In an increasingly polarized society, the maxim of agreeing to disagree has become almost impossible for me at times. Issues that matter a great deal to me, and those I know and love near and far, can become the topic of very uncomfortable conversations with close neighbors and even people in my own family. If … More What You Don’t Want to Hear

People who are proud aren’t scared, confused or unhappy. And that terrifies narrow minded, lost people trapped in their own unhappiness. Over the course of my life my naturally happy nature often drew confusing responses from people. They resented it or me, they didn’t understand it or me, they tried to tear it or me … More Celebrate Pride-Happiness and Freedom

Been a few months since I posted on this blog and on my other website. I have been on some social media, but that slowed down as well. It feels good actually, and I think I will make a habit of it, just maybe not 2 months at a time. Not surprisingly there’s research to … More Living Life Online and Offline

I’m not sure why I and so many other people struggle with forgiveness. I think it is in part because the concept is misconstrued, misplaced, and oversimplified. The most common misconstruction or misinterpretation of forgiveness is that it is something the wronged gives to or does for the wrong doer. That gets to the crux … More Forgiveness- Why?Who?When?

Mourning is often about more than just death. You may experience a lingering feeling of sadness, even with the ‘successful’ completion of something. Or some pain that comes along with the anticipated and joyful changes in life. I think it’s bigger than the simple contraction bitter-sweet. We are often compelled in a fast paced world … More Mourning in Life – Not Death

I have always known that teaching is hard, that as a society American’s undervalue their teachers. We know that teachers change lives, our lives, our children’s lives, our families lives for generations. A US government report recently confirmed that by failing to train and retain teachers “the teacher shortage is real, large and growing” (1). … More Thank a Teacher Every Day of the Year

With my youngest child off at her first year of college, and my oldest child graduated from college and making his own way, I’m totally free in terms of my time for the first time in over 20 years. No school schedule, no fitting my plans around track or cross country seasons, recitals or performances, … More Adventure Over Abstention

I am grateful and emotional this holiday season. Both our children are home and it’s wonderful, but a little sad. My son graduated college in May and recently began his first job, he landed a solid position just 4 months out. My daughter completed her first semester at college, she’s doing great and loving it. … More Grateful-Emotional Holiday Season

The Holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving and so many others are all about Family. The community of family, the love, the rituals and traditions. Some spiritual, some cultural, and some are super special and specific to your own family. With two grown children, and facing a new chapter in my own development, I … More Families Grow-Grow With Your Family

Why do my son or daughter not understand what I am trying to do sometimes, that I want them to be happy, that I want everything for them and the best for them? That sentence is the best example I can think of as to why communication breaks down between parents and children, between couples, … More Real Communication- Listen Don’t Speak