You Got a Raise?

Imagine that you received a promotion at work that came with a nice raise in your salary. This is a pleasant surprise and will provide money that you had not expected. So, what would you do with it? You are excited to share the news with your spouse, but when you do, a conflict ensues.…

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You Are Contagious

You have a pretty good day at work, no major complications or problems.  You are feeling pretty good – and then you walk in the front door.  Your spouse has not had the same positive day that you have.  He had a conflict with his supervisor, an argument with a co-worker, and his computer’s hard…

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Would You Like to be The Fonz?

Somedays I feel old.  In a recent conversation with a client, I made a reference to the TV character, Eddie Haskell, from the show “Leave it to Beaver.”  She had no idea who I was talking about and she is in her early 40’s.  I chuckled and said, “You are showing your age,” but she…

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Would You Like to Be More Satisfied?

Your first thought after looking at that question might be, “Well, of course I would. Who wouldn’t?” And I would agree with you. Yet I see so many people day after day who struggle to find even little bits of satisfaction in life. They may attempt to make more money or accumulate more stuff –…

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Would You Like Some Help?

While those sound like good kind words; an offer to assist, to provide support – individual’s reactions often don’t seem appreciative. Why? I have found myself trying to carry an armload of stuff (probably too much stuff) to the recycle bin, and my wife says, “Would you like some help?” To which I reply, “No,…

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Would You Ever . . .

Today’s question is – Would you ever think about retiring? Some may be thinking – “Yea, all the time!” Thoughts of retirement are pretty normal for lots of different reasons: because you hate your job; perhaps you are tired; or maybe you are simply bored and want to do something else. And yet, many individuals…

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Worrying Together

People worry.  Ok – not a news flash but it is a true statement.  While it rarely accomplishes much, except to stress us out, we continue to do it.  Some deal with worry by doing something physical – like jogging or going to the gym.  Others want to talk about it, perhaps with someone they…

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Words Generate Feelings

As Jennie sat with her friend Lisa over coffee, she said, “David is such a pig.  He never cleans up his messes, he doesn’t put anything away, he gets the milk out and then leaves it on the counter – his inconsideration is driving me crazy.”  Needless to say, Jennie was frustrated and felt safe…

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Winning

Last week I shared with you some of the story of Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher a couple that was married for 86 years.  Herbert died at 105 while his wife was 103.  What was striking about this couple was that they did not just endure for 86 years but they vibrantly engaged in life together,…

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Will You Have an Encore Presentation? – Part 2

Last time I discussed many retirees seeming obsession with attaining the “good life,” only to wind up disillusioned and dissatisfied. And yet, while retirement is nowhere mentioned in the Bible, we also know that, as we age, we can’t continue at the break-neck speed we may have worked during our careers. So, what can one…

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