They are not fun to talk about, but we all have them – difficult seasons. Marriages seem to have several of them – the honeymoon (yes, for some this can be a challenging time); the new baby years; the everybody needs to be at their fill in the blank activity (soccer practice, band competition, gymnastics…
Details
Cultural theorist, Paul Virilio, stated, “Invent the ship and you invent the shipwreck.” This statement has been applied to the internet and all that comes with it – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Just as a ship can help you travel the world, they also are capable of sinking. Where the internet maybe…
Details
“What do you mean, am I defensive? What are you saying about me? Maybe I sometimes stick up for myself when somebody is attacking me? And, well, I may at times feel as though I have to explain why I did something. But defensive, why would you say that?” We have all been there. Someone…
Details
According to the annual World Happiness Report, published by the University of Oxford, the United States ranks 24th out of 176 countries. This is the lowest ranking for the U.S. since tracking began in 2012. The number one country, for eight years in a row, is Finland, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. The U.S.…
Details
You are cleaning the kitchen after dinner. As you wiping down the countertops, your mate asks, “Why are you using that scrubber to clean the counters?” Immediately, you find yourself in defensive mode, trying to explain, justify, and defend your actions. Maybe, he or she, is just asking out of curiosity, but you are feeling…
Details
You may find that to be an interesting question as it could be viewed and answered a number of different ways. You might think, “Well, I live on my own and I earn enough money to support myself, so, yea, I am self-sustaining.” Or you may state, “Ever since I moved out of my parent’s…
Details
Earlier this week (I’m writing this in late February), I was privileged to be interviewed for the podcast “Pillars of Purpose.” The episode will be aired this summer. During the course of the interview, we got onto the topic of “Leaving a Legacy,” particularly as it related to our role as grandparents. I was reminded…
Details
Whether it is a holiday, a birthday celebration, or a summer barbeque, family gatherings are always wonderful. Or are they? Often times they are. However, as I work with my clients, I find that they can also be quite stressful. I had one client a few years ago that, in a weird sort of way,…
Details
I was talking with a client last night about his wife’s love of movies. He said that he didn’t really care for movies because there is too much tension and suspense. I commented that the suspense that is created is for the purpose of allowing the characters to find some kind of resolution. Without the…
Details
As you read this title, you may be thinking one of two things – “Of course I support my spouse,” or “I used to support him or her, but I’ve gotten out of the habit.” Regardless of where you land, supporting each other is essential for a healthy marriage. Today I want to take a…
Details