Personal Growth

Empowering people to make strengthening choices

A Perspective on Gratitude-A Story

A Perspective on Gratitude-A Story

  In my studies of gratitude, I came across a beautiful story told by Maureen Deuterma. It offers a perspective on gratitude that I want to share with you. Email from a Friend I received an email from a friend of mine today sharing the good news that he had been promoted to vice president […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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The Gift of Gratitude

The Gift of Gratitude

A Memorable Experience I vividly recall an experience when I lived in Cochabamba, Bolivia (many years ago). My traveling companion and I met a man on a bus who invited us to come to visit his family. We immediately changed our plans and accompanied him to his home. We arrived at a small, adobe-like, two-roomed […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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The Paradox of Money

The Paradox of Money

Between the end of World War II into the 21st Century, we Americans, as well as the entire industrialized world, got much richer. Far more wealth was created, during this period of time, than ever in the history of the world. Today we live in bigger homes, drive nicer cars, travel more, engage in more […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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The Power of I Am

The Power of I Am

  Bill’s Story I recall an experience from a class I taught several years ago which taught me the power of “I am…” The class was an intensive experience in personal development, lasting four days. Everything seemed to be going well, for most of the participants. They were open, participating in the exercises, and supporting […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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I Choose

I Choose

Last week I wrote about “who” vs. “what.” We all have lots of “what’s” in our lives, situations and events to which we must respond. Some can be quite challenging. However, by knowing who we are and anchoring ourselves in deep, positive beliefs about our identity, we empower ourselves to respond in positive, non-reactive ways […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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“Who” vs. “What” – A Key to Overcoming Adversity

“Who” vs. “What” – A Key to Overcoming Adversity

I recounted in my blog, last week, the story of Elizabeth Smart, the 14-year-old girl kidnapped from her home in the middle of the night and held captive and abused daily for nine months before being freed by law enforcement and returned to her family. “Who” More Than “What” You might recall that I posed […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Elizabeth Smart – A Story of Hope and Resilience

Elizabeth Smart – A Story of Hope and Resilience

I’m intrigued by the story of Elizabeth Smart, the 14-year-old girl who was kidnapped from her bedroom in Salt Lake City on June 5, 2002. The previous evening, Elizabeth’s family attended an award ceremony at Elizabeth’s school. Her father, Ed Smart, locked up the house, as usual, and the family went to bed. In the […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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Being True to Yourself: Acting from Freedom, not Obligation

Being True to Yourself: Acting from Freedom, not Obligation

To thine own self be true… I’ve been writing a lot about self-esteem these past several weeks. This week I want to continue the theme of being real by encouraging you to honor and be true to who you are. In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet a father gives his son some advice about shaping his life […]

By Roger K. Allen, Ph.D.


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