At Thanksgiving many of us pause around the table to consider what we are thankful for. We reflect on what we have overcome, persevered through, what we have. We may smile, laugh or even shed a tear. Gratitude is a healthy habit to cultivate all year long. Gratitude causes use…

Twenty years ago, I read in a parenting book that the single most important message to convey to a child is that of delight in him.  Thinking about that as a young mother excited and encouraged me to do what felt natural and fun with my kids. I have since…

“Man up” “Boys don’t cry” “Be a man” “Don’t be such a girl” “Grow up” “Don’t be such a baby” “Get over it” We have all heard these phrases before. Subtle (and not-so-subtle) expressions are often utilized to help create an ideal of masculinity that is characterized by confidence, strength,…

The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman is an excellent book to recommend to couples looking to improve their relationship. Dr. Chapman believes how people show love to one another can be divided into five different categories, at least one of which we use to express love and expect/hope…

I have lately been reflecting upon what it means to be a good listener.  In fact, I have begun to ask clients themselves about what it does for them when someone listens…really listens…to them.  Here are some of the descriptions of what listening provides: “a soft place to fall…”, “I’m…

“My kid’s getting in trouble at school because he calls out in class and won’t stay in his seat!” “My kid won’t pay attention and I have to tell her three times before she’ll do what I ask!” “My kid won’t stop and think before he does something!” “My kid…

Spring cleaning is an annual practice in many cultures and religions around the world. The origin may be traced to the “Bedikat Chametz,” the ancient Jewish tradition of a thorough cleansing of the home before Passover. The Persian new year, Norouz, falls on the first day of spring, preceded by…

  With the increase in technology, our society has developed the expectation of immediate gratification. To accommodate this expectation, many jobs require staff to be “on-call” to respond to internet-generated inquiries 24/7, an expectation that was once reserved only for life-sustaining or emergency situations. As a result, medical illnesses related…

  By this time, many people have already blown their New Year’s resolutions; whatever the resolution may be, from habit change to aspirations, the desire for change is a normal human experience, one that speaks to our innate desire for development. The fact that many of us continue to make…

Expectation is defined by Dictionary .com as “the act or state of looking forward or anticipating, a prospect of future good”.  Holidays bring with them an air of heightened expectancy and anyone who lives within the sight or sound of media will be influenced by all manner of expectation for…