Writing is hard. I take comfort in knowing that even the best writers agree. Hemingway once said “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Anything that requires bloodshed is not easy — trust me, I’m a woman with two precious children! I’m the type of writer… Continue reading A Written Confession
Author: Patricia Dokter Ritsema
Patricia Ritsema is interested in supporting and encouraging parents, especially parents of children with special learning and attention challenges. Retired educator who loves learning, connecting, and sharing about truth, beauty and goodness.
The Least Empathetic Thing to Say
Trying to be empathetic and show Lovingkindness is so important always, but especially during this Pandemic. Comparing and judging are two of the most debilitating things to do for ourselves and others. Here's an important look at our choice of words. The Least Empathetic Thing to Say ‘At least you weren’t diagnosed with a horrible… Continue reading The Least Empathetic Thing to Say
Red Lights
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” – James 4:14 I do not often like to stop for red lights. Do you? Late at night when no cars are anywhere in sight I am so… Continue reading Red Lights
Look Up
Cedar trees can teach a lesson about life. The tips of this evergreen always point straight up toward the heavens. These tips remind us that “up” is the right direction for our weary or searching eyes. As life events close in, when disappointments darken our lives, when fear consumes us, when pain slips into our… Continue reading Look Up
Reach Upward for the Light
Have you ever walked through the woods or forest and really looked at trees? Gazing at the unusual and distinct tree trunks in my woodsy backyard, I realized how their shape or their bent reflected their life story. One tree I noticed in particular, was bent over from a storm that blew through. Amazingly, the… Continue reading Reach Upward for the Light
Words Matter
THE WORDS WE USE: 3 STYLES Most of us parents fit into one of three types: aggressive, passive, or assertive. In the aggressive model, parents often yell, use attacking words, or make unreasonable demands. Their children respond by acting-up more, yelling back, and tuning out their parents’ words. Passive parents’ words are not consistent or clear,… Continue reading Words Matter
Weathering the storms of Life
Most people think they are crazy! They are storm chasers. The movie twister glamorized it. They like the bigger the better the storm. They are drawn to it. But one thing they know-they cannot control the storm. They keep a respectful distance knowing storms are bigger and badder than they are. That is all except… Continue reading Weathering the storms of Life
Hope Springs Eternal
Are you, like me, hoping that some system, person, thing, idea, or event will come along to give us that final feeling of inner well-being we desire? Do you often hope: "May this book, idea, course, trip, job, country, relationship, supplement, or Dr. make me whole and healthy and fulfill my deepest desire"? But as… Continue reading Hope Springs Eternal
Getting my life together
Choose the High Road
Pat's Ponderings 