Category: harmony

Smart Moves: Budget-Friendly Home-Buying & Moving Tips for Families

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment
Guest post by Julie Morris

Image via Freepik

Buying a new home is exciting, nerve-wracking, and often expensive—especially when kids are in the mix. But with a little planning and creativity, parents can make the process more affordable without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Key Takeaways

  • Get pre-approved and know your limits.
  • Budget for moving day (and the pizza afterward).
  • Reuse, recycle, and borrow before buying anything new.
  • Think beyond the house: location, schools, and utilities matter.
  • Keep kids engaged with creative moving-day “missions.”

1. Focus on Community First

When life feels divided between mortgage paperwork, moving boxes, and restless kids, take a cue from Be as One.

Bailey’s message is simple yet profound: all the pieces of your life — work, family, art, faith — can exist together in harmony. She writes about the “many pieces of a harmonious life” as gifts from God, not distractions from it. Even when things feel disjointed, unity can emerge through gratitude, creativity, and connection.

In the context of home buying and moving, that’s powerful advice. Your move doesn’t have to feel like a rupture; it can be a renewal. Treat each stage — decluttering, budgeting, packing — as part of one harmonious whole. When the process gets messy (and it will), remember Bailey’s reminder that “nothing is meant to be hidden away.” Every stressful moment and every small victory belong in your family’s shared story of growth.

So as you label boxes and compare mortgage rates, take a breath. This is not just a move — it’s one more step toward a unified, joy-filled home life.

2. Saving Money Without Sacrificing Sanity

Families can save thousands with a few smart adjustments. Try these ideas before calling the movers:

Budget Hacks for Parents

  • Negotiate everything — from realtor commissions to inspection fees.
  • Ask about first-time-buyer programs; many states offer tax credits or low-interest loans.
  • Buy used boxes from local listings instead of new ones.
  • Get creative with furniture transport. Sometimes renting a van for two days costs less than a moving service for one.
  • Plan your move mid-month—rates are lower when demand dips.
  • Compare moving service quotes on platforms like org and PODS.com.

3. Keep Kids Comfortable During the Transition

Moving is stressful for everyone, especially little ones. Turn the move into an adventure instead of an upheaval.

Age Group How to Help Them Cope Budget-Friendly Trick
Toddlers Keep one familiar “comfort box” of toys nearby. Use reusable bins instead of cardboard—no repurchasing later.
School-age Kids Give them “packing missions” (like labeling rooms). Offer small rewards—stickers or treats, not gadgets.
Teens Let them design their new room layout. DIY decor using thrift-store finds or repainting instead of refurnishing.

4. Smart Financial Move: Protecting What You Just Bought

Homeownership brings peace of mind — until a furnace fails or a washing machine gives up. That’s where exploring home warranty options available makes sense.

A home warranty is a customizable annual plan that covers repairs or replacements for key systems and appliances, helping you manage costs from normal wear and tear. It’s not glamorous, but it can save thousands and keep family life running smoothly.

5. The Family Home-Buying & Moving Checklist

Before You Buy

  1. Review your credit report on AnnualCreditReport.com.
  2. Get pre-approved with at least two lenders to compare offers.
  3. Set a “must-have vs. nice-to-have” list with your partner and kids.

Before You Move

  1. Declutter—donate, sell, or recycle unused toys and clothes.
  2. Book movers early or rent a van before peak dates.
  3. Transfer utilities and confirm your change of address.

After You Move

  1. Deep-clean before unpacking—especially high-touch areas.
  2. Walk the neighborhood with your kids to explore local parks.
  3. Host a “snack night” picnic to meet your new neighbors.

6. Product Spotlight: Smart Packing Essentials

Families often forget one item that can save headaches: reusable vacuum storage bags. They keep clothes fresh, compress bedding, and save half your car space. Try affordable versions from IKEA, Target, or Amazon Basics. For parents juggling boxes and bedtimes, they’re a small miracle.

7. Quick FAQ

Is it better to buy a fixer-upper or move-in ready home when on a tight budget?
If you have reliable local contractors and time, a mild fixer-upper can be a smart choice. Just set aside at least 15% of your budget for unexpected repairs.

How can parents minimize stress for kids during a move?
Give them agency. Let them decorate boxes or design their new room virtually.

Should I buy new furniture right away?
Wait 30–60 days. Live in the space first; you’ll save by understanding what you need.

