Virtues in Paradise
The power of language
Saturday 15 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Features, Opinion, Virtues in Paradise
I’m so happy to be back in the Cook Islands and to resume this column after three and a half years away in Hawaii. Someone recently asked me, “What is a virtue anyway?” By Linda Kavelin-Popov.
Young teachers hold hope for the future
Saturday 3 November 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Have you ever thought about what made a teacher your least favorite – “the worst”, and what made your favorite teacher “the best”?
Finding that elusive balance for peace
Saturday 27 October 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
How do we go from burnout to blessing? How do we maintain the elusive balance that can give us a genuine pace of grace? A breath of peace whenever we need it, time for beauty, for prayer and reflection, for play, for free time with family and friends. There is an epidemic of overdoing that has spread throughout the world in the past decades.
Mental health workshop answers many questions
Monday 22 October 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Have you ever wondered what is the difference between mental illness and madness?
The power and blessings of gratitude
Saturday 6 October 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
I was sitting outside the pharmacy at Aitutaki Hospital smiling to myself and a nurse came along to visit with me for a moment. “You seem happy,” she said.
The Four Agreements for a happier life
Saturday 29 September 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
The Four Agreements is a small but powerful book by Don Miguel Ruiz. He says everything we do is based on our agreements - with the Divine, with other people, and most importantly, with ourselves.
The 90-day plan for getting things done, really works
Saturday 8 September 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
One of life’s small pleasures for me is setting a goal, then accomplishing it.
Trust essential for open communication
Saturday 1 September 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
If you’re interested in genuine conversation and open communication, creating trust is essential.
Learn to discover your part in the divine plan
Saturday 25 August 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Years ago, I read a fascinating book entitled “Mutant Message Down Under”, by Marlo Morgan.
A look into the anatomy of deeper intimacy
Saturday 18 August 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
As I navigate this season of elderhood, one of its lovely surprises is that intimacy has become more central in my life.
Let patience be guide to avoiding the 'blurt'
Saturday 11 August 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Are you familiar with the blurt? It is one of my least favorite and most dire old habits.
E-type personality like a car in overdrive
Saturday 4 August 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
The idea of the A-type personality was popular some years ago, referring to someone who had to get all A’s in school, drove themselves mercilessly, and had to get it all done, whatever it was.
How to really help someone who is grieving
Saturday 28 July 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
What do we say to a loved one who is dying? How do we respond to a grieving person?
Healing not just up to doctors, but you too
Saturday 21 July 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
The medical conference on Aitutaki earlier this week marked the 20th anniversary of these conferences so generously sponsored by Dr Joseph Williams, aka “Papa Joe”.
How you can move from stressed to blessed
Saturday 14 July 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Does your head start to spin with all the undone tasks on your “to do” list?
Illness clear call to create 'pace of grace'
Saturday 7 July 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
It took a life-threatening energy illness in my early 50s – post-polio syndrome, to give me the wake-up call I needed to create balance in my life.
Self care a challenge for 'sandwich generation'
Saturday 30 June 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Have you ever noticed that we, as humans, seem a bit uneasy about self-care? Do real men and strong women even need such a thing?
Entertained by an angel on Rarotonga
Saturday 23 June 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
It took three days and four flights to get back from the Philippines to the Cook Islands, with little or no sleep, yet my trip ended with a very special encounter: an angel awaited me at Rarotonga International airport.
Determination can make dreams come true
Monday 18 June 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
When I did a Virtues Pick not so long ago, I received Determination.
Island connections with project go back 25 years
Monday 11 June 2018 | Published in Virtues in Paradise
Kia Orana from the “almost mid-most” heart of the Ocean which is Rarotonga in the Cook Islands (Aitutaki has the official title).