Vicki Atkinson's Blog, page 8

Live Every Minute!

Sounds bossy, I know.

Live Every Minute!

But stick with me.

I’m mulling the enchantment of books…words and creations…illustrations that transport us; nudge us about what matters most.

Kindness. Consideration. Love.

I won’t pretend to understand how the Universe works, but I am delighted when coincidences appear. I’m delighted when I meet talented people and have the opportunity to connect them.

I had that experience recently – a coincidental (or not?) surge when I le...

Her Cookie Jar Was Never Empty

A dear friend lost her mom last week and I’m heartbroken for her, as you might imagine. After a long illness, her mother’s passing wasn’t entirely unexpected, but I’ve learned. It doesn’t matter. Loss is loss.

As I read her mother’s obituary, I smiled. An endearing goodbye invites friends and family to grieve while commemorating the loved one with well-chosen anecdotes. Glimpses and glimmers of a life well-lived. These words stood out:

“Her cookie jar was never empty…”

I was extra m...

Trusting Ourselves

Do you know this quote from Nietzche?

It’s one of my favorites and I know why. I love the plain-spoken wisdom reminding me the world isn’t out to get me. More often than not, it’s me vs. me. Here’s what I’m thinking:

Thought #1: Sometimes I need to step out of the ring. Take a nap. Have a snack. Not necessarily in that order. The reverse works quite well. Better, even. Snack…then nap.

Thought #2: I’ve learned I can fall – far too easily – into a loathsome habit of clinging to ma...

Keep Going!

Every time I provide an update on my “big project” and the editing in progress, I feel like I’m punching a writer’s time clock. Marking time, paying dues. Chronically the adventure? Or the pain?

I’m pleased to say I’m in flow and a couple of new ideas have surfaced in this…oh, I dunno…ninety-ninth re-read. The reveals in red-line edits are fascinating and the self-talk that goes on while I work is amusing. I should put a camera myself to capture the emotions. (No, no, never. No.) How abou...

Loving Lisa & Supporting Her Team

I adore my intellectually disabled sister, Lisa, and many long-time readers know how grateful I am for the caring team which surrounds Lisa in her CILA (community integrated living arrangement). Her loving group home, staffed by dear ones who’ve become extensions of our family over the years. Staff members who work for the Clearbrook organization in suburban Chicago.

Lisa celebrated a milestone a few months back. Her twelfth anniversary of living and working…growing and healing…thanks the...

A Poetry “Take Two”

Heads up! You might remember this post from nearly two years ago, but I couldn’t resist sharing again…especially after the delightful encounters recently, podcast style, with inspiring poets, Lauren Scott and Cindy Georgakas.

Thank you again for making time for Wynne and I to chat with you. You’ve reminded me of my modest poetry roots, reflected in one of my favorite posts EVER about a client…two beloved teachers…and the power of taking creative risks…

It’s In the Cards

I h...

When to Detach…When to Lean In

You might think this is going to be a post about relationships, but it’s not.

Well, at least not in the conventional sense – meaning one’s relationships with others. I’m thinking about numero uno. Our relationships with ourselves. I don’t know about you, but I need a healthy nudge every now and then. A kick in the pants to consider how I’m treating myself. With kindness? Disregard? Pushing too hard? Not enough? Holding myself to standards higher than what I expect from others? Yes to all...

Love, Most of All…

“The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.” — Alexandra Elle

Journey wisely. I like that advice. Perhaps it’s the byproduct of the past week and the culminating factors of the time change, resulting in less light – literally – and a whittling away of hopefulness. Shadowy feelings of disappointment invaded the hearts of many – myself included – in recent days.

But I am resilient. My values are etched and har...

Extra Scoop of Grace

I’ve taken my own advice over the past day or so, limiting my overall media consumption from a self-care standpoint.

My professional life has taken the forefront as I’ve offered care and resources to colleagues, clients, former students, friends and family members regarding the outcome of the Presidential election here in the U.S.

If I haven’t commented on the heartfelt posts I’ve seen or if I’ve missed a call or an email, please don’t be offended. I’ve been tending to dear ones in m...

Dinner at Breakfast

I’ve been busy pulling together some of my favorite self-care strategies – the tactics and habits that helped me navigate my difficult family life and I thought I’d pause to talk about one of those themes.

Readers of “Surviving Sue” have often asked if I might pull the curtain back, just a smidge, to reveal the manner in which I maintained the strength and resolve to literally survive life with my mom, Sue.

I’ve kept track of the specific questions, and they might find their way into a...