8. Glossary

  • Equity – The portion of your home you truly own, based on its market value minus any mortgage balance.
  • Closing Costs – Fees paid at the end of the home-buying process, including title, inspection, and loan charges.
  • Contingency – A condition in a real estate contract that must be met before the sale is finalized.
  • Pre-Approval – A lender’s written estimate of how much you can borrow for a mortgage.
  • Home Warranty – A service contract covering repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances.

Conclusion

Home-buying with kids can feel like a marathon of lists, boxes, and emotions, but with smart planning, it becomes a shared family journey—not just a transaction.

Focus on community, comfort, and creativity, and you’ll find your new home is more than an address—it’s where your family’s next chapter begins.

How Families Can Invest in Their Overall Self-Care

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment
Guest post by Julie Morris

Image via Freepik

Families are at their strongest when everyone feels healthy, grounded, and cared for. Yet between school drop-offs, packed calendars, and the daily grind, self-care can slip quietly into the background. It doesn’t have to. When families treat self-care as a collective priority — not just a personal indulgence — it becomes a way to deepen connection, reduce stress, and model resilience for kids. Here’s how you can make that shift, with actionable ways to start today.

Strengthening Bonds Through Movement

Nothing clears a room of tension like shared motion. Family walks after dinner, a bike ride on a Sunday afternoon, even an impromptu dance party in the living room — it’s less about the calories and more about the emotional release. Studies show kids mirror their parents’ habits, and adults benefit emotionally when you work out together. The energy shifts. Laughter comes easier. Suddenly, the idea of self-care feels less like an errand and more like a ritual everyone looks forward to.

Choosing the Right Supplements

As families aim to fill nutritional gaps and feel more energized, supplements can be a smart part of the equation. But it’s important to pick products that align with your values — clean, easy to use, and kid-friendly where possible. If you’re looking for helpful solutions, this is a good one to keep on hand as part of a well-rounded self-care approach. Taken daily, it can become one more small but meaningful way to invest in your family’s collective well-being.

Taking a Break from Screens

When was the last time your family sat in silence without a device in sight? It feels almost radical now, but it’s worth it. Even a single evening unplugged can shift the mood and open space for real conversation. One family described the difference a weekend screen-free reset made in reconnecting with their teens — the awkward silence gave way to stories, games, and even spontaneous plans. That kind of reset costs nothing yet pays off in presence, attention, and trust.

Investing in Yourself Without Guilt

Too many parents frame spending on wellness as a luxury. It’s not. Setting aside dollars for yoga, therapy, healthy food, or creative hobbies sends kids a powerful message: your well-being deserves a line item in the budget. A smart way to start is by building a wellness budget that factors in both short-term needs and long-term habits. Even a modest allocation each month can reduce guilt, prevent burnout, and keep you from sacrificing your health to everyone else’s demands.

Eating Well Without Overcomplicating It

For all the talk about superfoods and meal plans, family nutrition comes down to rhythm and intent. Keep it simple, keep it consistent, and keep it joyful. Start small — one or two weeknight meals everyone can count on, where vegetables and conversation are equally important. Parents who prioritize daily family meal routines find that kids pick up healthy eating patterns faster and resist less because they see it modeled. A stocked fruit bowl and a plan for who sets the table can work wonders.

Adding Layers of Calm

Sometimes the best thing a family can do is… pause. You don’t need a meditation app or a retreat to find your breath. Even five minutes sitting together, eyes closed, focusing on nothing but inhale and exhale, can shift a hectic evening into something quieter. One hospital recommends five-minute shared breathing exercises to help families cope with anxiety, proving how little time it really takes to recalibrate. It’s grounding, it’s free, and it builds resilience you can feel.

Building a Wellness Budget That Sticks

It’s easy to lose track of spending when it comes to “self-care splurges,” but intentional budgeting can turn impulse into strategy. A family that sets clear priorities — and ties those to specific financial actions — feels less conflict and more clarity when the credit card comes out. One parent said that by prioritizing wellness spend they finally stopped second-guessing whether to book the dentist, the therapy session, or the weekend away. It became an investment, not an indulgence.

