Articles written by Mary Pat Lynch

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About me - Mary Pat Lynch

I live and write in Southeast Ohio on seven acres of fields and woods. I'm an educator, a dreamer, and a Mom; a reader, a writer, and an idealist.

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Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Enjoying simple pleasures: 1 of 17

Life is complicated, so it's vital to cultivate simple pleasures. When the going gets tough, it will be the simple pleasures, well established, that get you through. To be effective, simple pleasures must be carefully chosen and nourished over time. Start early, try things out, find out what works for you, and stick with it....
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Autumn inspiration: 1 of 14

It's September, with autumn's chill in the air. The rains feel heavy, and ground fogs are thick. Yet the leaves are still green; tomatoes ripen; and students walk to class in shorts and sandals. My favorite time of year: a season of change, not quite one thing, nor yet the other. The Chinese recognize this time of year as a ...
Education > Educational Philosophy Is competition in school helpful or harmful to the students?: 3 of 29

Competition in schools today is harmful to young people and our society. Modern education pits students against each other for a limited number of top spots. Competing in this way teaches our children that winning is more important than learning, and only a few can win. It kills the love of learning we are born with and repl...
Health & Fitness > Health Testimonies Living with a disability: 5 of 36

Next time you're at the mall, the movies, or the ballpark, look around. Without staring or being rude, find the individuals living with disabilities. You included everyone in a wheelchair, with a walker, or with another visible problem, right? Now look again. One in ten of the people around you who look just fine, also have ...
Education > Educational Philosophy The effects of a competitive academic environment: 3 of 15

Motivation - why we do what we do - is the wellspring of our lives. It's related to other values we claim to prize, like commitment, loyalty, setting high standards for ourselves, and striving to reach them. It determines whether we persevere in the face of challenge, and whether we cheat to get what we want. Motivation matt...
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Awareness & Realization Knowing yourself through your dreams: 1 of 5

Dreams are a wonderful, mysterious, fun way to learn about yourself. Recording and exploring your dreams can heal old wounds, help solve problems, and open up new worlds. But before you begin, there's one thing you should know: YOU are the only expert on your dreams, the only one who knows what they mean. "What a minute," yo...
Celebrations & Holidays > Christmas Making spirits bright: Ways we can renew the Christmas season: 2 of 9

A child's winter holidays are full of anticipation: How long til the last day of school Will I get a good part in the holiday play. If I do, will I remember my lines? Will we have company this year? Will we go visiting? How many cookies can I have? How long until I can open my gifts? This is a time when religious and secular...
Religion & Spirituality > Astrology & Prophecy What is your natal chart: 1 of 4

Imagine the moment of your birth. At that time, in that place, you entered the world as a breathing, quite possibly yelling, tiny person. Now imagine, at your birth, you can see outside into the heavens. To the east, you see stars and planets just rising above the horizon. More stars and planets fill the sky directly above y...
Relationships & Family > Friendship Issues & Advice What is a passive-aggressive friendship and how to deal with it?: 3 of 10

What is a passive aggressive friendship and how to deal with it? Passive aggressive people act by not acting. Sounds rather Zen-like, but if you're looking for an engaged, open relationship with good communication, honesty, and mutual support, look elsewhere. The passive aggressive (PA) friend will not be there for you. No o...
Education > Homeschooling Strategies for homeschooling children of different ages: 2 of 6

Before public school, children grew up in a world filled with people of all ages. Taking care of the younger ones, working alongside parents, apprenticed to craftsmen and women, or learning at home, old and young helped each other. Modern societies no longer put children into the labor force. We see school as a time when chi...