Author: Iris Ruth Pastor

Our small acts matter – they may not make the cover of a magazine or have a world-wide ripple effect but all of us performing positive actions adds up. Here are some recent, if not unsurprising, headlines: Coronavirus fears spark ‘panic buying’ of toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer​ Coronavirus live updates: New cases in South Korea surge  FEMA preparing for Continue reading

National Cancer Awareness month is February. Hard not to be aware. Who among us has not been touched by cancer – invading our own bodies or those whom we love and adore? Ever since my father-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer almost 25 years ago, I have been searching my brain trying to come up with some Continue reading

Just last week a good buddy and I were discussing our binge-watching habits. His favorite show to binge on is “Expanse” – describing it as a cross between “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars.” “Geez,” I texted back, “Not my taste – I’m sticking with ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’” He was not surprised. “You remind Continue reading

I celebrate Valentine’s Day gleefully and joyously – but not because of love, romance and flowers. I celebrate this day as a day of reclaiming myself and revitalizing my spirit – of  freeing myself from a continual and long period of self-destruction and dysfunction – mired in a toxic relationship. Eight years ago today – Continue reading

Valentine’s Day is upon us. And according to a fun fact gleaned from the Internet, most of those perky red cards splashed with hearts are not sent to lovers, but to teachers, children and mothers. However, when I think of Valentine’s Day, I don’t think of a bespectacled professor, an adorable towheaded toddler or a patient, kind Continue reading

I don’t follow sports avidly, but Kobe Bryant was and is a household name – and his untimely death and that of his daughter’s and the other passengers on that ill-fated helicopter ride – are cruel reminders of life’s capricious nature. I recently downloaded the app Calm. This app guides you in meditation, offers an Continue reading