predictable, and avoid risk.

After a much longer writing journey than I'd care to admit, I pushed hard these last couple of weeks to get my new book published to start the New Year. There were many starts and stops along the way and several side projects that took my attention, but the first of what I hope are several follow-on books to the original Fairies of Oylara children's books is available.

Starting a new year with a clean slate is one of the rare moments when time itself feels generous. The calendar turns, and with it comes a natural pause—a chance to reflect, reset, and recommit. Regardless of how the previous year unfolded, the new year offers an opportunity to begin again without carrying every misstep forward. This mental reset can be incredibly powerful, allowing us to loosen our grip on regret and instead focus on possibility.

The WordPress blog community has been an invaluable part of my journey this year, and I’m deeply thankful for the support, inspiration, and connection it has provided. Blogging can feel overwhelming at times, but the encouragement from fellow writers, readers, and creators made the process not only manageable but enjoyable. Their willingness to share advice, offer feedback, and celebrate one another’s progress helped me stay motivated.

As one year winds down and another approaches, it’s natural to start reflecting on where we’ve been and where we want to go. Preparing ourselves to be better in the new year doesn’t require dramatic reinvention, but rather it begins with thoughtful reflection. Taking time to honestly assess the past year—what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned—creates clarity. Reflection allows us to carry forward hard-earned lessons rather than repeating the same patterns out of habit or convenience.

With the start of a new year approaching it is time to think about personal goals. Having goals is essential because they provide direction in life. Without clear objectives, people often drift aimlessly, responding to circumstances rather than shaping their own paths. Goals act as signposts, guiding daily decisions and long-term strategies. Whether it’s finishing a college degree, building a career, or improving physical health, goals clarify where we want to go, making it easier to plan how to get there.

Gratitude and grace are often spoken about in the same breath, yet they serve very different purposes in our daily lives. Gratitude is an inward-facing practice that acknowledges what we have received—kindness, opportunity, support, or even lessons learned through hardship. It centers on appreciation and recognition, helping us notice the good that exists in and around us. Grace, on the other hand, is outward-facing.

Walking is a simple yet highly effective form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits. It’s accessible to most people, requiring no special equipment or training, making it a sustainable option for maintaining physical fitness. Walking promotes cardiovascular health by improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Regular walking can also help manage weight by burning calories and boosting metabolism.

The holiday break offers a rare pause from routine, giving people the freedom to enjoy entertainment without the usual time pressures. For many, this period becomes a chance to reconnect with simple pleasures and familiar comforts. The most popular forms of entertainment during a holiday break often reflect a desire to relax, escape, and spend meaningful time either alone or with loved ones.

This year marked a quiet but historic turning point in the global energy story as clean energy sources officially surpassed coal as the world’s leading source of electricity. For more than a century, coal has been the backbone of industrial power, fueling economic growth but also driving pollution and climate change. Seeing renewables finally overtake coal is not just a symbolic milestone as it represents a fundamental shift in how the world generates power and thinks about its energy future.

For years, Lake Mead has been a symbol of the American Southwest’s water crisis. Persistent drought, increasing demand, and long-standing overallocation of the Colorado River have steadily pushed the reservoir toward historic lows. Heading into 2025, most forecasts predicted more of the same which it declining water levels and deeper shortages for the states that depend on it. Against that backdrop, even a small upward movement in the lake seemed unlikely.

Stress rarely announces its arrival. More often, it accumulates quietly in the background of daily life, woven into routines, responsibilities, and expectations. Small pressures—tight deadlines, unresolved conversations, financial worries, or constant digital noise—seem manageable on their own. Because each stressor feels minor, we dismiss it and move on. Over time, however, these moments stack upon one another, forming an invisible weight we carry without realizing how heavy it has become.

After an exhausting and stressful work week, unwinding productively begins with giving yourself permission to slow down without guilt. Many people carry the momentum of work straight into the weekend, filling every moment with tasks and obligations. Instead, intentionally creating a pause—whether that’s sleeping in, taking a quiet morning walk, or simply enjoying an unhurried cup of coffee—signals to your mind and body that recovery matters.

In a world where headlines refresh by the minute, it is easy to feel worn down by a constant stream of troubling news. One of the most important ways to preserve perspective is to recognize that news is not a neutral snapshot of reality. Media outlets are designed to highlight what is unusual, urgent, or alarming, not what is steady or improving.

The holiday season often brings a mix of joy, obligations, and heightened expectations, which can make it difficult to stay present. One of the most effective ways to remain mindful during this time is to intentionally slow down. This may mean pausing before responding to stress, taking a few deep breaths between activities, or giving yourself permission to do less. By resisting the urge to rush through every moment, you create space to actually experience the season rather than simply survive it.

In times of turmoil and stress, maintaining a level and cool head can make all the difference between navigating through the storm or being overwhelmed by it. One key approach is practicing mindfulness, which encourages us to be present in the moment without judgment. When our minds are racing, we often focus on the worst-case scenarios, spiraling into anxiety and fear.

Winter brings colder temperatures and closer indoor contact, both of which make it easier for illnesses to spread. One of the most effective ways to stay healthy during this season is to practice consistent hygiene. Washing hands regularly with soap and water helps remove germs that cause colds and flu, especially after being in public places. When handwashing isn’t possible, using hand sanitizer can provide an added layer of protection.