I recently read a quote, “Trust winter when the plant says nothing.” While we probably don’t give our plants much thought in the winter, unless we are farmers, they are still there. They may appear dead but concealed within them is the power for new life. In the spring they will grow, produce, and blossom. …
DetailsDuring a recent dinner conversation, while enjoying some great Mexican food, my friend Ed, who refurbishes houses, began to talk about different kinds of wall texturing. In his house they have a hand troweled texturing as opposed to the sprayed type. During the discussion, he mentioned that in one room of their house they sometimes…
DetailsAs I crawl out of bed in the mornings and make my way into the bathroom, I turn on the light and glance into the mirror. Fortunately, what I see first thing in the morning gets at least slightly better before I leave the house. But part of the reason that it improves is because…
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Another way of asking this question might be – what do you think about? Or what do you focus on? Psychologists have documented some of the benefits of regular meditation, such as clearing the mind, reducing anxiety, increasing calmness, and so on. Some individuals will focus on a word or a phrase and perhaps repeat…
Details“She is such a pig. I mean, she leaves messes everywhere.” He continues, “I feel like I work all day and then come home and have to do everything.” “I can’t believe you are saying that,” she replied. “Yesterday when I got home I fixed you dinner and cleaned up everything. So, I don’t know…
DetailsA New York University researcher reported last year that in a study which allowed people to bend the rules (cheat), individuals were more likely to do so in order to avoid loss rather than to make a gain. I experience this application to marriage on a daily basis. As I encounter couples in my counseling…
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“I’m really frustrated because I arrived home, expecting dinner, only to discover that nothing had even been done, no effort had even been made to start dinner!” Why did this person expect dinner to be ready? It might be because every other night dinner has been prepared. Or it could be that the person grew…
DetailsI recently received the following humorous story from a friend. A husband went to police station to report his missing wife: Husband : I’ve lost my wife, she went shopping yesterday & has still not come home…. Sergeant : What is her height ? Husband : Oh, 5 something . . . Sergeant : Build?…
Details“Now what kind of a question is that,” you might think. “I buy groceries and gas; car insurance and clothes; purses and TVs. I spend money on vacations, Starbucks, cars, shoes, and a plethora of things.” Yes, we all spend money on these kinds of items. So, maybe I should refine the question some –…
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Have you ever heard someone make the statement, “He/She just brings out the worst in me?” Usually, the statement is made by the person who has just reacted angrily, said something inappropriate, or done something foolish. But rather than own their misbehavior, they attempt to place the blame on the other person by making it…
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