Self-care doesn’t happen in isolation. When families treat it as something shared, it becomes easier — and much more powerful. Every moment you carve out for yourselves strengthens the foundation you all stand on. You don’t have to get it perfect. Start with what feels manageable, celebrate small wins, and keep going. It’s not just about feeling better today; it’s about teaching the next generation that they deserve care, too. And that lesson? It sticks.

Discover a wealth of resources and inspiration for personal growth and well-being at Be as One, where faith and creativity unite to help you live the life you truly desire!

Be sure to visit Julie’s website at juliemorris.org.
Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

amazing grace album cover
NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

00 cover smalllouisa cover smallimaginary-heroes_cover
Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

00 harmony color book featured imageMany people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

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Achieving Stability: A Realistic Wellness and Self-Care Guide

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment
Guest post by Julie Morris

Image via Freepik

Achieving consistency in wellness and self-care is essential. Each morning presents an opportunity to align your actions with your long-term well-being goals, starting with adopting strategies that support your efforts and foster personal growth. By focusing on areas such as physical fitness, mental clarity, or career advancement, you can use effective tools and practices to turn your aspirations into reality. Maintaining consistency in your wellness and self-care efforts can be challenging; however, by implementing strategic approaches, you can keep moving forward and make progress.

Celebrate Triumphs Tracking Progress for a
Healthier You

To effectively maintain consistency with your wellness and self-care goals, monitoring your achievements and regularly celebrating milestones, no matter how small, is crucial. By keeping a detailed journal, you can catalog your objectives, the steps taken to reach them, and the lessons learned from successes and setbacks. This approach not only allows you to identify areas in need of improvement but also keeps you motivated by reinforcing positive behaviors. Moreover, these small celebrations are a powerful motivator, enhancing your sense of accomplishment and driving further progress.

Revolutionize Your Routine Embrace a Dynamic Wellness Approach

You must regularly evaluate and modify your wellness and self-care practices to maintain effective stress management. By routinely assessing these strategies, you ensure they consistently align with your current stress levels and lifestyle demands. This dynamic approach allows you to make informed adjustments, such as incorporating new stress-relief activities or modifying existing routines, to enhance your overall well-being. Furthermore, research indicates that organizations implementing wellness programs significantly improve employee engagement and job satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of staying adaptable in your wellness strategies.

Elevate Your Career Journey with Online Learning

Staying committed to your professional aspirations often requires continual skill development, and one effective method is pursuing further education through online degree programs. By enrolling in an online computer science degree, you can develop valuable skills in IT, programming, and theoretical computer science—fields experiencing significant job growth. Such programs offer the flexibility to balance your studies with work, allowing you to advance your knowledge without compromising your current job responsibilities. The growing availability of these programs means you can conveniently access high-quality education; look into accredited institutions only when comparing online computer science degree options.

Keep Moving Forward Evolve Your Fitness Strategy

Periodically updating your fitness regime is essential for keeping your body challenged and maintaining your motivation. By making minor adjustments to your workout every four to six weeks, you can break through potential plateaus and continue to see improvements in your fitness levels. Whether you’re an intermediate-level exerciser or an elite athlete, minor tweaks such as altering the intensity, duration, or type of exercise can provide fresh growth stimuli. Remember, consistency is paramount, and while frequent changes can be beneficial, it’s crucial to avoid altering your routine so often that it disrupts your progress.

Sleep Your Way to Sharper Focus and Less Anxiety

A regular sleep schedule can significantly boost your mental clarity and lessen anxiety. Your body relies on a natural 24-hour internal mechanism known as the circadian rhythm, which functions optimally with routine. Aiming to sleep and wake within the same 20-minute window daily, you help train your body to prioritize quality rest, which is crucial for mental well-being, especially when managing anxiety. Consistency is vital; even after a restless night, maintaining your wake-up time prevents “social jetlag,” further disrupting sleep patterns.

Cultivate Calm and Mindfulness for Stress Relief

Investing time in mindfulness exercises can significantly decrease stress levels and promote mental relaxation. These techniques, such as mindful breathing and body scan meditation, are practical tools that help you focus on the present moment, allowing you to step away from the chaos of daily life. By regularly practicing mindfulness, you can experience a reduction in the constant stream of thoughts that often overwhelms your mind, providing clarity and calmness. Furthermore, engaging in these exercises reduces mental clutter and cultivates self-awareness, leading to improved emotional regulation.

