a daily blog on well-being and how to feel better by Mark Barger Elliott…

There always is one. The reason why something did or did not unfold the way we hoped. Choosing to identify the reason is why some people increase the reasons why their hopes are realized. —— To download or share a free copy of my new book How to Feel (a little better): 50 Ideas for…

Do you know the word, “inkle?” It means “to utter, to communicate, in an undertone or whisper, to hint.” We are likely more familiar with “inkling,” which comes from a 16th century word and means, “whisper or mention.” An author I was reading recently encouraged her readers to listen for the “quiet yes.” In other…

We heard the poet Jane Hirshfield speak last night and she brought our attention to the difference between “the” and “a.” For example, we can be on “the” road or “a” road.  We can be “the potter” or “a potter.” Differences between these two articles highlights a fascinating difference in how we apply definition, identity…

Yesterday I was having a conversation with a designer about how different wood stains and patterns interact. Pointing to a very light shade of flooring similar to a French Oak, I asked if this color would be in conflict with darker furniture. She said, “No, I think they would provide a lovely contrast.” “Contrast” is…

Alabama football couch Nick Saban invited Kobe Bryant to talk to the team and what Bryant said was, “I knew I could never be perfect, but I was always cutting the gap between where I was and perfect. I knew I could never get there, but it didn’t matter.” What I appreciate about Bryant’s image…

Over lunch yesterday a friend was reflecting on how the act of writing in cursive links letters together and can be beautiful. Now, ordinarily, we type words on a keyboard; sometimes we use voice dictation; and only rarely write with pencil and paper. But if we think about it, in this kind of communication each…