We often believe, “If I had their life (a person more successful, with a bigger paycheck, etc…) I would be so happy!” Can you imagine a “better life” than being the most decorated Olympic athlete in history? That is the life Michael Phelps was living, but after two Olympics and … Read More
Resolutions: Can They Stick?
According to Forbes, over 50 percent of Americans make resolutions for New Years. However, the research shows that approximately 8 percent of American actually achieve these goals. Here are several helpful suggestions that will support success in achieving these goals. It’s a process. It was a process for you to … Read More
Rape and Reconciliation: Part 2
In part 1 of this blog, we began to discuss Thordis and Tom’s journey through rape and reconciliation. Thordis’s era of shame was over, and she acknowledged that despite Tom’s actions or response, she deserved peace. It took Tom digging deep within himself to overcome his fear and denial to … Read More
Marriage Relationships and Their Healthy Characteristics: Part 3
In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, we reviewed the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy marriage relationships. For some of you, understanding the dysfunctional characteristic of an unhealthy marriage relationship may have become a call to action to do something different in your relationship. You have many different options … Read More
Party Survival Skills for the Socially Anxious
For many people, parties are a highlight of the holiday season. But for those who are socially anxious, holiday parties can be nothing short of torturous. Resolving social anxiety exceeds the scope of a blog post, but in the meantime, here are some quick tips for surviving all the festivities. … Read More
The Post Holiday Blues
For many parents, the Christmas holiday is a time that they can see their family again. They can have all their children under one roof and operate happily amidst all the noise that was so familiar when the kids were growing up. But then the holiday hustle and bustle stop, … Read More
The Promise of the Holiday Season
In a world consumed with commercialism, it can be easy to lose sight of what the holiday season is really about. We tend to focus on superficial aspects of life and then fall hard when those things crumble before our eyes. Delicious food, presents, and lots of laughs are part … Read More
The Pursuit of Happiness
During the holidays, I find that there is an emphasis on joy, cheerfulness, and merriness. However, what happens when you have tried to find happiness and failed? Sometimes, individuals think they are entitled to it. The fact of the matter is that life can be difficult and can crush the … Read More
In Defense of Journaling
The idea of journaling or keeping a diary seems to conjure up different images in different people. Some of us think of scientists in lab coats keeping a research journal of their latest findings. Others of us think about tiny pink notebooks and schoolyard crushes. Regardless of our preconceived notions, … Read More
Am I An Addict?
Am I an addict? Labels, diagnosis, and prognosis: we are obsessed with putting labels on people and putting them in neat little categories. Society likes to know what the diagnosis is and what the prognosis will be. Many times I hear, “I use and abuse drugs and alcohol, but I … Read More