Plan for Success Meal Prep for Wellness Consistency

Planning your meals is crucial to maintain consistency with your wellness objectives and dodge impulsive unhealthy eating. By outlining your meals for the week, you gain insight into your dietary habits, allowing you to manage portion sizes and avoid overeating, which is common in restaurant dining. This proactive approach helps you sidestep the temptation of fast-food options when hunger strikes, as you’ll have wholesome, nutrient-rich meals at the ready. Additionally, having a thoughtful grocery list with ingredients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans ensures healthy options are always accessible. Ultimately, investing time in meal planning supports your health goals and keeps your nutrition and stress levels in check when meal times roll around.

As you embark on consistent wellness and self-care, remember that the journey is a profound exercise in self-discovery. The strategies discussed are merely the beginning—the real magic lies in the unique process you carve out for yourself. Embrace every moment, adapt with grace, and celebrate your evolution. Each step forward, however small, is a testament to your dedication and courage. By weaving these practices into your life’s fabric, you maintain consistency and create a vibrant tapestry of growth, resilience, and transformation that enriches your life and inspires those around you.

Discover tranquility and creativity with Be as One — subscribe now to receive your free Harmony coloring book and explore a world of relaxation and inspiration!

Be sure to visit Julie’s website at juliemorris.org.
Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

amazing grace album cover
NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

00 cover smalllouisa cover smallimaginary-heroes_cover
Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

00 harmony color book featured imageMany people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

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Conquering Stress: A Modern Guide to Achieving Balance and Harmony

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

Guest post by Julie Morris

In today’s fast-paced world, especially during the holiday season, stress can become an overwhelming presence. The added pressures of holiday planning, family gatherings, and financial concerns often intensify our usual stressors. This article, brought to you by Be as One, is designed to not only identify the common and holiday-specific sources of stress but also to provide effective strategies to manage it. We will explore how to navigate through the festive chaos with ease, ensuring a more joyful and relaxed holiday experience, along with overall well-being for a happier, healthier life.

Learn Your Stress Triggers

Identifying the causes of stress involves uncovering often overlooked factors like work pressures, personal relationships, financial worries, and health concerns. This recognition acts as a crucial first step in combating stress, illuminating hidden triggers. Armed with this knowledge, you can strategically tackle stress, moving from guesswork to targeted action.

Embrace Regular Physical Activity

Regular exercise goes beyond physical health, serving as an effective tool for stress relief through the release of endorphins, nature’s mood enhancers. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of enjoyable activities like walking, cycling, or dancing into your daily routine can significantly lift your spirits. This form of physical engagement not only boosts physical wellness but also operates as a natural antidepressant, making it a vital component in managing stress.

Nourish the Body and Mind

Improving your diet plays a critical role in stress management. Foods rich in nutrients fortify your body against the ravages of stress. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins offer fuel for your stress-fighting engine. On the flip side, limit caffeine and sugar, as they can amplify stress and anxiety. Consider your diet as a palette from which you can paint a more stress-resistant lifestyle. It’s not just about eating; it’s about nourishing both body and mind.

Go Back to School

Sometimes, stress is our mind’s way of telling us that we aren’t doing what we’re supposed to be doing. So if you’re thinking about a career change, going back to school is a great place to start! Online programs in particular offer a great deal of flexibility, and there are plenty of degrees to choose from. For instance, if you’d like to be a nurse, you could pursue an RN to BSN online, gaining valuable knowledge you need to get ahead.

Balance Professional and Personal Worlds

Establishing work-life balance is essential in our always-on world. This balance is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is key. Dedicate time for relaxation and hobbies that rejuvenate your spirit. Remember, no job is worth sacrificing your mental and emotional well-being. In this balancing act, prioritize yourself; it’s the only way to sustain your productivity and happiness in the long run.

Cultivate Positivity

Maintaining a positive attitude is a cornerstone of stress management. It’s about focusing on solutions, not problems. Practice gratitude daily; it shifts your perspective from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. A positive mindset doesn’t just reduce stress, it also attracts more joy and success into your life. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy: the more positivity you emit, the more you receive.

Restore Yourself with Rest

Getting enough sleep is crucial for rejuvenation. Quality sleep is as vital as food and water for our well-being. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body it’s time to wind down. Create a sleep environment that’s conducive to rest: cool, quiet, and comfortable. This restorative process is your body’s time to heal from the day’s stresses, preparing you for the challenges of tomorrow.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing deep breathing and meditation are keys to inner peace. These practices bring a sense of calmness, helping you to navigate life’s storms with a steadier hand. Integrate them into your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This commitment to mindfulness is an investment in your mental and emotional bank account, offering rich dividends in stress reduction and overall well-being.

