by Bruce McIntyre | Mar 13, 2015 | Resilience
On April 19, 1995, I was on the phone with a college bookstore in California when our office building shook and some of the windows blew out. I was working in downtown Oklahoma City. During those first days and weeks, we learned of staggering loss. Everyone was...
by Bruce McIntyre | Mar 5, 2015 | Resilience
Once I heard someone remark, “I was in a bad mood one time…for a few years!” Yikes! This was a couple of decades ago, so I found it difficult to fathom at that point in life. Now however, I think I could understand. We all hit bad moods and...
by Bruce McIntyre | Feb 24, 2015 | Serendipity
A mere forecast of snow is enough to elicit… squeals from children… restful longing from adults… visions of no school, no work, needed rest. Snowfall captures and feeds our inner sense of beauty and serenity… with large, soft...
by Bruce McIntyre | Feb 20, 2015 | Spiritual Stuff
What do people talk about at the end? A hospice chaplain describes what she has learned: They talk about the love they felt, and the love they gave. Often they talk about love they did not receive, or the love they did not know how to offer, the love they withheld, or...
by Bruce McIntyre | Feb 13, 2015 | Serendipity
Recently, I heard this interesting perspective on our postures toward love: The young are excited and enamored with the possibilities of love. The middle-aged tend to often be disillusioned. And the old are appreciative for love. While these descriptions may be...
by Bruce McIntyre | Feb 5, 2015 | Caregiving
I promise…to never, to always, no matter what. Promises are good. Promise-keeping is even better. But, when we set up the promise unrealistically, we sometimes get into trouble on delivery. Making a promise involves risk. Since we can’t see or sometimes...
by Bruce McIntyre | Jan 27, 2015 | Spiritual Stuff
I love this suggestion and language from Gail Sheehy: “Reconnect with your transports to joy.” Beautiful. But, how do you do it and what does this mean? What transports you to joy? What fills your cup? Long walks, music, art, reading, cooking, or creating help many...
by Bruce McIntyre | Jan 22, 2015 | Resilience
Do you ever feel like you’re a stress magnet? Tension, pressure, and anxiety seem to be common and recurring experiences for most of us. While you cannot avoid all sources of stress, you can intentionally employ healthy responses to address and defuse your...
by Bruce McIntyre | Jan 16, 2015 | Serendipity
Gently, the sun warmed my face. The tall pines reflected perfectly in the still water. The wind sang through acres of trees. No brooding, just good breathing. Perched on top of an old stone spring house by the side of Lost Lake, I sat and allowed my soul to catch a...
by Bruce McIntyre | Jan 12, 2015 | Spiritual Stuff
As I waited for the group to begin, I watched and listened. People laughed and poked fun at each other. They inquired about each other’s well being, and sent well wishes back and forth. Obviously, they enjoyed each other’s company and needed it. So, it got...
