At times, my nostalgia for our family life as it used to be--for our own imperfect, cherished, irretrievable past--is nearly overwhelming.

Reading, reading actively, strengthens the soul.

Meaning and purpose come not from accomplishing great things in the world, but simply from loving those who are right in front of you, doing all you can with what you have, in the time you have, in the place where you are.

Stay focused on what is beautiful and abundant even as illness carves more and more of what you love away

Perhaps the real point of life is simply to wear us down until we have no choice but to start abandoning our defenses. We learn that the way things are is simply the way they are meant to be right now, and then, suddenly, at long last, we catch a glimpse of the abundance in the moment--abundance even in the face of things falling apart.

We are the windows through which our children first see the world. Let us be conscious of the view.

Solitude is the soul's holiday, an opportunity to stop doing for others and to surprise and delight ourselves instead.

Alone-in moments of prayer or meditation, or simply in stillness-we breathe more deeply, see more fully, hear more keenly. We notice more, and in the process, we return to what is sacred.

I can only bring peace to my children when I possess it myself.

Magic wasn't something I had to go in search of it was here, within me, all the time. When hearts are open, when love is flowing, magic happens.

In stillness, we find our peace. Knowing peace at home, we bring peace into the world.

Life finds its balance. Children grow up. Second chances come along. In the meantime, I could choose to savor this moment. What good would it do to allow annoyance to interfere with gratitude?

In simplicity, there is freedom - freedom to do less and enjoy more.

we can learn to trust our maternal selves and to have faith in the innate goodness and purity of our children - even when we feel overwhelmed and the kids are pushing all our buttons. we can support one another....we can be understanding of each other and easier on ourselves.