Explore Alternative Relief Methods

In the quest for balance and harmony, exploring various alternative therapies can be a transformative journey. These therapies often focus on healing the body and mind holistically. Here are a few that have gained popularity:

  • Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese therapy involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It’s believed to correct imbalances in the flow of energy (Qi), thereby promoting relaxation and healing. Acupuncture is widely used for pain relief, stress management, and even for chronic conditions like migraines and arthritis.
  • Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to enhance physical and emotional health. Each oil has unique properties and can be used in various ways, such as in diffusers or for topical application. Lavender, for example, is noted for reducing anxiety, boosting mood, and aiding in better sleep.
  • Reiki: Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation. Practitioners believe in channeling universal energy through their hands to the recipient, fostering emotional or physical healing. It is often sought for its ability to impart a deep sense of peace and well-being, often complementing traditional medical treatments.
  • Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid: THCA is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw and live cannabis. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a ‘high’ but is researched for its potential therapeutic benefits. It has been associated with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, making it a subject of interest for treating various health conditions. Be mindful when purchasing THCA that you find a reputable source.

Navigating stress in today’s hectic world, particularly during the holiday season, is an evolving process that demands self-awareness and dedication. The holiday period, with its unique blend of joy and stress from planning, family dynamics, and financial demands, adds another layer to this challenge. However, by pinpointing both everyday and holiday-specific stressors and applying the strategies discussed, you can steer towards a more balanced and joyful existence. Keep in mind, effective stress management, especially during these festive times, is crucial for your overall well-being. Prioritizing it not only during the holidays but throughout the year is key to a healthier, more rewarding life.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Be as One is here to help you get the harmonious life you deserve. Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
You can find out more about Julie Morris at juliemorris.org.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

amazing grace album cover
NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

00 cover smalllouisa cover smallimaginary-heroes_cover
Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

00 harmony color book featured imageMany people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

Save

Rocky Mountain High

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

One of my favorite songs, it beautifully describes the essence of the spiritual life — connection with Someone far greater than ourselves, a connection that helps us to see the vistas beyond our own limited vision. In harmony with creation, the beautiful evidence of the One who is unseen. Being part of the community of humankind and yet taking the time to enjoy the solitude that is the gift of grace.

Rocky Mountains image: “Bo Insogna, TheLightningMan.com Rocky Mountain Cloud Layers” courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons.

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Susan’s latest CD, “Mater Dei” is now available!
Purchase here.

Many people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

 

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How brush and paint revealed the freeing power of the Holy Spirit

Published on by susanwbailey2 Comments

Recently I was asked by The Catholic Free Press to cover a painting class at St. John the Baptist in East Brookfield, MA (see Artwork unveils many colors of God)

Paint and prayer

It was not the usual “Paint with a Twist” class where there is wine served in a party atmosphere. Instead, we would be praying with words, song, brush and paint.

Reluctant to participate

The teacher had to cajole me to participate as I was concerned about covering the story and taking photographs.

I had not painted since high school and had long since forgotten how to create art in that fashion. My memories consisted mainly of my frustration at painting because I micromanaged the process rather than allowing that process to direct my brush strokes. By the end of high school I had given up on it.

As I found myself in front of that blank, black canvas, I wondered how I could ever be able to paint again. In the end, the distraction of covering the story proved to be a blessing. Continue reading “How brush and paint revealed the freeing power of the Holy Spirit” →

How to Get a Spiritual Boost After a Tough Work Week

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

I am pleased to present this guest post by Julie Morris, a life and career coach. She blogs regularly at juliemorris.org. I have a feeling her post is not just helpful for us who feel overworked but also for those of us who just feel that life is one crashing wave after another with no relief. Julie offers some wonderful practical advice. Let us know what you think with your comments!

