• Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – May 2023

    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

  • Anticipation

    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

  • Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens April 2023

    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

  • Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens March 2023

    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

  • Vitality

    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

  • Loneliness

    Loneliness

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  • Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – February 2023

    Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – February 2023

    “When it’s inhospitable outside, what other forms can nature therapy take?” Continue Reading

  • Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – January 2023

    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

  • Rest, Relax, Restore

    Rest, Relax, Restore

    The impact of providing care takes a toll on the mind, body, and spiritual wellness of the caregiver. The Hope Grows Care Model is about helping the caregiver to find … Continue Reading

  • Feel Trapped Caring for Elderly Parent? Here’s How to Get Help

    Feel Trapped Caring for Elderly Parent? Here’s How to Get Help

    Adult children take care of elderly parents out of love and loyalty, but they must stay aware of signs of burnout and feeling trapped. Continue Reading

  • Be The Season of Giving With Kindness and Cordiality

    Be The Season of Giving With Kindness and Cordiality

    Be the cordial change you wish to see in the world by setting healthy boundaries and understanding where your energy is being spent. Continue Reading

  • The Connection Between Faith, Acceptance and Giving Up Control

    The Connection Between Faith, Acceptance and Giving Up Control

    Acceptance can be interpreted in many ways. Avoiding a negative connotation & learning how to embrace the positivity is what we’ll explore together now. Continue Reading