Love has no agenda …

This moment contains precisely what we most need. Let’s not fight it. Let’s trust it, befriend it, go with it.

IT is love, tailored just for us. IT is the same love we’re made of. We are intended to merge with it.

And one step at a time, we will do precisely that. … More

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“What do you think about guys who call everybody ‘honey’?” asks a reader.

The habit reminds me of two stuffed dice hanging from a rearview mirror — or a waitress apron tied too tightly. We can’t lump all of the habitual pet-name-callers together, though.

Some of them use “honey” to express genuine affection, however indiscriminately. Others use it to bait an advance, or to express superiority or feigned familiarity. We can usually sense the difference.

The old man behind me in the grocery store warmed my heart before he called me “sweetheart.” The guy trying to sell me a newspaper subscription was looking for trust he hadn’t established. And the woman at the airport said “honey” in an I’ve-got-the-power tone when she told me I wasn’t going anywhere.

Lately, I find myself greeting the birds with “precious” as I jog. The air is still cool, the sun is rising, and I am fresh out of my morning prayer and meditation…everything is precious!

I feel the same (well, almost the same) connection with the birds and the squirrels as I feel with my very own sweetie. And I’m sure my words carry the exuberance and conviction of my heart. If the birds don’t know I’m sincere, the neighbors do.… More

Studies suggest that boredom during unoccupied time predicts substance abuse, smoking, poor health and loneliness. The same studies also suggest a surprisingly easy fix.

Boredom is based primarily, not on age, income, race, education, employment status or gender, but on a lack of awareness. It seems many of the bored don’t realize the potential of meaningful leisure activities to enhance their lives!

We’re more motivated to take action to change what we’re dissatisfied with if we believe our action will make a positive difference. It’s not that we don’t want to lead richer, more fulfilling lives; we just don’t realize how much we can do about it.

Most of us consider ourselves busy. We might work hard in order to have some free time … and still find ourselves bored when we do.

One reader writes, “I just got a new Harley and, yes, I used the old one, but I’m bored. I worked long hours for years, and I don’t have to anymore. I guess I’m happy enough, but there’s no getting around it — I’m bored.”

We can readily understand boredom at work or school or even church; but when we can choose to do whatever interests us, whatever we find exciting, the reasons for boredom are less obvious.… More

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