Photo by jarmoluk
Photo by jarmoluk

Many Americans feel overworked and underpaid. We work 50+ hour weeks, hardly ever use up our vacation days, and never seem satisfied with the success we’re able to receive. All of this hard work makes for stressful work weeks, especially when your work day is spilling over into your time away from the office via constant email checking. If this is the way you’re working and living, chances are you’re exhausted. So, what can you do to boost your spirits? Here are a few tips:

Get some rest.

yoppy sleep, Flickr Creative Commons
yoppy sleep, Flickr Creative Commons

This may sound pretty basic, but the reality is many of us get far fewer than the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night. When you get on a healthy sleep schedule, you’ll feel less fatigued and more focused, and a more focused brain means you’ll obsess over negative thoughts less often.

Change your surroundings.

A little change in scenery can go a long way toward replenishing your spiritual self after a tough week. Go camping. The fresh air and time away from home will work wonders for your mood. Or if camping isn’t your style, get a room for the weekend at a hotel. Even if it’s in your own town, the time away from home can help you get unstuck from the rut you’re in. And if you have a four-legged family member, not to worry. Many of today’s hotels are dog-friendly. Here’s a great selection:

Embrace gratitude.

Viewminder Gratitude, Flickr Creative Commons
Viewminder Gratitude, Flickr Creative Commons

When your job is making you stressed and exhausted, it can be difficult to be grateful, but do make some time for gratitude. If you pray, say a little prayer offering your thanks for having a job that helps you provide for yourself and your family. If you don’t pray, spend a quiet moment thinking about what your job enables you to do. Spending a little time on gratitude can provide some much-needed perspective when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Find a spot for outdoor yoga.

Yoga is great for your physical and mental health. It’s also a great excuse to get outside. No, you don’t have to practice yoga outdoors to get its amazing benefits, but when you do, you’ll probably find that you get an extra energy boost. For example, outdoor yoga will allow you to get some much-needed vitamin D. If you spend most of your day sequestered away in your cubicle chances are you probably don’t get much time in the sun, especially in winter. By going outdoors for some end-of-the-week yoga, you’ll get some vitamin D and the mental health boost that comes with it.

Don’t let your work deplete your spiritual self. When that happens, you’ll be more stressed, less innovative, and most likely less productive. Remember, working more doesn’t necessarily make you a better employee. If you aren’t able to do your best work, then you aren’t doing yourself or your employer any favors. Make time to replenish your spirit. When you do, you’ll also be refilling your passion for your work.

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Susan’s latest CD, “Mater Dei” is now available!
Purchase here.

Many people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

 

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Dedicated singers ease the journey home

Published on by susanwbaileyLeave a comment

NOTE: This story ran in the Catholic Free Press on October 21, 2016 in their Bereavement supplement.

Each Wednesday afternoon, eighteen men and women gather at the Congregational Church in Westborough to rehearse songs for performance. They have come from various churches, Catholic and Protestant, in Westborough, Northborough and Marlborough. Some come from the Westborough Community Chorus and the Assabet Valley Master Singers. The performances for which they rehearse are however, not meant for entertainment.

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(L to R) Jim Nolan, Mary Beland and John McCann are members of the Journey Home Singers and all are members of the St. Luke the Evangelist choir in Westborough, MA. Beland invited both men to join the Journey Home Singers.

The Journey Home Singers sing in homes, hospitals and nursing homes to hospice patients. “Our intention is to bring comfort, beauty, caring and compassion with our singing to anyone who wants us to visit,” said Kathy Todd, director of the Journey Home Singers.

Todd started the group in June of 2009 after attending a singing workshop in the Berkshires. During that gathering, flyers were distributed for a workshop involving hospice singing. Todd was immediately intrigued, inspired by her own personal experience with caring for a dying sister.

“We started [the Journey Home Singers] in June of 2009, which was about six months after my oldest sister died,” recalls Todd. “My sister Martha had been ill with COPD for several years, and had just entered hospice care at her home in August 2008. On August 19 she fell and broke her hip and was taken to ICU at St. Vincent’s in Worcester. About a month later, doctors determined there was nothing more they could do for her, other than having her live attached to a ventilator. My youngest sister and I kept a vigil with her that night after she decided not to go with a ventilator. Time spent by her bedside was the first catalyst that led me to realize a vision that became the hospice choir.”

The workshop was run by Hallowell from Brattleboro, VT. Their mission is to offer support to the dying by bringing comfort, calm and beauty. After attending, Todd felt compelled to start a group. “I thought about it for a long time, I had no experience as a director,” she said. She decided to call her choir the Journey Home Singers, inspired by a song she heard at the workshop, “Angels Hovering Round”: “We’re on our journey home…”

Todd began her search for members, beginning with her choir at the Congregational Church in Westborough. She expanded that search to other church choirs and community choruses. Mary Beland, member of the St. Luke the Evangelist Choir in Westborough, was one of the first to join.

