Giving Thanks in Divided Times by Amy McNeil

Do you know the true story of the first Thanksgiving? Most people think of Thanksgiving as a “feel good” holiday, but its history is mired in division and challenge. The very existence and endurance of this long standing tradition is proof positive that people can come together even in divided times.

As the story goes, a day of Thanksgiving was set aside in 1621, about a year after the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts. After a successful harvest, the Pilgrims pledged thanks for a safe voyage and survival in a strange, new land. While they had experienced great loss, the Pilgrims had regained strength and learned to provide for themselves. The Wampanoag Indians joined the Pilgrims in their festival of celebration and gratitude. The time was filled with feasts, prayers, dances, shooting matches, wrestling, and other games. (more…)

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Highly Sensitive People: Are You Living Your Desired Life?

The years fly by very fast. Or at least it seems so…as our lives are filled to the brim with activities. After family responsibilities, work obligations, and household chores, most of us have little downtime. Amidst our harried lives, we rarely take a moment to step back and think about the “big picture.”

To get out of that mindset, here are some questions you may want to consider. Are you operating on autopilot? Do you have purpose and meaning in your life? What do you feel you were put on this planet to accomplish? If you had just a few more years to live, what would bubble up to the top of your priority list? (more…)

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Read more about the article Highly Sensitive People: Would You Like Some Life Observations From A Very Wise Person?
Photo by Dan Dealmeida

Highly Sensitive People: Would You Like Some Life Observations From A Very Wise Person?

As a highly sensitive person/introvert who has social anxiety, I always appreciate things that get me thinking. Below are some life observations from Steve Allen, an American television personality, musician, composer, actor, comedian, and writer. I thought about each observation, and added a brief commentary (in italics).

  • Many people are unaware that they suffer from a natural combination of ignorance and stupidity. Unfortunately there is some validity to this. We don’t know what we don’t know!
  • If you don’t know something, admit it!
    How many times have you tried to fake it and embarrassed yourself? I know that I have. It’s not a sin to admit that you don’t know something. (more…)

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Highly Sensitive People: Do You Experience Life Fully?

I was very distressed to find out that actress Valerie Harper passed away recently. In 2013 was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and had three months to live. How would you feel if you received this devastating news? I’d be paralyzed with fear and wouldn’t be able to function. I hope that you and I never have to experience this, but I can definitely learn from Valerie Harper’s experience. (more…)

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