Transparency – a word I hear come up often in sessions with clients. What comes to mind when you say transparency aloud? Does it make you feel uncomfortable, fearful, or maybe vulnerable? For many, being transparent is important and expected – especially in relationships. Partners want their significant others to be open and honest in…
It was a Wednesday evening, around six, and the love of my life walked through the front door – as had hundreds of times before. I was busy multi-tasking my monotonous weeknight routine cooking dinner for 5. Two kids were frantically tugging on my damp apron chanting in high-pitched squeals, “Mom! Mom! Mooooom!!” Inside I…
I once heard a story by Earl Nightingale, one that has stuck with me for many years. Earl Nightingale (1921-1989) was an American radio speaker and author. He dealt mostly with subjects of human character development, motivation, and meaningful existence. I have retold one of his stories many times and now I would like to…
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10 Joy – it’s so powerful yet so easy to forget in our daily routine. Entering a busy season in our lives can leave us feeling like our only option is to put our heads down and muscle through until life gets easier to enjoy. Life…
Life has transitions and events that come in many forms. Marriage, the birth of a child, moving, the loss of a job, divorce, or death of a loved one can leave us feeling a number of ways. Sometimes we’re excited or full of hope, but sometimes we’re worried or full of guilt. Both positive and…
Relationships are hard. Somehow the people we let closest to our hearts are the ones with the most capacity to hurt us. Yet, without letting them in, love can never flourish. It’s part of the paradox and thrill of love. But how do we respond when we are harmed by those closest to us, whether…
I once had the privilege of spending several weeks with Brian Tracy. At the time, he was a national innovator promoting the “secrets” of enhancing personal growth and revolutionary business practices. One of his primary initiatives was instruction on how to write, implement, and utilize positive affirmations in all areas of a person’s life. A…
Summer is here! A time for kids to take a break from school and enjoy playing with friends. But why should kids have all the fun? Adults have a lot to gain by engaging in play. For children and adults alike, play creates a sense of community. Engaging in adult play can increase social well-being…
Communicating with others about our needs, wants, and expectations can sometimes be a daunting task. For many, it can be uncomfortable and, at times, even downright scary. I have rarely met anyone who finds it extremely easy to communicate openly about these things. In fact, it is more common for people to avoid, deflect, and…
Our “sense of self” might be described as our understanding of who we are, our make-up, wiring, preferences, and areas of strength and growth. Knowing these things and being able to communicate them can be beneficial both personally and professionally. Here’s a question to explore: Where and how does our sense of self develop? In…