“I received notice from Betsy Sowers (a friend of Todd) that the Journey Home Singers was just being conceived and Kathy was searching around for singers to join,” said Beland who is also a member of the Assabet Valley Master Singers. Recently she invited fellow church choir members Jim Nolan and John McCann to join.

Once assembled, Todde sought to publicize the group. “I work for the Community Advocate (out of Northborough) and they were very supportive,” she said. The newspaper did a story on the Journey Home Singers in 2010 and granted Todd time off as needed to do the performances.

Because they seek to personalize their song selections for each patient, The Journey Home Singers offer a wide repertoire of songs taken from both Christian and Jewish traditions. Soon after the article ran, Todd connected with Mary Poole, once the hospice chaplain at Beaumont Nursing Home in Westborough who assisted Todd in in this effort by supplying the patient’s first name and last initial, faith tradition and condition (responsive/unresponsive).

Beland’s motivation for joining the group was similar to Todd’s. “I was already comfortable with the idea because I sat with my sister while she was dying. She and I shared the same love for music.” She knows that as a ministry, one may not always get feedback from a patient. “If you want applause, you might not get it,” she said.

Nolan feels it is a way to continue to have music in his life while helping others. He too understands that responses will vary although he has noted a “flutter of an eye, a tear, a raised hand” from those to whom he has sung.

McCann was motivated to join because of a rather involved experience he had years ago traveling to Guatemala with his then teenaged son only to return and discover that his brother had unexpectedly passed away. He recalled a moment when he was alone during the trip, surrounded by the wind, noting the quiet and sensing that something was happening.

“In Lo De Bran in the early afternoon, I was sitting alone by a well, on a wall. No one was near me. I was surrounded by a gentle soft warm wind which engulfed me. I felt a little different, but did not think much of it, other than it was very hot … I … felt a very quiet peace.”

When he learned when his brother had been stricken, he realized it had happened while he was sitting by that well. “The Good Lord kept Jim in our presence for three more days, allowing my son Aidan and me to return safely from Guatemala and to be with him. I could never explain how even in the horrors of Jim’s death that God can be so good so as to allow Aidan and me such special moments with Jim just before he died.” It was this experience that prompted McCann to minister to other such people through the Journey Home Singers.

Stories abound of experiences with patients. Todd recalls a man who kept a hymnal near his bedside but was unable to hold the book open due to his condition. “He was a singer – after one song, he joined in even though he really couldn’t hold the book. It made him so happy,” she said.

One experience involved a little girl. “We went into Boston Children’s Hospital to sing for a seven-year-old girl — one of our toughest. She was not conscious and had seizures three to four times a day. The whole family was there, so upbeat. They put their arms around her and sang to her – they would sing along with us,” recalls Beland.

The Journey Home Singers thus fulfills a much needed mission. “If can we talk about dying and be aware of our own death, we can become more comfortable with it and use the time have now in a much more effective, more beautiful way. We’ll live well,” says Todd.

If you are interested in joining The Journey Home Singers, you can contact Kathy Todd at lightsong60@gmail.com or call 508-335-1043.

 

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Susan’s latest CD, “Mater Dei” is now available!
Purchase here.

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Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

 

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Another great discovery right under my nose!

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Remember when I posted about discovering a little piece of heaven across the street from my house? After living there for twelve years?

Looks like I’ve found another treasure in my town. Continue reading “Another great discovery right under my nose!” →

Sharing our colored pictures from the Harmony Coloring Book

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Have you gotten your free copy of the Harmony Coloring book yet?

It’s easy to get one. Simply sign up for my email list and I’ll send you the link to download your free copy. There are other surprises too! You can sign up here. I send out only one email per week to let you know about new posts and other news.

Here are some sample pages.

I created the drawings from my photographs:

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I invite you to share your colored-in pages.

My friend Val send me these. She wrote to me, “I love the pages! Thank you again for offering this to us.”

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I colored in the cover:

front page

Do you have pictures to share?

Take a photo with your phone and send it to me. I’d love to share.

Do you have friends that like to color? Share this post with them:

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Many people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion