What is Your Source of Happiness?

For most people, happiness seems to be a reaction – a reaction to an event or a set of circumstances. For example, many people have been certain that if they just won the lottery, they would have all that they need and they would be happy. Yet, many stories of lottery winners offer a very…

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Has Parenting Drawn You Closer?

While that would certainly be my desire for you, far too many parents would have to answer a resounding “No” to that question. It may have been far easier to feel connected and functioning as a unified team before you had children than it did after. Some have referred to “losing that feeling of priority”…

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Who Makes the Decisions in Your Brain?

Now that might seem like a strange question, but we all make decisions – somewhere in our brain. Some people are very analytical, attempting to gather every data point they can in order to make the most reasoned decision possible. Others often make decisions based upon what their “gut” tells them. Some are methodical, taking…

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The Problem with Independence

What? There’s a problem with independence? Our country was founded on this concept – we even have The Declaration of Independence. How can that not be good? Don’t get me wrong – independence is a wonderful idea in so many ways. But sometimes it can inhibit a healthy relationship. While individuals in a marriage certainly…

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Do You Feel Isolated?

While I have been in the counseling field for over 25 years, I don’t believe that I have ever seen so many of my clients experiencing feelings of anxiety and isolation. Prior to the COVID pandemic, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that 20% of Americans felt isolated and lonely. The report…

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Who, What, Where, Why?

The “W” questions. Three of these are typically easier to answer than the fourth one. For example – “Who did you meet for lunch?” has a specific answer. “What did you eat at lunch? also is pretty easy to identify.” “Where did you go to lunch?” is determined by a specific location. But “Why did…

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Do You Demonstrate Empathy?

I was touched a few months ago by a demonstration of empathy that was heart-warming but in an unexpected place. It was during an incredible NFL playoff game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. It was a hard-fought back and forth game with two outstanding quarter backs – Josh Allen and Patrick…

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