Today is Memorial Day – a day of remembrance for those who died in service to our country.

Originally called Decoration Day (from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags), Memorial Day dates back to the years after the Civil War and was declared a federal holiday in 1971 by President Richard Nixon.

Now celebrated as part of a three-day weekend, it represents the beginning of summer filled…

Adolescence is here. And I don’t like it.

Our foray into our daughter’s adolescence came like an avalanche this past weekend – not the peaceful transition I was hoping for. And I find myself wishing I could turn back time.

A little back story: When our (usually) responsible 6th grader asked to go to the park with a friend and her Mom, we didn’t even blink. She’s always been honest with us, so there was no reason to question her intentions UNTIL my husband did a little “spying”…

Adolescence is here. And I don’t like it.

Our foray into our daughter’s adolescence came like an avalanche this past weekend – not the peaceful transition I was hoping for. And I find myself wishing I could turn back time.

A little back story: When our (usually) responsible 6th grader asked to go to the park with a friend and her Mom, we didn’t even blink. She’s always been honest with us, so there was no reason to question her intentions UNTIL my husband did a little “spying”…

Adolescence is here. And I don’t like it.

Our foray into our daughter’s adolescence came like an avalanche this past weekend – not the peaceful transition I was hoping for. And I find myself wishing I could turn back time.

A little back story: When our (usually) responsible 6th grader asked to go to the park with a friend and her Mom, we didn’t even blink. She’s always been honest with us, so there was no reason to question her intentions UNTIL my husband did a little “spying”…

I have spent a fair amount of time in my life rehabbing from injuries, surgeries and accidents.

The genesis for this post comes from being in physical therapy.

It’s a place where everyone has some kind of a limitation. They limp. They walk with the aid of a cane, crutches or walker. They wear slings and various braces. They are often in pain and know that it’s the kind that they have to work through to get better.

On the positive side, PT is…

In my therapy practice, I preach a lot about tolerance. Sometimes, I’ll even start out sessions by asking, “how is your tolerance holding up?” What I mean is this: “How much more can you take before you take action?”

It’s been interesting to watch because some clients’ tolerance is high -REALLY high. Sometimes even TOO high. Others have a low level of tolerance and are ready to bail on a marriage, relationship, job, etc. at the drop of a hat. Often, their level of tolerance mimics…

One of the most common forms of conflict I experience in my work as a couples therapist has to do with the notion of “turning in – or turning away” from one’s partner. And, it’s also the most common predictor (in my opinion, anyway) of whether a couple will stay together or disconnect.

What I mean is this: When you have a problem/inner conflict/personal loss, do you turn TOWARD your partner for support? Or do you turn away from your partner and isolate yourself?

I…

Do you have a bad habit that you want to get rid of?

Reaching for the chocolate when stress builds?  Or smoking after a meal?

Perhaps you want to go to the gym on weekend mornings instead of sleeping in?

Well, after months and years of practicing the same habits over and over again, your brain has created  “mental…

Most of us have been there. No one says a word at meeting, even at the end when there’s one last request for questions or comments.

Then everyone leaves and the chatter starts. Ideas, feedback, criticism are shared in small groups.

What’s the best way to encourage a “speak up” culture when everyone is together?

I believe that a group’s culture is driven from the top. And I am using the word ‘group” loosely here. It can be anything from a…