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Wise Words

4/17/2025

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I’ve been adding to a personal quote book since 2001—a quiet ritual that’s helped me track the evolution of my beliefs. The quote I’m sharing today marks the beginning of the end of my commitment to Catholicism.
As a young adult, I was deeply moved by the history of the Catholic Church’s work in Central and South America—how faith inspired radical acts of justice, compassion, and solidarity with the poor. That legacy lit something in me.
But I was disheartened to see how, in the United States, the same institution often seems to overlook its own central command: to serve the poor and protect the vulnerable.
Reflecting on the decisions I’ve made in adulthood, I keep returning to those early years when I began to shape my identity as a helper—someone committed to resisting the pull of power, prestige, or wealth when they come at the expense of community care.
I’m sharing this quote not just as a memory, but as a mirror. It offers a glimpse into the philosophy that continues to guide me. I hope it sparks something in you, too.
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Aries "Pink" Moon for Courage

4/10/2025

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Photo by Dylan Sauerwein on Unsplash
Harnessing the Energy of an Aries Moon for Wellbeing
An Aries moon sparks vitality, courage, and a pioneering spirit. This fire sign’s influence can reignite your passion for life and inspire bold action toward personal growth. When the moon moves through Aries, it’s a time to embrace spontaneity and channel your energy into achieving your goals.

During an Aries moon, physical activity is a powerful tool for enhancing wellbeing. Whether through a high-intensity workout, a brisk walk, or playful outdoor activities, moving your body helps release pent-up energy and clears your mind. Aries’ boldness also supports tackling challenges you’ve been hesitant to face—now is the time to take that first step.
However, Aries energy can sometimes lead to impatience or impulsivity. To maintain balance, practice mindfulness to stay present and avoid rash decisions. Engage in activities that allow you to channel your enthusiasm constructively, such as brainstorming new projects or setting short-term goals that bring quick, satisfying results.

The Aries moon reminds us to act with courage and embrace our inner warrior. Use this lunar phase to ignite your passions and cultivate confidence in your ability to shape your future.
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Next Aries Full Moon: Saturday April 12, 2025 (8:22pm Eastern)
Next Aries New Moon: April 27, 2025 (3:31pm)

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Existentialism and Everyday Life: Finding Meaning in Routine

4/3/2025

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​“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”

— Viktor Frankl

Mr. Frankl was a psychiatrist and neurologist (1905-1997) who wrote about his ordeal as a concentration camp inmate during the Second World War.
Existence
The past few years have been a whirlwind of change. Parenthood reshapes your priorities, COVID uproots the foundations of daily life, and evolving job expectations force you to redefine success. Somewhere in the shuffle, I lost the core of my routine—the steady rhythm that once gave my days structure and meaning.

I fell (willingly?) into a mental space of contemplation, specifically on the anxiety created by the  uncertainty of life. This “existential dread” became a catalyst for reviewing large parts of my path. Existentialism teaches us that we are responsible for creating our own meaning in life. For me, that realization is both liberating and daunting. Amid the chaos of caregiving, adapting to a remote workspace, and navigating an uncertain world, I’ve often felt as though my routines were slipping through my fingers like sand. Yet, existentialism reminds me that the power to rebuild is always within reach.

The Meaning of Routine
Routines are more than just time management tools; they are anchors of purpose. When you lose your routine, it’s easy to drift into a sea of aimlessness, questioning not only how to fill your days but why. Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard suggested that “life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward.” It’s often in hindsight that we recognize the quiet power of our habits—their ability to ground us, sustain us, and reflect our values.

During these past few years, I realized my routines had stopped reflecting who I want to be. My days felt reactive rather than intentional. And while caring for my family and meeting work deadlines was fulfilling in its own way, the absence of balance between sloth and productivity left me feeling disconnected from myself.

A Year to Grow
This year, I’ve set an intention to rebuild routines that reflect my values. Not routines built on rigid productivity or aimless relaxation, but an accord between the two—a routine that acknowledges life’s fullness. Existentialism challenges us to embrace the absurd, to find joy in the everyday, even in seemingly mundane activities.

For me, this might look like setting aside 15 minutes every morning to write, playing with Frankie before school instead of rushing out the door, or intentionally folding laundry instead of treating it like a chore to conquer. These small acts become rituals, and rituals can be powerful ways to infuse meaning into routine.

Balancing Sloth and Productivity
The philosopher Albert Camus described the absurd man as one who embraces life fully, despite its lack of inherent meaning. What other way is there!? To balance sloth and productivity is to embrace life in its wholeness — to acknowledge the need for rest and reflection alongside the joy of achievement and creation.

This year, I’m giving myself permission to find that balance. To let go of routines that no longer serve me and cultivate those that do. To experiment, fail, and try again. To pause when I need rest and push forward when I feel called to act.

In the end, existentialism offers not answers but the freedom to create our own. Meaning isn’t found; it’s made. This year, I’m making mine — one small, deliberate act at a time.

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The Bright Fire of Discontent: Using Anger to Spark Transformation

4/1/2025

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Anger as a Catalyst for Change
Anger is often seen as a destructive force—a sudden surge that clouds our judgment and disrupts our inner peace. Yet, when we examine anger through a wiser lens, we begin to understand that anger is not merely a volatile emotion to be suppressed but a potent signal that energy is present and action is imminent. In its raw form, anger offers us insight into our unmet needs, our injustices, and the changes we crave in our lives and society.


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    About the OP.

    Hi! I am Colleen. Thinking is fun, so is writing.

    What is it that I am to write?

    The best advice I've found is to write what you know, so here it is. My plan is to start in the middle, and see where it goes from there. 

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