Insight-Out Solutions

Time to Say Goodbye

I began writing this blog in 2020 as a way to encourage and inspire as we slogged through the mud of the pandemic. I enjoyed it so much that I continued over these 5 years this month.

Now I feel it is time to move on to other writing projects – I have a book in process and several ideas for children’s books on the drawing board as well. Additionally, I am moving to the home my new husband and I purchased and will be getting settled once again. It’s exciting for both of us and a bit taxing as well.

I have covered many topics from gratitude (the first series) to joy and celebrated holidays and people throughout the time I was writing. I am thankful for each person who read the blog and commented either to me or on the webpage – and I felt close to each of you across time and distance.

We are in a period of great upheaval and its time to (as a friend of mine shared) – Choose Joy. We can’t wait for better days to be joyful – we are present now and we belong now and we must cherish each other and our time -yes now.

So, I bid you fond farewell on that note – be joyful – not matter what is in front of you or behind you….it will be the first day of Spring when you read this – celebrate that the season’s return no matter what we do. Better days will return as well and we will be better prepared to appreciate them if we practice joy now.

My love goes out to all of you with the light that never goes out.
Many thanks,

https://youtu.be/FYlZcFuAXmI

Things are not as they seem

Many years ago, I participated in the experience of a Fire Walk. It was hosted by the then unknown, Tony Robbins and I was living and working in Los Angeles. It was an evening to remember and yes, I did the walk – not even a pink foot, and I was wearing a cashmere dress that could feel the heat.

The purpose was to give people the sense that anything is possible, but what I took away was that things are not always what they seem. What they seem on the surface. There is no doubt that fire burns- and I lived a long time in the great State of California, so I know what that means. At the same time, I absolutely know that things don’t always burn- even though it seems like they should.
There is a state of awareness or consciousness that allows you to transcend the ordinary in favor of the extraordinary. In India, a fire walk, sleeping on a bed of nails and levitating is rather commonplace. Here it is considered miraculous and impossible.
When we look with only the 5 senses we can be misled or at the least miss something important. Because at different levels of understanding, things look different, and possibilities begin to emerge that were never thought of before.

Watching the events of the past couple of weeks could lead one to fear, disappointment and even despair…but looking beyond could allow us to see more of what is trying to be born and bring new solutions and hope.

In order to be able to experience that, we have to give up thinking we know what is going on – that we have the whole picture when we only have a small slice.

When I allow the inner eye of wisdom and possibility to have dominion over my opinion or surface view- I begin to see there is something bubbling underneath and that contains something new and fresh and exciting.

Frequently asking questions can help the transcendence muscle to be stretched. Rilke said love the questions – so here are a couple to consider….

What is trying to emerge like a lotus coming through the mud to see the light of day?

How can I bring light and optimism where there appears to be loss and dissolution?

What is another way to see what I am looking at?

You probably have better questions than I do – so I encourage you to drop the worry – look beyond and see the world and the future that is waiting for each of us to bring it on.

Keep the faith!

Creative juices

I awoke this morning with creative ideas on my mind. I saw a series of children’s books inspired by my dear new husband; entitled the Uncle Syd series. Uncle Syd and Mr. Wiggles (our beagle), Uncle Syd and the Bluejackets (our NHL hockey team) – you get the drift.

Where do inspired ideas come from and how do we best capture them? This has been written about by artists, wordsmiths and musicians to name a few.

First and foremost, they arrive on a train of excitement and lightheartedness. No effort to come up with something – no brainstorming or elaborate techniques.

Next, they come with a feeling of love – ie you would love doing them – love sharing them and love allowing them to come into fruition. No outcome drive – or income drive – just joy.

They include an organic pathway…in my case, I already have a publisher and access to an illustrator which is key for children’s books.

Perhaps most important to the process is the deep knowing that ideas and their completion come through us not from us. I use my clever and creative skills, but I didn’t invent them or place them in my own path. They were provided by the universal intelligence that informs all of life with creative juice.

