Reflections on Life Menu

Who are we? How we personally understand the world has a big influence on how we live our lives. It can be helpful and life-changing when we take time to learn about ourselves and how we have been shaped and influenced by our family, schools, community, nation, and the world. Here are some of the aspects and influencers in our lives.

Click on the flip box that interests you and then read reflections on that topic.
Check back often, as we add new reflections all the time.

Family

Our family of origin will influence us in more ways than we can imagine. Our family can be a source of love and many blessings. Our family can be a source of pain, abuse, frustration, anger, and fear.

Education & Lifetime Learning

Education offers us learning about many subjects, ideas, and ways to live in the world. We learn how to socialize as we meet and interact with others.

Writing "My Story" to Leave Your Written Legacy to Your Loved Ones

"Would you treasure having a written, or videotaped, record from your parents telling about how they navigated through the many worlds they lived?"

Relationships & Social Interactions

It takes two people to create a relationship. At times, relationships break down. When that happens, take time to reflect on what happened. What part in this is my own stuff? What can I do to bring us back into relationship?

Spirituality and Religion

How are we are loved by and connected to God, or Spirit, or giver of life? How do we understand and express our relationship with God?

The Arts

Creative human expression which include visual arts, literature, and performing arts. How do you use, enjoy, and create human expression in your life?

Mental Health, Addictions, & Self-Care

We see so many people suffering from addictions, abuse, trauma, and grief. Learning self-care is one way to allow oneself to heal and create new beginnings. How do you take care of yourself?

Death, Dying, Grief, and Loss

How do we explore death and dying? As a child, what did we learn from our parents and family about death at the first funeral or memorial service we attended? How has understanding changed as we have aged?

Recreation, Relaxation, & Travel

Making time for recreation and travel is important in life. People we meet along our journey will teach us news ways to look at the world that can enrich our lives.

Small Group Storytelling & Personal Reflection

Here is a collection of small group discussion ideas. Each idea sheet has a quotation or insight to read. Then a few suggested questions to prompt thought provoking sharing by each group member.

Mike Obsatz's Porch Talks

by Dr. Michael Obsatz

"I am sharing with you some of the things that I have learned over my eighty years of education and growing up."

Physical Health, Nutrition, and Exercise

Our thinking is influenced by our physical health and vitality. Healthy nutrition and regular exercise will have a positive impact on our lives. How do you maintain your physical well-being?

Life Experiences with COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing all aspects of our lives. Our daily routine has changed overnight. Love’s one’s are getting sick. Some are dying from COVID-19.

Navigating Our Many Worlds

by Dr. Michael Obsatz

"We are amazingly adaptive and complex creatures. By the time we are old, we have navigated through many different worlds..."

Purpose, Mission, and Vision

Part of planning a vacation is figuring out how to get from where we are to where we are going. Then it is about figuring out what we will do once we get there.

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Aging Grace-Fully

Aging Grace-Fully is a series of readings and activities to give you insights and an understanding of aging.

What is Your Legacy?

by Dr. Michael Obsatz

Legacy by Dr. Michael Obsatz: Every day, we have an opportunity to do our part to bring more love, peace, and joy into the world. Our every action can make a difference in somebody’s life.

Oh Grow Up

by Dr. Michael Obsatz

Dr. Michael Obsatz’s, "Oh Grow Up," outlines Ten Tasks for Mature Wholeness. Unhooking from our biological family of origin and more.

Community Service and Volunteering

What can we do to bring our love and talents to others in the world? Who has volunteered time in their life that has touched you, your family, or people you know?

Career, Vocation, and Job

Many of us have, or will, spend forty or more years working in some type of job. How do you find meaningful work and balance, money, time, and stress? How do you feel about your work life?

Money, Financial Issues, and Retirement

If money represents stored up energy, how do we make, spend, and save money to live healthy and balanced lives? What are your attitudes towards prosperity, abundance, and scarcity?