Suddenly, We Are The Aging Parents!  (Three Minute Read)

Suddenly, We Are The Aging Parents! (Three Minute Read)

Wait.  What?  Our kids have grown up and now we’re the ones who are aging?  How did that happen?  Weren’t we watching their soccer games like a minute ago? If you’re at all aware of the emotional toll it takes to deal with aging parents, I’m...
Our Aging Parents (Three Minute Read)

Our Aging Parents (Three Minute Read)

If you’re fortunate enough to still have your parents around, I’m pretty sure you’ve had at least a passing thought about your role in their aging process.  Perhaps you’re already dealing with some of these issues: 1. Care, safety, and...
Having a Friend vs. Being a Friend (Three Minute Read)

Having a Friend vs. Being a Friend (Three Minute Read)

Somehow, I’ve always understood that in order to have a friend, I had to be a friend.  And contrary to the opinions of some, they are not the same. Being a friend means showing interest in the things that are going on in someone else’s life.  Having a...
Expectations Are Matters of Balance (Three Minute Read)

Expectations Are Matters of Balance (Three Minute Read)

When we set our expectations too high, we are frequently disappointed.  When we set them too low, our standards are often compromised.  See what I mean?  It’s all about balance. As someone who deals with conflict for a living, I have come to the more-or-less...
What Does Truth Mean To You?  (Three Minute Read)

What Does Truth Mean To You? (Three Minute Read)

Jason was 100% convinced that Emily was having an affair and that she was entirely responsible for the end of their marriage. How was he so sure when he had absolutely zero evidence whatsoever? It didn’t matter to Jason because he knew it was true.   Is truth...
Hubris (Three Minute Read)

Hubris (Three Minute Read)

In my last blog, I talked about being proud of yourself and the benefits of having a healthy dose of self-esteem.  Writing on that topic got me thinking about patting yourself on the back to the extreme, otherwise known as hubris.Dictionary.com defines hubris as...
It’s Okay To Be Proud of Yourself  (Three Minute Read)

It’s Okay To Be Proud of Yourself (Three Minute Read)

I fixed the remote for my ceiling fan the other day, all by myself. (Well, with a bit of help from YouTube.) I didn’t have to call a handyman, and I didn’t have to impose upon my neighbor. Once the mission was accomplished, I felt very proud of myself....
Family Drama (Three Minute Read)

Family Drama (Three Minute Read)

We all know that families don’t look the same as they did 50 years ago.  Whether multi-generational, multi-cultural, blended, single parent, two moms, or two dads, diversity reigns supreme when it comes to describing family in the 21st century.   Opening up that...
Help!  I’m Living With a Control Freak!  (Three Minute Read)

Help! I’m Living With a Control Freak! (Three Minute Read)

Am I hitting a nerve?  Are you inclined to let control freaks have their way because it’s easier than arguing?  That is, until you’ve reached your last nerve and end up losing it over something like a coffee mug!   In mediation, one of my primary goals is...
Mother’s Day With a Twist (Three Minute Read)

Mother’s Day With a Twist (Three Minute Read)

The second Sunday each May can be a minefield of emotions for those of us who’ve lost our mothers, and for those of us who aren’t mothers.  For those of us who ARE mothers and grandmothers, this holiday can be filled with joy, or it can be a source of...
Unscramble Your Money-Talk (Three Minute Read)

Unscramble Your Money-Talk (Three Minute Read)

If you and your partner clearly communicate with each other about your finances and are always on the same page, feel free to stop reading now. Pat yourselves on the back, because you’ve succeeded where many of the rest of us are challenged. Whether it’s...