"It is not your environment, it is you -- the quality of your mind, the integrity of your soul, the determination of your will -- that will decide your future and shape your life."  -Benjamin E. Mays


 



IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS …
reflections on this journey called life

By Nan S. Russell 


Sitting across from a German couple and a Chinese mother and child, we were waiting at the Guilin airport...

"All done," our fifteen month old granddaughter motioned, using infant sign language to communicate...

There was turbulence on the plane. Not the soft, rolling bumps that gently remind you that you're thirty-one...

While growing up, I heard my mother tell the story of how she traveled alone in winter on a train from...

The signs are clear when I've had enough vacation. The day's adventure feels more like work than play,...

Recognizing the lump in my chest was not one of congratulations, I stared at the card, brushing my feelings...

A hundred people I didn't know gathered on the top floor of a New York City hotel. A few sought fame...

It was an ordinary, early-December day. A wisp of snow teased the asphalt driveway, as if deciding whether...

Old enough to know there were no monsters in my room, I still anguished over the walk to my darkened...

Seated at a window table of a nice hotel restaurant, tired after an emotionally grueling day brimming...

It was not the day I planned. Pulled from a lazy, dozing, Saturday morning at our cabin, to my brother's...

Their blue-green vehicle approached, stopping at the passenger pickup area to gather us and our suitcase...

This archive shows the previous 12 months of In the Scheme of Things columns. However, based on reader request, Nan’s previous In the Scheme of Things columns are available for purchase in PDF download format.

Nan’s In the Scheme of Things columns have been published in: Chicken Soup for the Shopper’s Soul; Cup of Comfort for Weddings; Classic Christmas; Letters to My Teachers.

 

 


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Readers' Comments:

Thank you for sharing from your heart what may be every women's story. You put it so beautifully that those who haven't stepped out into their own yet and want to, will. Robin

You are a beautiful writer and your message was something I needed to hear right now. Great timing. MC

Your work is terrific. Sometimes I feel your words are written just for me. Jay

I enjoy all your columns. Charles

I would really like a book of all your articles. I hope you're working on one. I print out each email and read it again and again during the month. Thanks for the inspiration. Terri

One of my friends introduced me to your work and I just love your writing. I so look forward to getting your column each month. Norma

Great. Great. Great. Keep 'em coming. Josh

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