Cheryl Richardson's Blog, page 5

I need to calm down

I woke in the middle of the night with adrenaline coursing through my body, unable to recall the dream that produced my anxious state. I sat up, looked around the room to reset my nervous system, and got up to splash cold water on my face. Shortly after, I fell back to sleep.

After a year of caregiving and loss, stress has taken a toll on my nervous system. Add to that the chaotic state of the world and it’s become a full-time job trying to stay centered and calm. I imagine you feel it, too.

Wh...

Constraint and patience and learning to wait

A cold wind blows here in the Northeast, causing the tree branches to sway under the midday sun. Watching them move back and forth in unison becomes a calming meditation until a bluebird appears on the windowsill rivaling the sky with its cerulean wings. What an unexpected delight!

I’ve grown fond of staring out the window. It’s something I do when I’m mulling over a decision or trying to clear my head of meaningless distractions. I follow the clouds and airplanes as they float across the sky, a...

Exploring Friendship in the Wisdom Years

As the clock struck 3 pm on Wednesday and people joined the “Exploring the Wisdom Years” Zoom gathering, I breathed a sigh of relief at my decision to book a room for 500 instead of 300. We had just enough space, and despite being a large virtual group, it felt like a community of like-minded friends sharing meaningful thoughts about aging well.

This morning, as I cleaned up hairballs, unclogged a toilet, and shoveled heavy, wet snow to make space for birdseed (yup, I live quite a glamorous life...

Let’s do it again…

The final snowflakes from the latest storm finished their descent as I signed off Zoom, feeling inspired by the turnout for Exploring the Wisdom Years. I didn’t expect such a strong response, and the moment I started the meeting, the room filled, leaving others stranded. I felt terrible and was relieved to know I had a recording I could share in this week’s blog.

Until I discovered I didn’t. My webmaster Terry and I thought the other had hit record, and we missed the whole show. Ugh.

This isn’t...

Let’s Zoom on Thursday afternoon!

I woke to what looked like a flash-frozen world after an unexpected snowstorm left trees bathed in white against an opaque sky. This morning, as flakes continue to fall, the absence of wind casts a stillness over the land that makes for a hypnotic delight.

These are the moments of peace and pleasure I tuck away for safekeeping—building blocks of resilience that help me stay hopeful and strong during tumultuous times. I also lean on wise friends. I’m grateful to belong to a group of women who rec...

Meet Wes D’Alelio

He’s a young man with a beautiful voice who’s committed to doing everything he can to achieve his dream of becoming a successful, employed songwriter. Last year, he vowed to write one song a day and post it on Instagram to hone his skills. I started following him and was impressed by his talent. Even more so by his dedication and hard work.

Recently, Wes D’Alelio debuted his first single, “Far From Home.” After listening to it several times, I caught myself humming it throughout the week. It’s a...

A love letter to myself

I’m taking a vacation from work this week, so I thought I’d share a letter I wrote to myself during the pandemic as we embarked on a stressful shutdown. As we enter a new year and a shifting political landscape, feel free to claim it for your own.

Dear Sweetheart,

When you feel hopeless, frightened, or like the world is out of control, remember this: No one can influence how you feel without your permission.

You can choose to listen to your frightened mind (which will always have you believe tha...

On a snowy day in winter

As the New Year began, I welcomed a quiet, spacious week that felt nourishing and peaceful. I was remembering my dreams, which told me my nervous system was starting to recover from a year of being on high alert. Michael and I were navigating the strange sensation of having time to ourselves after orienting our lives around caring for a loved one in need. We headed into 2025, breathing a sigh of relief at the chance to metabolize the losses we endured in 2024.

Then, the LA fires happened.

Life ...

The wisdom of an awakened elder

Every Saturday at 10 am, I fire up Zoom on my computer and visit with a friend from England. She’s a woman in her eighties who’s had a successful career as a physician, and she’s in the process of winding down her work.

We’ve been meeting for over a year and it’s a visit I look forward to because our conversations are intellectually stimulating, soulful, and a ritual of remembrance. She’s a wise elder with a spiritual perspective that keeps me attuned to the priorities that matter most now – pea...

In the mist of endings

The fog moved in last night after dusk and it’s taken up residence here for the foreseeable future. It seems fitting to spend the day in a gossamer cage given my need for rest and stillness. 2024 has been a tough year and I’m ready to turn the page.

Death has been my teacher for the last twelve months, and the most profound lesson I’ve learned is that our mortality is a calling card for life. Wake up!, death says. Pay attention to the people you love, the moment in front of you, and how you show...