In Europe, four weeks of summer vacation are common. Families and friends take off to mountains and seas to relax and renew from the long periods of work. Good food and fine wines mingle with good company to create memorable moments. The Italians have an expression to describe this time of non-activity – dolce farniente.…

Life is a school. From day one until old age it can bring new discoveries and help us to grow. But many people hold the attitude that once they leave high school, college or grad school that they’re exempt from learning. They’ve passed the tests, received the diplomas and they have no more to learn.…

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot. —Eleanor Roosevelt One of my teachers repeated, “Love my uncertainty.” Uncertainty has always been very difficult for me to embrace. I like to know what’s…

July 4th or Independence Day, marks a symbolic separation from burdens and outer controlling forces. More than a national holiday, imagine it as a day to free yourself from habits, thoughts, things and relationships that have hindered your independence and blocked your growth. Often we find ourselves caught up in partnerships where we adapt ourselves…

More from Beliefnet and our partners