refresh your life

I have an article in Ladies' Home Journal this month. It's called "Refresh Your Life" and features surprising (hopefully) tips on how to "tune up" areas that might need attention, including your friendships, wardrobe, spirituality and parenting skills. 

I sometimes roll my eyes at seemingly chirpy and simplistic women's-magazine articles. But this one is different, I think.

I truly enjoyed researching and writing it because of the experts I spoke with. One of my favorite pieces of advice came from Bernie Siegel, M.D., a surgeon who has written of the link between spirituality and healing. He told me every penny carries on it three spiritual symbols—and I now reflect on his words every time I find a penny on the street. (Yes, I now pick up pennies off the grimy streets of New York, so you know I must be taking Siegel's advice to heart.)

My other favorite tidbit came from Zen priest, mother and author Karen Maezen Miller, who shared the simple act that can help you be a more patient parent. She calls it the "magic elixir," and I do believe she is right.

You'll find their advice in the story, of course. The October 2009 issue of Ladies' Home Journal (with The View on the cover, as you can see) is out now, or read an online version here.