Month: April 2025

Requiescat in Pace

~ rdicarne ~ 13 Comments

Just over a week ago, I awoke to learn that Pope Francis had died. Since then, I have been in mourning, feeling like I lost a grandparent whom I looked up to. There have been six popes in my lifetime, but Pope Francis has made the most significant impact on me. Why? Because he walked the talk.

As a cradle Catholic, I love the universality of the Church’s rites and rituals. As a 39-year Catholic school teacher, I am also keenly aware of the opinions and criticisms of the Catholic Church. Some are valid; some are not.

Like most people, my religious life has had ebbs and flows – never my faith life, though, that remained unwavering. In the past 12 years, under the guidance of Pope Francis, I found a renewed sense of hope. How he interacted with children, people experiencing poverty, and those on the fringes of society made this empath’s heart so full and happy.

There are many Catholics who believe Francis was too liberal, much the same way many thought his predecessor, Benedict, was too conservative. My feelings toward Pope Francis stem not from his policies for the Catholic Church but from the example he set through his actions. Pope Francis was the people’s pope who preferred a simple room in a Vatican guesthouse over a luxurious papal apartment. He was a model of simplicity and humility.

While Pope Francis did not rewrite the laws of the Catholic Church, he tended to follow the spirit rather than the letter of the law. That is what I loved most about him.

Over the past week, I was amazed to see all of the lives Pope Francis touched, especially those of other faiths. The outpouring in the news and on social media was astounding. What a legacy and example he is leaving for the world. If we could all be as inclusive and caring as Pope Francis, what a world this could be.

Tax Day

~ rdicarne ~ 3 Comments

April 15th is Tax Day. They say the only sure things in life are death and taxes. It is a day that people who owe taxes dread and those who receive refunds enjoy. Paying taxes is not the highlight of anyone’s financial life, but have you considered the other “taxing” things in your life?

While paying taxes might drain our bank accounts, many other things in life drain our “Well-being” accounts. These well-being taxes take their toll on us in many ways—physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Unlike the taxes imposed on us by the government, we have some control over the well-being taxes.

It’s not easy, but we must remember to take stock and mitigate the cost of these taxes on our mental and physical health. Are we working too hard, or do we have a healthy work/life balance? How about our relationships? Are they strained with family, friends, or our partners? Are social pressures and comparisons making us feel the need to conform? Are personal health struggles taking their toll? I am sure you could add to the list.

The weather in my area is finally beginning to show signs of spring, and thoughts of spring cleaning are in the air. The winter doldrums are in the rearview mirror, and I am ready to face decluttering, cleaning my home, and making deposits into my “well-being” account. How about you?

Let’s find ways to give ourselves “tax breaks” and boost our “well-being” accounts. I am calling this the REGROUPING ERA!

Full Moon Rising

~ rdicarne ~ 1 Comment

There is a full moon happening this Saturday, April 12th. It is the Pink Moon, named for the wild ground phlox flower. I love the moon in all phases (except when I teach on the day of the full moon). It is mysterious and romantic.

Beth Kempton’s SoulCircle (A writing group I belong to on Substack) provides me with a Journal Note each Monday that focuses on one word. This week’s word was MOON in honor of the coming full moon. Beth asked, “What would you like to release with the full moon this week?”

As I researched more about the PINK moon, I encountered an entire ritual centered around the full moon. I am not into rituals except those I engage in as part of my religion, but I found the list to include things I either already do or would like to do more.

  • Moon bath: I love soaking in the tub.
  • Journal: Obviously
  • Reach out to your family: That would create a habit of a once-a-month connection.
  • Honor your ancestors: We can never stop being grateful for those who came before us.
  • Meditate: I am trying.
  • Treat Yourself: I see a chai latte in my future.
  • Rest & Relaxation: I am always up for this duo.
  • Release the past: This is one I continue to work on.
  • Cleanse your space: Yikes, are there hidden cameras in my house?
  • Eat a nourishing meal: It’s always a good idea.
  • Crystals: Set them out so they get energized. I don’t own any crystals.

What intrigued me the most was releasing the past, which was related to this week’s SoulCircle question. What do I want to release? I am not sure, but I will ponder it as the week progresses. I will not write it down and burn it as some sites suggest, but I will write it down and perhaps rip it up to physically let it go.

What will you release with the PINK full moon?

Learn and Thrive

~ rdicarne ~ 3 Comments

The warmer weather and the start of a new month have made me feel more optimistic than I have in a long time. This month, I look forward to a baby shower, my nephew’s wedding, and a gathering with family on Easter Sunday.

Armed with a renewed sense of writing energy, I am trying my hand at writing a poem each day, pushing my limits and growing. Completing the SOL challenge has made me realize how much joy writing brings me. It also helps my mental health.

I am also more optimistic about reclaiming my health – physically, spiritually, and mentally. New MRI results and a script for PT have set me on a path to prioritizing my health and wellness. This girl had a “Snap Out of It.” moment. I am determined to make the last quarter of my life the best quarter possible.

Here’s to thriving!