We are on the cusp of Spring – nothing we did or do will make Spring happen – we just enjoy and allow. Allow may be the most challenging part…no force – just stepping out of the way.

Capturing ideas always includes writing or typing them down so that you don’t have to rely on memory. Sharing them only with supporters is best – especially if you are sensitive to the opinions of others. While they are incubating it is wise to keep one’s own counsel.

Exercise faith that if you had the idea – it has a purpose and is needed by some part of life. In other words, it isn’t just about you – it is serving something that Life is calling for.

Back in the Hallmark days I saw the creative juices flow on many occasions. When I would teach how things come through us not from us, the artists all resonated with that thought. They knew it wasn’t just about them – but about expression in its many forms.

This week – feel into your own creativity – it can show up in any situation or on any subject – and it is all for the highest good and we all need that right now!

Now just do it as they used to say at Nike and enjoy each step.

https://youtu.be/dI1keSSwdcI

YOU NEVER KNOW

Sometimes for fun, I imagine all the topics I might someday write a book about. This week it was actually a column idea where people write in about their experiences of change, transformation or enlightenment that the catalyst never knew they sponsored.

This originated in a conversation with a good friend who had recently received a thank you letter from a former client. They hadn’t been in touch for a while however, he had been faithfully reading her newsletter for years. He wanted her to know how much it meant to him and the changes he experienced from reading and applying her wisdom to his life.

This is what I mean – there are moments where we make a difference in someone’s life that we have no idea we just provoked. Years ago, I remember reading about a woman who had written a short book about Meditation and it had landed somehow in the hands of another woman who was in a prison in a foreign country. When she was released, she gave credit to much or her strength coming from having read that book – and the author somehow learned of that effect. She never knew and thought her book hadn’t really mattered.

I have also had many such experiences, having taught workshops for many years and hadn’t really known their impact. I still get emails from time-to-time sharing gratitude for words I don’t even remember saying.

It’s important to follow our intuitive leads to do something or say something or write something that we may think isn’t worth a hill of beans but may actually make a difference in someone’s life.

We have all had teachers, and community leaders – authors and public speakers who have spoken or written words that inspired us and changed us in ways we never say coming.

This has happened many times in my own life -sometimes famous people, sometimes movies or other art forms that have shifted my thinking – and my behavior in lasting ways.

I once dated a man who I celebrated Friday night suppers within the Jewish tradition of Shabbos. His parents were observant and after the prayers over wine and bread, his mother would say “Gott bless Oscar Shindler”. When I would ask who that was – it was sort of a non-answer…someone from the war.

You know the end of this story – when I saw the movie so powerfully made by Steven Spielberg, I realized that her life had been saved by Oscar Schindler and it had been indelibly imprinted on my memory and my heart.

Pay attention to the signs to do something that may seem odd or pay attention to something you hear or see from another. Notice how it changes you and pause for a moment in gratitude.

You Never know where you may now be headed as a result.

Here’s to Abby

Continuing our theme of laughter is the best medicine and why not have joy amidst the mess….movies are one of the great ways to increase your laughter and your joy. We have all had favorites over the years where there is a line or two that stands out and we never forget it…

One such maestro of laughter is Mel Brooks – after all, the gorgeous Ann Bancroft said she married him because he made her laugh.

There were a series of movies in the 80’s that Mel Brooks gave us a lasting legacy of laughter. One such is Young Dr. Frankenstein starring the ever-funny Gene Wilder. There are some famous lines from that one…remember when they are at the door of the dark mansion with a giant door knocker…you remember it ..oh what knockers…

For a therapist the brain sequence is a sure giggle…Marty Feldman going to get a brain for the monster and the miracle operation. If you weren’t just laughing at the look of Marty Feldman and his moving hump – you had to gasp at the brain he took from the repository back to young Dr. Frankenstein…pronounced Fraakensteen…watch the movie for the correct pronunciation.

