Empowering people to make strengthening choices

Overcoming Resentment

Overcoming Resentment

In my last post, I talked about building goodwill by radiating a friendly, kind, benevolent, or cooperative attitude towards others. These are traits that most of us consider desirable. If given a conscious choice, most of us would choose to live from the affable emotional state of goodwill. And yet how often is our goodwill […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Building Goodwill: A Crucial Relationship Skill

Building Goodwill: A Crucial Relationship Skill

I think of goodwill as an attitude which is friendly, kind, benevolent, helpful, or cooperative. Someone expressing goodwill radiates not only friendliness but openness and trust towards others as opposed to hostility and annoyance. Take just a moment to consider someone you know who comes from goodwill. Those in their presence feel seen and valued, […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Take Control of Your Life Situation

Take Control of Your Life Situation

I’ve talked before about the distinction between your life and life situation. To give you a quick metaphor, your life situation is the pond you swim in – your relationships, your environment, your job, your health, etc.  But your life is how you choose to swim through it.  Even if there are storms or predators […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Emotionally Intelligent Communication

Emotionally Intelligent Communication

Imagine that Trish, an 8th grader, comes home from school and throws her books on the floor. Mom responds, “Hey, you don’t throw books. You come and pick these up, right now, young lady.” Trish turns and runs up to her room in tears, ignoring her mom’s, “Get back here.” An Anxious Mom Fuming and […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Desired Outcomes from Your Communication

Desired Outcomes from Your Communication

In my last blog posts, I’ve made a distinction between communication that is harmful and weakening vs. helpful and strengthening. It is powerful to be aware of this distinction. As you recognize your tendencies that are weakening and purposefully choose to communicate in ways that are strengthening you will not only improve the quality of […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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What Not to Say to Someone in Distress

What Not to Say to Someone in Distress

What do you do or say when someone around you is hurting or in distress? How are you likely to respond? Do you say and do something that will be helpful and even strengthening to this individual or might you, inadvertently, say or do something that is harmful and even weakening? I want to suggest […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Is Your Communication Weakening or Strengthening?

Is Your Communication Weakening or Strengthening?

Hi my friend, In truth, we are always communicating, verbally and nonverbally, when in the presence of others. Our words, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice all matter and affect those around us. So a question I want to pose to you today is, what is the impact of your communication? Is your communication helpful or […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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What’s Your Relationship Dance?

What’s Your Relationship Dance?

In my last post, I talked about four styles of communication. Would you call yourself a dominator, accommodator, avoider, or collaborator in your communication? A Relationship Dance Of course, communication is two-way, meaning there are patterns that depend not only on your tendencies but that of others with whom you’re communicating. A dance is a good […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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