The burden of debts to others—be it emotional, relational, or societal—can act like a relentless creditor, pressuring and stressing us with every phone ring. This relentless sense of obligation leads to disempowerment and a sense of victimhood in our relationships. It’s a chain reaction that keeps us bound to repeating the same actions without aContinue reading “Breaking the Chains of Obligation”
Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl
Permission Granted
What? August 22nd is a holiday? Not exactly, but it’s been a vacation day, cuddling with Evelyn and her cut toe on the couch, snacking on Cheetos and vanilla ice cream—so I’m taking the day off. You know the drill; take some time for yourself today. What do you want for you? Go do it.Continue reading “Permission Granted”
The Slow Descent into Malaise – And Back Again
Like Mary Poppins riding in on an umbrella, malaise floated in, bringing that faraway look that says, “Going, going, gone.” It bids goodbye to the pace and place of today, and in comes the drudgery and sludgery of malaise. It’s like a thick slab of mustardy goo, and if you peel back the sandwich, you’llContinue reading “The Slow Descent into Malaise – And Back Again“
The Motivating Sting of Rejection
I was demoted from superior, and the blow came just hours after our clan leader reassured us that it wasn’t personal. But all I know is that Astarte is no longer among the elite, and my worth felt like it was on the chopping block—and got cleavered. Rejection, whether from a game on your phone,Continue reading “The Motivating Sting of Rejection”
Loving and Letting Go: A Journey With Grief
At 16, I stuffed the shock of giving CPR to my dying mom deep inside. I’d talk about it matter-of-factly, like a judge handing down a life sentence—utterly void of emotion. No one taught me how to grieve, so along with burying her six feet under, I buried my feelings too. I said I wasContinue reading “Loving and Letting Go: A Journey With Grief”
Discipline: The Heartbeat of Success
Discipline drowns out the noise—what others think, what you think—it says, “I don’t care; I’m doing this regardless.” It is the beating heart of any goal worth achieving. For 956 days, I’ve posted a blog article. Discipline is paramount, whether it’s a single sentence, a photo on days when I have less to give, orContinue reading “Discipline: The Heartbeat of Success”
Anchors Amidst the Chaos
Life moves at a different rhythm in a town where a handshake seals deals and neighbors know you by your car’s honk. Seven months ago, our house contractor stopped by the Holy Pie Pizzeria to tell the owner—the town’s building inspector—that he was starting to build. Bypassing the regular permitting process, a short chat andContinue reading “Anchors Amidst the Chaos”
Smile for the Camera
It’s one of those nights where I’m in my head. Second-guessing everything I do, tightness in my chest, and a slight void in my eyes. I’m here but not here; I feel sensitive even when mentioning it. But harder is pretending everything is okay when it’s not. Despite feeling optimistic about the house’s progress andContinue reading “Smile for the Camera”
Underwater Ballet
“I can’t fall asleep with a pupper cut, pup-er, paper cut,” Evelyn blubbers out from the top bunk to Dave, whose height puts him at eye level with her. I’ve taken my turn at consoling, so Dave takes a hand to her back as I snuggle up below, not on the lower bunk but onContinue reading “Underwater Ballet”
The Brick Road
The carpet has been laid. No, that’s not a euphemism; it’s a fact, Jack. For my final evening session, I lay my stomach on it, chin resting on my elbows, feeling the night-and-day difference from barren and rugged floor to soft and comfy. The master bathroom and the half bath remain mirrorless, and the kitchenContinue reading “The Brick Road”
Going On 40 