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Spring evokes many emotions for any gardener. All the plans made over a year need to be implemented in a burst of activity over just a few weeks. A lot needs to be done, and time is of essence. Looking forward to seeing some of the perennials come back with anxious excitement is like meeting a dear friend. But, some do not come back, especially after a long, cold winter like we just had! This spring was special because we had a family of black-capped chickadees nesting in our front yard. It was a validation for all the hard work that went into our garden. 

Let me explain: My family has worked

Type “mindfulness” into the app store on your phone and you’ll be presented with many options. For some, these options are great ways to bring nonjudgmental awareness to the present moment. But, there are ways to become more mindful in your life without the use of apps. Try these three activities that you can do without your phone.

Five-Finger Breathing

Do you have a lot going on? Is your mind racing on the long list of things to do? This breathing technique can help ground you when you're anxious by engaging several of your senses. Using sight and touch and adding in breathing allows your brain

There’s nothing easy about a difficult diagnosis, such as a serious disease or chronic condition. Your life path and outlook change when you hear words like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis or dementia applied to you. The same emotions may apply if you have a loss of vision, hearing or mobility. 

It can feel like you're being forced on a frightening journey with an uncertain destination. Or you may suddenly have a much clearer idea of what your future will be like. While some illnesses or conditions may have a resolution after treatment, others continue for

We have all heard the phrase, "Stand up for what you believe in." As important as these words are for conducting one's own life, we can create just as vital words of wisdom by tweaking this expression and instead saying, "Stand up for healthy living." It's just as catchy to say, but what makes it powerful is the data that shows the value of taking time to literally stand up! 

So, the next time your boss catches you roaming the halls and not at your desk, simply tell him/her that you are fueling up to be more productive than you have ever been before. Don't think of it so much as standing up to

'Tis the season for giving! During the holidays, it's easy to get caught up in the gifts, decorations and parties. It's important to take a step back from all the celebrations to see what you can do to give back. We've come up with 31 ways you can give back to your community - one for each day of December.

1. Help a neighbor with their holiday decorations.
2. Volunteer at your child's school.
3. Sponsor a less fortunate child and give them a gift.
4. Donate a gift from UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center gift registry.
5. Put your change in a jar and choose a place to donate it at the end of the month.
6. Buy

The holiday season is upon us! This time of year offers so much as does every moment really. For many people, this can be a festive time spent with family and friends. For some, however, this can be a time of heightened loneliness. And for most of us, what is intended as a time of joy and celebration can quickly become one of overwhelm and stress. We may go between thoughts of too much (to do, to cook, too many people in this house!) or too little (money, time, patience, no one in the house). We may find ourselves riding one wave of emotion after another. Excitement gives way to exhaustion