Inspiration & Motivation

What? Your ducks aren’t in a row? Mine either.

By Hazel Thornton | October 23, 2023 |

I thought being retired would mean less worry. I was wrong. For one thing, I’m older now and everyone and everything else is older, too — from friends and family to furniture and appliances. If it doesn’t need replacing or repair, it certainly needs maintenance! And, if it’s not one thing, it’s another. Life —…

Always believe in yourself (and have a backup plan)

By Hazel Thornton | October 11, 2023 |

Do you believe in yourself? Always? Or do you sometimes lose faith? If this post looks familiar, it’s because I pull it out and tweak it every few years. It makes me feel better to read it. Maybe it will help you too? Life is hard. We all go through tough times personally, and lately…

Do you need more good news in your life?

By Hazel Thornton | September 25, 2023 |

Does the daily news get you down? Do you watch or read a lot of it? Too much, maybe? If you want a change, it seems you have two choices: Consume less bad news and/or seek out more good news. Are you addicted? I know people who watch several hours of news and commentary each…

Just Say No — Here’s How and Why

By Hazel Thornton | September 5, 2023 |

Do you have trouble saying no? A client told me about a situation in which she couldn’t bring herself to say no. The details are unimportant. We’ve all been there. In the end, she told a “white lie” rather than admit she didn’t want to do a favor for a friend. (A favor which, by…

High Five Friday

By Hazel Thornton | August 21, 2023 |

In my retirement I noticed something was missing. But what could it be? Was I having trouble filling my time? Heck no! Did I miss working with clients? Maybe a little. Was I missing my colleagues? Not really, since most of them live elsewhere and we’re still connected. Then I realized what it was: I…

There’s no Reason to Freak out…Unless…

By Hazel Thornton | June 12, 2023 |

Do you ever freak out when facing new situations? I think everyone does sometimes, no matter how old they are. Our degree of anxiousness varies according to a number of factors, including our perceived locus of control (internal or external), past experiences, mental and physical health, environment, relationships, and financial stability. Even so, I think…

Think of your big project as a new hobby

By Hazel Thornton | February 13, 2023 |

  Do you have a big project you’ve been putting off? Is it because you are waiting for the perfect time to devote your entire self to getting it done? If you try to do too much at once, you risk getting overwhelmed and exhausted. Chances are you’ll get discouraged, go away, and never come…

Porter Knight’s Happiness Equation

By Hazel Thornton | February 5, 2023 |

  I’m calling this post “Porter Knight’s Happiness Equation” to distinguish it from the happiness equation that has been my mantra for the last several years: Progress equals Happiness. (Click here to read Does Progress Equal Happiness?) Although hers is completely different, don’t worry, they don’t cancel each other out!          

How to Rubber Duck your life

By Hazel Thornton | January 29, 2023 |

  Have you ever had a Eureka moment while explaining something to someone? We could also call it a Rubber Duck moment. I’ll get back to rubber ducks. But first, a little story:          

How would you rather feel?

By Hazel Thornton | December 30, 2022 |

  Do you have trouble deciding whether, what, when, or how to create a new goal, habit or resolution?