I have a jumpy brain. It’s here, there and everywhere. All day. Everyday. Which is why I have a constant craving for mindfulness. I crave the ability to be present in my mind, my body and my daily life. I long for greater awareness of my thoughts, feelings and actions. To be honest, I’m not even looking for mastery over my mind, just a little peace and quiet…

I love to read and I often recommend it as a daily practice for personal growth. But how do you stay well-read if you’re tight on cash or even tight on time? Books, after all, can be expensive, especially if you want to read the latest best sellers. And, sometimes, you just don’t have time for two trips to the library – one trip to borrow and one trip to return…

I’ve struggled with occasional insomnia for years, but, fortunately, have found some strategies to help me cope with the madness. Some are conventional sleep wisdom and others are more along the lines of unconventional Melissa wisdom, but all of them help me fall asleep faster when my anxious mind and busy body are keeping me awake.