A Simple Cookie

Nov 2, 2025

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Uncategorized

Biggest Challenge: Focus

I try to do the one word thing each year, but I honestly can’t remember what my word was in 2023, 2022, 2021…you get the idea. That made my word for 2024 more poignant (I think that’s the word I want): Focus. I’m a middle school English teacher by day,… Read more ⇢
Why I’m Finally Quitting Two Major Behemoths

So long Target and Amazon As I’m coming down off the high of the holiday season and the reality of all those purchases is hitting me, I decided to take a good hard look at how I’ve been spending my money. It made me want to throw up. I calculated what… Read more ⇢
I Have My Perfect Space

I already feel like I have the perfect reading and writing nook. This area is situated in the corner of our bedroom, and it’s seriously all I need. I’m surrounded by a vibe that allows me to be creative. Simple, relaxed, and free from distraction. If someone wants a first… Read more ⇢
Takeaways from the happiest country in the world

We can all learn from what they are doing right For the sixth year in a row, Finland ranks as the happiest country in the world. Six happiness factors are ranked from 0–10: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. So, how does this country with a population… Read more ⇢
Use Change as an Opportunity to Do Better

“Change can cause suffering. But in the midst of pain, there is also so much potential for joy and opportunity.” ‘Change is Opportunity’ – Nature Meditations Card Deck Change is hard and is challenging. It can cause suffering and pain. However, you can discover a lot about yourself when you… Read more ⇢
Start Your Day with a Morning Routine

Begin with this 5-step routine When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. — Marcus Aurelius Every morning is a gift. It has taken me years to realize it, but I’m there. My morning is now my… Read more ⇢
Embracing Life’s Ups and Downs

Appreciating the bad days is good too Life is a rollercoaster, isn’t it? It’s a mix of good days and bad days, and sometimes, it’s hard to see the silver lining when things take a nosedive. But let me share a story that might change your perspective. I’ve always considered myself… Read more ⇢
Finding Contentment When You’re Not Feeling It

Five ways to get out of a funk Whenever I wake up with a headache, I wallow in self-pity. This morning was compounded by the beginning of DST and I was awake earlier than usual. Irritation easily set in. I could make a choice. Stay in this mental state or… Read more ⇢
Being a Kid at Heart Means This

I look at photos of children who have such beautiful expressions of joy. The purity of discovering something new. The enthusiasm in their storytelling. The love in their hearts. As we get older, we seemingly lose that purity of innocence. Why do we no longer explore for no other reason… Read more ⇢