Empowering people to make strengthening choices
When the problem feels like it lives “over there” Most relationship trouble doesn’t begin with cruelty or bad intentions. It begins with a familiar, almost invisible conviction that the problem is over there. Perhaps we feel misunderstood. Unappreciated. Disrespected. Something in us stiffens, and before we know it, our energy shifts toward defending, correcting, or […]
In my last post, I posed some questions to ponder at the end of this year. Here is the story of a couple who faced these questions together. It was the evening of December 30th when Jack lit the last candle on the dining table. Emily laughed softly—only Jack would try to make a year-end […]
As we approach the close of another year, I find myself asking more than the question, “Where did the time go?” I’m asking something deeper: What have I learned? Who have I become? How am I different today than I was 365 days ago? Of course, it is so easy to notice the passage of […]
As the holidays approach, I find myself reflecting on why this season matters so much to me. It’s not simply the decorations or traditions—although I enjoy these. It’s something quieter, deeper, more human. The holidays invite us to pause. To breathe. To remember who and what matters most. And perhaps, most importantly, to reconnect with […]
“It’s easier to put on slippers than to carpet the whole world.” Anthony de Mello I think you would agree that we live in an increasingly stressful world in which the uncertainties of life never seem to let up. As if the challenges of day-to-day living were not enough, many of us are dealing with […]
We all experience negative emotion. It is a natural part of life. Not only would our lives be boring without the ups and downs of our emotions, but negative emotions are how we learn and grow and become better, stronger human beings. Think about this. Without experiences that trigger such feelings as fear, hurt, loneliness, […]
Most of us try to avoid sadness. When we feel low or down, we distract ourselves or push those feelings away. But neuroscience shows that allowing yourself to feel sadness—rather than avoiding it—can actually support your recovery from depression and negative moods. This process is crucial when healing from depression. The Science Behind Feeling Your […]
In my last post, I talked about using affirming statements as a way of uplifting others, boosting motivation, and reinforcing desired behaviors. My experience is that well-chosen words can have an immediate and lasting impact. I now want to go one step further by sharing the skill of affirming others, specific steps that will make […]
