Cheryl Richardson's Blog, page 41

To the women who came before me

In celebration of Mother’s Day here in the states, I’m sharing an excerpt from Waking Up in Winter about my mom.  This was a journal entry I wrote after enjoying an overnight visit with her and her best friend, Theresa.

Mother’s Day is always a tricky holiday.  While in this lifetime I made the decision to forgo having children, the grief still visits on days like today.  As I imagine it does for so many women.

As I reread the following excerpt, I’m filled with gratitude for the women who cam...

How I got out of jail.

This morning I woke from a dream and knew I had to write it down.  I was driving somewhere in the country through a beautiful pastoral setting filled with green fields, sheep grazing in the distance, and birds sailing overhead.

As I stared out the window at the peaceful scene, I suddenly heard a voice telling me how to drive.  Keep your eyes on the road, it said to me, watch where you’re going.  Now slow down.  You’re driving too fast.

I looked around to see where the voice was coming from an...

When the vow breaks.

A few years ago, Michael and I went to a beautiful, seaside wedding off the coast of Maine.  Our friends had chosen the most spectacular setting on a bay overlooking islands, ferry boats, and late night fireworks.

During the ceremony, as Michael and I listened to the vows the bride and groom had written for each other, I was transported back in time to our own outdoor wedding many years earlier.

I smiled to myself as I recalled the day.

Hearts filled with good intentions…
The birth of a new f...

Stop complaining and do this instead

There are some days when I feel like a fraud.  I catch myself teaching one thing and practicing another.  I forget what I know to be true, get scared or knocked off track, and fall into old habits that don’t work.

We all do.  That’s life.

The trick is to catch yourself when it’s happening and get back on track.

Here’s an example of what I mean.

For the last three months, I’ve been complaining about not seeing deer in our backyard.  Now, if you’ve been with me for a while, you know I’m crazy a...

Some good news for a change

Last week I had lunch with the executive director of The Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, Maine.  I wrote about meeting my first turkey vulture at this wonderful animal rehab organization back in October of 2017 (you can read the blog here).

Here’s a little reminder about the center:

Despite their humble surroundings – a 1200 square foot ranch house with several outdoor enclosures – the Center for Wildlife is a pretty amazing place. They field 15,000 hotline calls a year from worried folk...

Signs of spring and life beyond loss

This morning I received my first, official notice that spring is right around the corner.  I looked out the living room window and found a woodchuck nibbling away on the grass in our front lawn.

It was a bittersweet moment. While signs of nature waking up from winter usually make me happy, this year they also make me a little sad.  In the past, when I’d find an animal in the yard, I’d yell, Look, look, and Poupon would come running to my side to see what the fuss was about.

As we make our wa...

How not to become an Internet Bully

Last week I held a Facebook Live session called, “How not to become an Internet Bully.”  It was the result of a conversation I had with members of a book group who were talking about the angry, judgmental comments they see on social media – many inspired by current events.

During the Facebook session, I talk about how to elegantly and effectively use your voice by learning to manage your reactions to others.

Any time I see a comment from someone who feels compelled to school me on a topic the...

What happens when we keep our mouths shut

Yesterday was a landmark day here in the United States.  We actually appeared united.

Hundreds of thousands of people marched to end gun violence, inspired by the survivors-turned-activists of the Parkland, Florida massacre.

As I watched the footage from around the country, I was so impressed by the slogans and speeches.  As someone who teaches writing and public speaking, I have to say this generation seems way ahead of the game when it comes to delivering a passionate message.

While childre...

Daily self-care habits that really will change your life

Last year around this time I published a blog called:

“20 Ridiculously Simple Ways to Live Longer and Better”

The list was inspired by a reader who asked about my self-care habits.

While back then I focused on the things I did now and then, today I’m making a list of the daily habits that allow me to live an emotionally and physically healthy life.

Here’s what I do pretty much every day.  When I don’t, I never beat myself up, though. That would be bad self-care .

Upon waking, I spend five mi...

Remembering the good old days

We stood in the middle of our driveway staring up at the night sky.  The air was cold, but not distractingly so, and the wind had settled down to a soft, easy breeze.

There was very little ambient light and the inky black sky above us seemed overcrowded with stars.  The second Nor’easter in a week had left 99% of our small town without power.

“I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen so many stars,” Michael said aloud as we stood gazing at the celestial show.  “I guess that’s one of the benef...