Category Archives: Observations

Love and Sacrifice

Posted on February 9, 2014 by russtowne

In a comment to my most recent post, titled “Blindness”, a reader asked some great questions about what my thoughts were on the underlying message of the story and whether complete sacrifice equaled true love. I thought some of you … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, Marriage, My Beliefs, Observations, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged beliefs, heart, Love, Relationships, sacrifice, true love, writing | 10 Comments

Forgiveness

Posted on January 31, 2014 by russtowne

I’ve sometimes wanted to grasp onto my anger, pain, and feelings of victim-hood, and never let go. They helped to define me and my situation, and it sometimes felt good to throw myself a big old pity party. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Forgiveness, Observations | Tagged Forgiveness, observations | 19 Comments

When Words Fail Hugs Often Help

Posted on January 30, 2014 by russtowne

It can be frustrating to want to help someone and not know what to do or say. Sometimes when words fail, My Beloved and I just hug each other tightly for as long as it takes, letting the hug do … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Challenges, Communicating, Compassion, Connection/Connecting, Healing, Love, Marriage, Observations, Relationship Lessons Learned | Tagged healing, hug, hugs, Love, overhealm, pain, patience, Relationship | 18 Comments

Sliding Backwards

Posted on January 2, 2014 by russtowne

The holidays and new year can be especially difficult for those who are experiencing difficult times and relationships, or no relationships at all, health problems, etc. Some people I love are dealing with depression and struggling to cling to hope. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Challenges, Change, Choices, Forgiveness, Growth/Learning, LIfe Lessons, Loneliness, Observations | Tagged Anger, depression, Forgiveness, growth, self-help, writer, writing | 23 Comments

“Reflections of a Grateful Man”

Posted on December 21, 2013 by russtowne

My latest book, “Reflections of a Grateful Man” was released on Amazon today. Its focus is on life and ways I’ve found to enhance my life and the lives of those around me. With Love, Russ

Posted in Life, My Beliefs, Non-fiction Stories I've Written, Non-Fiction Writing I've Done, Observations, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged "Reflections of a Grateful Man", author, enhance, enhancement, grateful, gratitude, life enhancer, living, reflections, short stories, write, writer | 15 Comments

Light and Shadows

Posted on December 19, 2013 by russtowne

I believe that kindness is growing faster than hatred, as evidenced by so many examples others doing, sharing news of, and being inspired by kindness. Hatred is gradually being driven to ever-diminishing shadows as the light of love grows brighter. … Continue reading →

Posted in Kindness, Loss, My Beliefs, Observations, Optimism, Success, Writing | Tagged Caring, compassion, hatred, kindness, light, Love, shadows | 14 Comments

All the Important Things

Posted on December 18, 2013 by russtowne

I was recently asked, “If you could make three wishes, what would they be? (Wishing for unlimited wishes couldn’t be one of them.)” I replied: “I only need one wish. I wish for lasting joy for everyone. I believe it … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Joy & Happiness, My Beliefs, Observations | Tagged Important, important things, joy, observations, questions, wishes | 6 Comments

A Fire Hose Through a Drinking Straw

Posted on December 12, 2013 by russtowne

A reader recently commented that it takes courage to rise above the pain by your true self. I agree. In my case, it did take courage, though at some point, it wasn’t just that I wanted to share what I … Continue reading →

Posted in Abundance, Authentic Living, Breakthroughs, Change, Choices, Courage, Creativity, Fear, Gratitude, Love, Observations, Uncategorized | Tagged courage, encouragement, fear, frieds, Friendship, ideas, Love, support, writing | 9 Comments

Choices and Pain

Posted on December 3, 2013 by russtowne

I believe that when people go through awful experiences–especially situations where other folks hurt us–we have a choice. We can choose to let what we went through become an excuse to close our heart in an attempt to protect ourselves … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Challenges, Choices, Compassion, Courage, Dealing with Pain & Grief, Healing, LIfe Lessons, My Beliefs, My Written Works Misc., Non-Fiction Writing I've Done, Observations, Pain & Grief, Suffering | Tagged choices, courage, decisions, heart, I believe, joy, lasting joy, my beliefs, observations, pain, paths, suffering, will | 22 Comments

Dreams, and What Actually Happens

Posted on November 9, 2013 by russtowne

I used to say to people, “May your dreams come true.” I’ve learned that quite frequently that isn’t what leads a person to lasting joy. I’m now more likely to say, “May your dreams come true, or may what actually … Continue reading →