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Delight
Continue Reading: DelightEvery part of the spring season can be a delightful scene dancing in front of us. The new growth is there for the taking, everywhere, watching the results of the …
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Temptation
The focus for the month of August is Temptation. The focus was chosen due to the apple trees bearing fruit at this time of year, with harvest soon to follow. … Continue Reading
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Liberty
When I think of liberty and all that comes with that word, I think of July 4th, fireworks, and our freedoms in the United States. I also think about the … Continue Reading
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The Art of Letting Go: Balancing Expectations in Caregiving and Lessons from Nature
In the month of June, the ThinkCaregiver™ program and its Simple Suggestions talked about expectations and all it can ensue. We started the month off with the quote by Debra … Continue Reading
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Ebb and Flow
The ebb and flow of life is a natural cycle that is closely interconnected with the rhythms of nature. Just as the tides of the ocean ebb and flow, so … Continue Reading
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Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – May 2023
Morning glory flowers shine in the morning, bloom vibrantly through the day and then stagger toward their end in the evening. Life, death and rebirth, all in 24 hours, and … Continue Reading
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Anticipation
What does anticipation do to our psyche? Anticipation can have both positive and negative effects on our psyche, depending on the situation and our individual personality traits and experiences. On … Continue Reading
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Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens April 2023
I don’t think there is any time during the year when I’m not anticipating one or more of Mother Nature’s hat tricks. Forsythias in bloom, sometimes referred to as the “Easter Tree,” bear the hope and good news of early spring. Continue Reading
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Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens March 2023
If you’re a caregiver, I’m sure there are times when you find yourself neglecting your own nutritional needs for the good of your care receiver. The great thing about nutrition, though, is that if you take the time to prepare healthier meals, even just once a day, benefiting from the built-in healing mechanisms within the… Continue Reading
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Vitality
One metaphor for this journey of vitality is that of a tree. Like a tree, we need strong roots to withstand the challenges of life. These roots can include social support systems, healthy coping mechanisms, and self-care practices. Just as a tree requires sunlight and water to grow, we also need to nourish ourselves with… Continue Reading
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Loneliness
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Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – February 2023
“When it’s inhospitable outside, what other forms can nature therapy take?” Continue Reading
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Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – January 2023
The past month at Hope Grows has been one of new beginnings. The December ribbon cuttingmarked a new era as the Iris Respite House is finally poised to welcome its … Continue Reading