Why is the Phrase, “I Am Enough,” Unsettling?

We hear or see the saying, “I am enough,” thrown around a lot now days. There are all forms of jewelry, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and other paraphernalia with the saying. Somehow, I “earned” a ring with that saying engraved. But am I enough? What does that even mean? I believe this saying came about with the … Read more

In respect, honor, and love for my Dad who would be 100 Years Old this Month!

I am giving away the book What’s Wrong With Grandpa? to the second person who messages or emails (skwendt59@gmail.com) me, saying, “Send it to me, please.” And if you already have this book, join in anyway, and give it away to a friend. It’s a children’s book addressing misunderstanding, specifically with disabilities with aging. It … Read more

How Weeding Out the Bad in Your Child’s Life is Like Weeding a Garden

Weed in Garden

Remove the bad to make room for the good Weeding is a critical part of gardening, just like it is in cultivating a compassionate child. Weeds in a garden choke out the plants, robbing them of needed nutrients to grow healthy and produce delicious and nutritious fruits, vegetables, gorgeous flowers. Weeds can also choke out … Read more

Can You See Beauty in Old, Tarnished, and Worn Things?

Society Leads Us to Believe That Only Youth is Beautiful. I couple years ago I was told I needed  an anti-wrinkle cream to look beautiful, or at least, not ugly. It was an ad that popped in on my computer about a story of a little boy who had two grandmas. He called one his … Read more

Why Seeds Need Air as a Child Needs Breathing Room – Exhale Compassion

Boy walking on log

Develop a Child that exhibits independence strengthening their ability to exercise compassion under outside influences Seeds need air to produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis. This allows them to grow and become strong enough to withstand harmful elements and produce beautiful flowers and fruit. Similarly, a child needs room to breathe, to … Read more

How To Boost A Child’s Self Image Through Metamorphosis

Constant Communication and Engagement to Monitor A Childs Mental State Metamorphosis is about transformation. This is a phenomenal part of nature to see literally unfold, watching a caterpillar transform into a delicate and beautiful butterfly. March 14 is National U.S. Learn About Butterflies Day so let’s talk butterflies and transformation. What may sound unrelated, teen  … Read more

How to Water the Seed With Compassion – Sprinkle Them with Knowledge

Watering

Create A Mind That Has Many Branches A compassionate child requires being watered knowledge so they will grow and thrive in wisdom and good judgement. Knowledge, like water, is important to create and sustain a healthy and enriching life. Once a seed is planted in a child, water it. We know nothing can live without water. … Read more

Plant Perennial Seeds of Compassion That Grow Deep

Planting the Seed

A few weeks ago, I was at the grocery store picking up a couple items. I turned at the end of the long isle of canned goods while swinging my mini grocery cart  into the next isle. Right in front of me, bringing me to an abrupt halt, was an elderly lady sitting stationary in … Read more