Being the Light in Dark Times

The troubles of the world can be overwhelming, but there are small steps we can take as individuals to help ease the burdens of those in our immediate circles.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiMay 25, 2022light, dark times, Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love, agent of illumination, healing, troubles, overwhelm, smiles, momentary joy, creativity, stress, darkness, brighten Comments

More Than Meets the Eye

First impressions are often wrong. Our lives can be enriched if we take the time to listen to the stories of the people we encounter, especially those who seem at first glance to be very different from us.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiMay 11, 2022traveling, impression, perspective, listening, stories, memories, first impressions, multifaceted, personalities, interests, talents, surprises, judgments, relationships, interactions Comments

In Reality, Kindness and Cooperation Abound

The viewpoint that humankind is essentially self-serving is not supported by science. Rather, our negativity bias causes us to focus on dramatic headlines that highlight appalling behavior. We can offset this by looking for examples of goodness around us.

It's Time to Get Creative!

So often when we envision ourselves doing something artistic, after our initial excitement, we start to worry that it won’t be good enough. When we express our light within, we get to experience the sheer joy that comes from creating, and we inspire others to explore their own talents.

How to Handle Regret

Life doesn’t give us the chance to go back and redo what’s already been done. We can ease our feelings of regret by having self-compassion for our mistakes and apologizing to those we’ve harmed, freeing up emotional energy for our relationships going forward.

The Journey Within

It can be scary to look inside ourselves. If you make a plan, enlist a companion, and prepare for the unexpected, it can lead to increased energy and greater self-awareness.

Perspective for Unsettling Times

Tragedies in other parts of the world can make us feel helpless. To keep ourselves from becoming overwhelmed, we can pray for the victims, hold them close to our hearts, and contribute to charities on their behalf.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiMarch 2, 2022perspective, Ukraine, tragedy, peace, conflict, Glennon Doyle, Together Rising, Elizabeth Gilbert, empathy, compassion, Katrina Kenison, self-careComment

When in Doubt, Extend Grace

When we believe someone has wronged us, we often make judgments without having all the facts. Giving them the benefit of the doubt can positively affect both our relationship with them and our worldview.

Beginning a Mindfulness Practice

When we’re stressed out or overwhelmed, practicing mindfulness meditation can help us recalibrate and rebalance ourselves so we’re better prepared to handle life’s challenges.

Posts by ElaineElaine KlonickiFebruary 2, 2022Thích Nhất Hạnh, breathing, present moment, mindfulness, awareness, meditation, stress, stress-reduction, anxiety, health, neuroplasticity, attention, intention, attitude, habits Comments

Living an Authentic Life

To live authentically, we need to pause at times to reevaluate our needs and get clear about our purpose. Discovering who we are is an ongoing process.