It was campy and I have repeated many of those lines over the years to lighten my own mood and whoever was nearby. These are not such funny times although there are some very funny people showing up and some that definitely leave us with a question of what is normal.

I still maintain one way to sustain your own well-being in these crazy moments is to keep smiling, watch some funny movies and above all else – don’t lost your sense of humor.

Here’s to Abby…enjoy and give a moment of thanks to all the cast of that classic. We miss you Gene!.

https://youtu.be/C9Pw0xX4DXI

Real Magic

I am reading a book by the same name; authored by Dean Radon who is a director of science at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. He is putting some metaphysical concepts of ancient wisdom to the test of science. He is finding that magic – once taken from the world of occult – to the world of testing and proof, is being found to be both real and applicable.
For instance, the idea that thoughts become things made more popular through the daily inspiration of Mike Dooley. Years ago, while studying the work of Dr. Stephen Covey, he similarly taught that when you begin with the end in mind; you create a thought pattern that aids in bringing your vision to life.
The semi-cult movie, The Secret- made the idea of like attracts like to be part of understanding the Law Of Attraction. This law came long before the popular version and goes way beyond creating the Ferrari of your dreams.
Real Magic takes the laws of physics and applies them to how we create our life as we know it, and how to consciously apply its rigor that foes beyond the more superficial aspects of manifestation.
There is an art to focus on the possibilities and to know they are endless- that when we argue for our limitations, we help to bring them into our experience. Part of this art for me, is not overcoming or forcing positive outcomes on top of negative events – where the hidden fears of the worst are lurking. That defeats the purpose and often has people doubting the efficacy of the Law. Its much closer to use our imagination to create and visualize the world we want to inhabit and keeping our attention on that; rather than trying to defeat the things we abhor by putting a happy face on it.
This week’s news has everyone going in circles; and magnifying fear of the worst possible scenarios for many Americans or for people living in America. Knowing we don’t have the power to change what is far about our paygrade; how do we counter the effects of uncertainty amplified in uncertain times?
Here is where Real Magic comes to the party – really knowing ourselves as powerful creators that utilize the tools given to us to dream and then imagine and build. We have to be able to believe before we can see.
For me, the starting point is not to force myself to wish or hope or cross my fingers and toes for a better day. For me, it begins with a knowing that every energetic use of my imagination will produce an outcome – even if that outcome is just a better state of mind in a troubled time.
Join me this week- in supporting what my man, Albert Einstein said…”Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.”
Whatever you can do or dream you can, Begin it – Begin it Now!

Hold The Space

I have been in conversations this week that contained a lot of emotion regarding the direction of the world at large and in specific the direction our country appears to be heading. There is fear, worry, anger -to name a few of the emotions rising in awareness.

Dr. Wayne Dyer spoke some years ago about the importance of focusing on what we do want; rather than what we don’t want. Since energy can neither be created nor destroyed; the energy we use to catastrophize can further that outcome and bring about the very results we are trying to avoid.

So what is there to do in times where the appearance of things seems frightening and we can’t see the forest for the trees. I call it Holding the Space which is to say – focus on what we want. I believe everyone wants peace in their lives and in their hearts- I believe everyone wants to have a safe dwelling place- and wants to contribute to life in the best way possible. I believe everyone wants good relationships and has compassion available when relationships are not so good. And I believe that the things we want for ourselves we also want for others. Ok that is me – but I can hear those desires in the conversations I have been in and the longing is palpable.

So what to do – well hold the space for what you want. Give focus to the longings for peaceful times – see that big blue ball as encompassing the whole world in a loving embrace…and don’t give up – no matter what.

This too shall pass has been an important thought since Eleanor Roosevelt spoke it and we need it more than ever.

So this week please focus on what you want to see – hold the vision and don’t let go.

