Are You a Worrier?  (Three Minute Read)

Are You a Worrier? (Three Minute Read)

Do you plague yourself with the “what-ifs?” Are you a pre-worrier? Does your mind seem to create the negative list, even when you know it causes you added stress and anxiety? Wait. What? Who me? I think most of us can answer yes to all of these questions....
Making Resolutions (Three Minute Read)

Making Resolutions (Three Minute Read)

First, let me be perfectly honest. I have no willpower. That being said, I rarely make New Year’s resolutions because I cannot keep them. But maybe 2024 will be different . . .How many times will you be asked within the next week about your New Year’s resolutions? Do...
Making Amends (Three Minute Read)

Making Amends (Three Minute Read)

Both the ancient Greeks and the ancient Romans used an olive branch as a symbol of peace. The expression, “to extend an olive branch,” is often used as a metaphor for reconciliation. And now as the new year approaches, I tend to think about relationships, especially...
Perfection – It’s Not for Me (Three Minute Read)

Perfection – It’s Not for Me (Three Minute Read)

Anybody who knows me will agree that I’m 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 reminded strangers to say “thank you” to the person...
Guilt (Three Minute Read)

Guilt (Three Minute Read)

I was raised by a Jewish mother.  I think that makes me an expert on guilt. Religion notwithstanding, I’m going out on a limb to state that everyone has felt guilty about something. And I think we can all agree that guilt is not fun. So, many of us stay in an...
I Admit it – I Love a Happy Ending (Three Minute Read)

I Admit it – I Love a Happy Ending (Three Minute Read)

Until about a year ago, I had never watched a Hallmark movie. It’s not that I’m a snob with high standards. Anyone who knows me will attest to that. And it’s not that I have anything against romance. On the contrary, I absolutely love love. So, for “research...
Supporting an Upset Friend or Partner (Three Minute Read)

Supporting an Upset Friend or Partner (Three Minute Read)

Let’s start with a quick quiz:Question 1: Your spouse just got fired. Do you (a) sit quietly and listen to how it all came down, or (b) suggest that he look at the situation from another perspective?Question 2: Your office mate just told you she had sex with her...
Pivot! Pivot! (Three Minute Read)

Pivot! Pivot! (Three Minute Read)

What comes to your mind when you read the title of this article?  Is it the commonly used term for a basketball fundamental?  Or is it the “Friends” episode with Ross and the sofa?  Dictionary.com had 14 definitions for the word.  My favorite is #6: ...
You Need to Just Calm Down (Three Minute Read)

You Need to Just Calm Down (Three Minute Read)

Tempers often flare during divorce and custody mediations, so dealing with emotions is a large part of what I do.For example, last year I worked with a divorcing couple who had two kids. According to “Molly,” her husband had a drinking problem. “Mike” admitted that he...
Taking the High Road (Three Minute Read)

Taking the High Road (Three Minute Read)

Have you ever lost your wallet? Do you remember that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach at the moment you realized it was gone?  You retraced your steps and then contacted the store manager, who told you that it had just been turned in to the lost and found. ...
It’s All About the Grandchildren (Three Minute Read)

It’s All About the Grandchildren (Three Minute Read)

One of life’s greatest joys (I am told) is being a grandparent. It’s likely one of the purest expressions of unconditional love, ranking right up there with how your dog or cat feels about you at dinnertime.   Pure? Yes.  And complicated?  Maybe. ...
Wiping the Slate Clean (Three Minute Read)

Wiping the Slate Clean (Three Minute Read)

As a divorce and family mediator, I sometimes think I specialize in the grudges of others.  And I confess, I’ve had one or two of my own (although seriously, not more than two).  Do we forgive and forget?  I think not.  Forgiveness is easier for me than...