Holiday Gifts (Three Minute Read)

Holiday Gifts (Three Minute Read)

“The essence of the custom is that I now have to go out and purchase for you a gift of commensurate value and representing the same perceived level of friendship as that represented by the gift you’ve given me.  It’s no wonder suicide rates skyrocket...
Wants vs. Needs (Three Minute Read)

Wants vs. Needs (Three Minute Read)

At the end of every year I can remember, I have the same conversation with myself. “Next year, I’m going to figure out the difference between what I want and what I need.” I’ll admit that sometimes it’s a tug-o-war.  I tend to rationalize...
Choosing Peace Over Perfection  (Three Minute Read)

Choosing Peace Over Perfection (Three Minute Read)

Anybody who knows me will attest to the fact that I am a stickler for proper spelling, grammar, and manners. I’ve been known to reply to random posts on Facebook to point out the difference between “your” and “you’re.”  I’ve...
Help!  (Three Minute Read)

Help! (Three Minute Read)

Most of us find it challenging to ask for help, especially now that our world has been turned upside down.  Based on personal experience, I can understand not wanting to seem weak or vulnerable, but at whose expense?  I mean when my kitchen sink becomes clogged, does...
Establishing New Holiday Traditions (Three Minute Read)

Establishing New Holiday Traditions (Three Minute Read)

Holidays this year are likely to look and feel different with spikes in COVID looming.  If the thought of not being with family for Thanksgiving sends your emotions into a tailspin, and opening presents on a Zoom call seems ridiculous, you’re probably not the...
Finding a Gift Inside the Pain (Three Minute Read)

Finding a Gift Inside the Pain (Three Minute Read)

“I discovered that joy is not the negation of pain, but rather acknowledging the presence of pain and feeling happiness in spite of it.” ~ Lupita Nyong’o For more than two years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering for Adam’s Place,...
Living With a Narcissist (Three Minute Read)

Living With a Narcissist (Three Minute Read)

Disclaimer:  I am neither a therapist nor any other sort of mental health practitioner.  That being said, I’ve heard the term “narcissist” frequently from various divorcing clients — always about the other person.  These accusations led me to...
Receiving Appreciation From Others (Three Minute Read)

Receiving Appreciation From Others (Three Minute Read)

Last week, I wrote about expressing appreciation in the workplace. I talked about the importance of feeling valued by our colleagues and I listed some ways in which to show that appreciation. To piggy-back off my last blog, now I want to address the fine art of...
Expressing Appreciation to Colleagues (Three Minute Read)

Expressing Appreciation to Colleagues (Three Minute Read)

When’s the last time you told your [fill in the blank] that they matter to you?  I’m not talking about saying “thank you.”  That’s too easy and too habitual.  Nor am I talking about overall general gratitude which, although most...
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!  (Three Minute Read)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! (Three Minute Read)

If you’ve watched one minute of television over the past month, I know you’ve been inundated with political commercials.  This candidate is shady, this candidate wants to end social security or increase social security, this candidate wants to raise taxes...