IT’s The Little Things

So much of life is lived in the large – we keep looking for bigger things to do – to accomplish -to add to our vitae of life. Of late, I have started to notice what really matters to me – and more often than not, I find myself focused on the small gestures of kindness and love that make all the difference.

The little things in our relationships – like a kind word or a warm smile. Or as my wonderful new husband did this morning, he sang to me. Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I ‘m sixty four (or whatever age). It made me laugh and touched my heart all in the same gesture.

Noticing what is happening and applying compassion (the answer to every question) brings about the little things. You don’t have to buy something or go somewhere – maybe its sharing an emoji or a text just to say I am thinking about you.

Maybe its stopping to talk to a clerk in the grocery store and really looking at them – asking about their day or exchanging a check- in on how their day is going.

Maybe it’s baking something or making something just for the heck of it, not because its their birthday but because you care. Can we stop being so busy we forget to pause and share a little thing.
It’s been nearly 20 years since I worked with Hallmark cards. I was privileged to have an administrative person to help me get to and fro and set up classrooms etc. She is a delightful woman that I have kept in touch with, at least through Christmas cards. Last week I got a wedding present from her – out of the blue – a typical Hallmark sentimental one but it meant a lot. It was a little thing from a relationship built long ago – and it again touched my heart. (thank you Sharon)

Love and compassion are expressed in many ways…now that the Christmas sales are over, I see Valentine’s popping up everywhere. One day a year to remember our beloveds…but you and I know we could do it every day through small gestures and timely moments.
Busyness can rob us of so much – pausing can give us time to remember and remark in some tiny and special way – and that tiny moment can lift someone’s spirits and bring them new perspective on whatever they are dealing with.

Try it out this week – do some little things – not random acts but intentional ones and enjoy the song my husband shared with me this morning.

https://youtu.be/wUDRIC5RSX4

Keeping the Faith

As I write, the fires rage in the Los Angeles area. Many of my closest friends are being affected by the pain and the loss of homes and life.

Pacific Palisades is one of the most beautiful spots in the oceanside communities in southern California. It will never be the same – not to mention the extreme losses for other communities as the wind continues to blow and the fire is uncontained.

Having lived in California for many years, I grew used to fire danger and warnings. In the last many years, I have experienced fear and trauma as well as the necessity to evacuate. It is a time of terror and confusion as well as danger for wildlife and pets.

How do we face such loss and continued moments of uncertainty. It sounds almost trite to consider having faith at a time like this and faith in exactly what. I have written so many times of this, it may seem a bit boring as well as tiresome.

The Universe is a friendly place with benevolence as its calling card. It gives and receives according to the laws of physics but within a structure of divine purpose and happiness for all. Even in the worst of times, there is the opportunity to belong to life. To deepen your trust that all things have the seed of greater good within them.

As I watch the reports and keep close tabs on friends, I hold them in the highest and offer prayers of comfort and places of safety. I know for sure, that hope rules and all hands-on deck, will bring about compassion and solutions.

So I keep the faith on their behalf as they struggle with the losses and the changes their lives make which are permanent and daunting.

Without faith we are left to the devices of fear and tragedy – with faith we face each circumstance and each person with Love and Understanding.

Now that I am far away, my gifts must be to keep the faith – to know that goodness is ever present and joy is in each moment.

Join me and join our family in Los Angeles – the family of man, in their hour of need.

With Faith all things are possible.

https://youtu.be/OM6lw40VPLg

Surrender to the New

I was married on December 27,2024 – a wonderful ending to a very busy and challenging year. In sharing all the challenges and the joy, a dear friend suggested to me that I needed to surrender the old life in order to have the new.

We all know that learning from our past is a very good idea…that taking lessons from life illustrates wisdom and intelligence. My mother used to say that if you keep putting your hand in the flame, you will always get burned.

