Traditionally, at the end of the year, we talk about making resolutions. What are the things we want to do to change our lives? We make a list and start out with good intentions, but within 30 days that list has usually gone into the garbage pail. It’s not that we don’t have a desire to change, it is that the list is too long, not prioritized, and we haven’t figured out the “why,” the real reason we want to do those things. But after a year like 2020, a year of a presidential … [Read more...]
GRATITUDE
December 1, 2020 By
Thanks to Tara Parker-Pope for this eloquently worded statement of gratitude. I too give thanks to all of the people whose names I do not know, who made my life easier during the pandemic. And thanks also to the friends and family who were there virtually and in-person whose support was invaluable. Stay safe and healthy everyone. "GRATITUDE: I want to close this newsletter with an expression of gratitude to all the people who have helped us cope this year. Let’s start with our health care … [Read more...]
Advice for Living
September 30, 2020 By
Recently I read an article, originally written by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which was adapted from her book My Own Words. She wrote about the advice she was given that helped her in her personal and professional life, and as I read it, I thought “She could have been a psychologist talking to a patient.” Or a parent talking to a child, or a teacher talking to a student. Her words were directed at women and men and were full of common sense, yet focused enough to be inspiring. Here is a … [Read more...]
Four Sentences That Lead to Wisdom
February 25, 2020 By
I love to read mysteries. Perhaps that is why I like being a psychologist so much. I think of each person as a puzzle with one or two pieces missing and try to figure out how to help each client find the right pieces to become happier, more productive, have better relationships, feel less anxious, or be better at what they do. Recently, I was reading a mystery by Louise Penny and found a few sentences that really got to me. Here they are. … [Read more...]
What Is Mindfulness, Anyway?
June 17, 2019 By
Mindfulness has become such a hot buzzword, that it is used all the time. People refer to it when they talk about medication, or relaxation, or doing yoga. Recently, I picked up two magazines totally devoted to “Mindfulness” and neither one of them defined what it meant. These publications talked about improving sleep, reducing stress, and even faith, but never defined what mindfulness is. So I thought it was time to do that. Essentially, Mindfulness is awareness or focus on … [Read more...]