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...]
Great Words to Live By!
June 12, 2019 By
Great Words to Live By! André De Shields, the winner of this year's Tony's for "Best-featured actor in a musical", for his performance in Hadestown, shared his three cardinal rules: “One, surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming. Two, slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be. And three, the top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing.” … [Read more...]
When Children and Teens Have Social Anxiety, How Can Parents Help?
May 28, 2019 By
Paula is a pretty, bright and talented high school student. She is anxious about going out, even with people she knows, believing she might say the wrong thing or do something to embarrass herself. Sometimes she even worries about whether her friends are really her friends. Shawn is a good athlete. He mostly keeps to himself and has twice turned down chances to be a team captain for soccer. As much as he would like to have fun with the guys on his team, who not only respect his skills on … [Read more...]
Do You Know the Difference Between Worrying and Problem Solving?
May 21, 2019 By
Many people worry by focusing on the problem or situation, rather than thinking about how to make the problem go away or improve the situation that is causing them distress. When we change our method and focus instead on the solution – the problem-solving aspect of the worrisome situation – we are more able to focus on those things we can change. Problem-solving moves us toward more constructive alternatives, and has a more positive effect on our mood, while also allowing us to find potential … [Read more...]
Are You Obsessing About Your Spouse’s Affair?
May 15, 2019 By
Many people who have struggled with a spouse’s infidelity, find themselves still thinking about it years, even decades after it happened. I had one person call me from South Africa and tell me that even though she and her husband had worked things through and were still together many years later, she still found herself thinking about his affair. Conventional wisdom would have you say to her “Let it go, already!” But why do people obsess and is there any value in keeping that betrayal … [Read more...]