But it isn’t just the mistakes we have to let go of – we have to let go of the wonder and the magnificence in order to not drag it along behind us. Every moment presents us with the opportunity for newness and freshness and joy. If we are comparing or contrasting or even just ruminating, we might be missing something very instrumental to our happiness.

Surrendering doesn’t mean forgetting or cancelling out the blessing – it simply means knowing in a deep way, that those past moments are done. They no longer need to predict or control what is happening now.

Whether you got married in the New Year or are starting a new job, or moving to a new house – it doesn’t matter – whatever is new and let’s face it – its all new…we can begin again but with the freshness of a new perspective and the confidence of our friendly universe.

The gal in the photo isn’t me…but I was smiling that same big smile, (I still am) and I know its time to surrender to my new life.
New to Ohio, new to Grandview Heights, new to the man of my dreams and a new life unfolding in joy and bliss.

Thank you all for your well wishes as we embark and know I am with you in the new year – surrendering to the now.

All you Need is Love

Watching a favorite movie on Christmas Day, Michael starring John Travolta, brought together so many memories and thoughts.

It’s a love story for sure – one in which Michael facilitates William Hurt and Andie McDowell in finding true love. He also brings back the beloved Sparky from the dead, shown in the picture above.
So its love and miracles and Christmas…not to mention humor, dancing and joy. As the holiday moves into the New Year, I am reminded not only of what is important but what is really needed.
At the risk of the constant criticism of being a Pollyanna, I offer this thought that all we need is Love. I don’t mean the shallow kind found in the up coming Valentine’s Day cards…I mean the kind that forgives and forgets – the kind that allows mistakes and affection in the same space – the kind that lasts a lifetime and maybe more.

The next recommendation I will make is on a book – Cherished Belonging by Greg Boyle. It not only touches on the power of Love but points us in that direction for the ills of our culture at the moment. The violence, the racism, the antisemitism, the despair- the loneliness. He points out that loneliness is really a failure to feel like you belong. And what would be the success? More love-more patience-more understanding- more wisdom.

Whether you see it in a movie or hear it in a song, please consider Love as the most important force we can employ. In our families, in our friendships, in our communities and in our world. Consider making it a central focus for 2025 and let it take you to the next level of human beingness.

The music might help so give a listen, and as you are reading this, especially you California friends, I will be standing with the man of my dreams, and saying I certainly do.

Happy New Year,

https://youtu.be/_7xMfIp-irg

The Gifts we Bring

Giving and receiving are part and parcel of this holiday season. It all began for me at a young age, when my mom would bring me shopping at the Kresge Company for gifts for each member of our family. I can recall carefully selecting each and every item, from handkerchiefs for my dad and Evening in Paris perfume for my mom.

Giving has always been a part of my design and as I grew, I understood the importance of my innate gifts as well. To give talents and abilities became as important, if not more important, than a tangible item.

Everyone has something to give. Over the years, many people have said to me that they don’t have much to give, or they don’t see their talents as very special or unique. Everyone has a design that includes their unique gifts-and I sincerely believe everyone has a calling that expresses perfectly who they are and what they are here for.

Christmas giving can be daunting – from crowds to late postal deliveries, we can all become cranky and fussy this time of year. But when I pause and consider the humblest of gifts; a smile, letting someone have that parking space that was so perfect for your car, buying a surprise lunch or coffee or doing some heart felt baking – it all lends itself to the majesty of the season.

Generosity improves immune function, so every gesture is both on the giving end and the receiving end. The cycle of love keeps going around and around, even in troubled times.

The music this week reminds me of a few things. First, we give our finest – whatever that may be – to a greater good – a greater Spirit – to Life itself. Next it reminds me of the power of music to inspire, to awaken and to give joy! Last but hardly least this piece reminds me of my dear friend Laurie – back in California – who is a drummer and a giver. This one is for you my friend!

And to all – Keep on Giving and God Bless Us, Every One!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and all good things.

https://youtu.be/D5zBF-zPXpU