The “little monster” is nicotine withdrawal. He says that part lasts about three days. The “big monster” is the brainwashing: the belief that cigarettes help you relax, concentrate, cope, celebrate, or complete a moment. That belief is what keeps people smoking after the body has already finished with the nicotine and the physical craving is gone.

Internal motivation is more powerful than external motivation because it gives us drive and sharpens focus. We are driven by the intrinsic reward of accomplishing something. Silence allows us to concentrate and builds the resilience we need to achieve.

In prior blogs I’ve mentioned shadow work. So, I’ve decided to write this blog to elaborate and clarify the subject. / Shadow work is done to achieve greater psychological wholeness. It is a deliberate process of exploring, acknowledging, and integrating the repressed or unconscious aspects of the self—often called the “shadow.” / Effective approaches share a common thread: they bypass the ego’s defenses to access and process unconscious content, fostering emotional honesty a

Inspiration fuels creativity, yet it often feels elusive. Many artists, writers, and creators struggle to find fresh ideas or a spark that pushes their work forward. The truth is inspiration can come from three distinct places: the outside world, the depths within ourselves, and the mysterious in-between where everything connects. Understanding these sources can open new doors to creativity and help you tap into a richer flow of ideas. A peaceful forest clearing bathed in sof

Here in Wisconsin, staying active is easier when the sun sticks around longer. Winter calls for routines that don’t rely on perfect weather. Habit stacking works well for me: right after my shower, I roll out the yoga mat. As long as the setup supports me, it happens naturally.

I’m so grateful for this wonderful trip. Arizona’s sunshine, cherished family moments, soul-soothing music, shared laughter, Porch fetch sessions, beach-in-the-desert magic, and every quiet joy along the way

Twilight Letters’ featured author, Celia Blake, will be part of the Smashwords 2025 End of Year Sale! This is a chance to get her books, along with books from many other great authors, at a promotional discount. Some are even free! Escape the mundane and venture into realms filled with magic, mystery, and wonder.

The difference between ego and confidence is that ego is unconscious while confidence is conscious. So, instead of referring to this as a “healthy ego,” I’d like to focus on having a healthy identity. “The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.” —Erik Erickson

This movie helps us remember what life is really about and teaches us that emotional maturity is worth the effort. A relatable, heartfelt, love story between father and son, man and woman, life and art, I give it five stars.

Art is often a bridge between the tangible and the intangible. For many, it becomes a form of spiritual practice—a way to connect with something greater than oneself.

The power of creative exploration is a gift we give ourselves—a chance to rediscover joy, meaning, and connection. As you embark on your own journey, may you find inspiration in the unexpected and courage in the unknown. The path of artistic innovation methods is as much about the process as it is about the masterpiece.

Let’s say you did the work, know your purpose, and are on a path you believe is meant for you. That's wonderful! We should, however, keep in mind that spiritual work is continuous, not something that you do for a period in your life, and then you’re a pro, good to go, and everything will always be alright. You could be saved by grace through faith. It is an amazing experience, a glorious thing, to be aware of God's grace. And all is well—because you trust in the Lord. You cou

Life is full of contradictions. So is the internet. So what do we do about it?

Temperatures in Arizona reached eighty degrees while it snowed and snowed back home in Wisconsin. This made for a wonderful December! We spent the following evening playing with the dogs and enjoying the sunset on Dad and Paula’s patio.

This backstory brings me to my travel story. In October of 2022, Mom was stationed in Asheville, North Carolina. I decided to follow my heart and visit her there. We absolutely loved it! I felt so blessed to be able to do this, to spend time with my Mom, and to see the Blue Ridge Mountains. This was before the hurricane Helene tragedy—a devastating tropical cyclone that caused catastrophic rainfall, leading to flooding in North Carolina and Tennessee.

The artistic part of conversation, to me, is all about energy and flow.

So, that was and is the path my mind has taken, partly because of my environment. But I was born curious. We all are to some extent, but I remember the intense questions I had when I was a kid. Perhaps being an American who had a good childhood (environment) played a part, however I think my biology and perhaps past life interests played a bigger role in my childhood ponderings. I have, of course, had other interests guided by my spirit, my soul, and my mind. I’ll use music a

We might need to prioritize what is most important to us and make our decision based on this. We need to find out who is more trustworthy. Who actually does what they say? Who are the liars? In day-to-day living, we have more choices to make, but the main question remains the same: How do we know who to trust?

it’s not bad counsel to give, but not let yourself be used. Love, but not allow your heart to be abused. Trust, but don’t be naive. Listen to others, but don’t lose your own voice. I had this posted on my wall above my computer for a few years along with my favorite quote from Eckhart Tolle: When you complain, you make yourself a victim. Leave the situation, change the situation, or accept it. All else is madness. It’s all very good advice, especially to protect yourself from

So, how do “givers” deal with feelings of disappointment when kindness is not reciprocated by the people they care about? Do you stop reaching out, acting kind, or giving? Yes and no.