Bob: The most terrifying day of your life is the day the first one is born. Charlotte: Nobody ever tells you that. Bob: Your life, as you know it… is gone, never to return. But they learn how to walk,…
3 simple coping tips: how to master your anxiety
The TED Radio Hour shares Olivia Remes’ simple coping strategies for combating anxiety. Remes’ research suggests you can lower your anxiety by using these tips: 1. Do It Badly [i.e., just jump right in; it’s okay]. 2. Forgive Yourself [i.e.,…
A reversible poem, a thrivers-survivors poem: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and “[t]he goals of DVAM are to raise awareness about the prevalence and cost of domestic violence, the need for prevention, and the services that are available in the community to victims and their…
If you’re working at being happy, you’re trying too hard
MarkManson.net peals away the layer on this secret: happiness is a side effect, “not something you obtain, but rather something you inhabit.” Mark Manson writes (excerpt): It’s the perpetual pursuit of fulfilling our ideal selves that grants us happiness, regardless…
Murphy’s Law: 5 ways great parents make great kids
Inc.com shares simple ideas for raising great kids. Bill Murphy, Jr. writes (excerpt): 1. Stay on top of them. . . . British researchers found that parents who articulate high expectations are more likely to have kids who grow up…
8 tips: How to deal with and overcome anxiety and depression
NPR Morning Edition reports on the Northwestern University study in Health Psychology showing how we can learn to overcome anxiety and depression. Embracing 8 skills move us away from stress and toward a positive attitude. Allison Aubrey’s summary of Judith…
Bringing up bothers: 7 tips for having arguments without yelling, blaming, insulting, hurting
CNN Health reminds couples of better argument strategies with an interview of couples therapist Saul Stern, who highlights the relationship research of the Gottman Institute. Amy Chillag organizes her article around these seven tips (excerpt): Don’t avoid tough conversations Step…
Save your power: say what you mean, without over-apologizing
Career Contessa provides advice for anyone who apologizes excessively and unnecessarily. Saving your verbal power when it’s not your fault enhances your authority and confidence. Donna Moriarty explains the concepts and also identifies examples of being “brief, specific, direct,” such…
One change a week: 10 ways to improve your life
Psychology Today offers up 10 tips for making changes in your life, one week at a time. Barton Goldsmith’s top ten list with brief comments includes these three tips (excerpt): 2. Love is the only thing worth holding on to.…
Small talk, big connections
CNBC offers up advice on what successful people do when making small talk, and it’s not “How are you?”. It’s asking more meaningful follow-up questions. The approach shows how to speak up so others will listen and how, in the…
Being a man starts with being human
Barack Obama addressed stereotypes, reactions and what it means to be a man during a town hall for his foundation MBK Rising.
Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
Saturday Night Live shares its tips on keeping the focus on love. After all, it’s the thought that counts?
“Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside, you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.”
On Being launched its “whole new gathering space” at OnBeing.org. While it reformatted all its material, it includes a dedicated poetry page. There you can find the episode with poet Naomi Shihab Nye, “Your Life Is a Poem.” For a…
Robbie in The Wedding Singer (1998): “Once again, things that could’ve been brought to my attention YESTERDAY!”
CNN reports on the Saudi Ministry of Justice’s move to protect the rights of women in divorce.* *Apropos of nothing, the phrase “Knowledge is power” was originally attributed to Imam Ali, known as the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad. Nada…
Getting to thankful: changing your life, one word at a time
James Clear shows the difference between Have-To and Get-To. The author of the best-selling Atomic Habits shows the flow: Change one word; change your mindset; change your life. James Clear writes (excerpt): The key point is that both versions of…
Amorous mindfulness: monkish intimacy
CNN pulls the sheet off a 2018 translation of its 1938 original, courtesy of University of Chicago Press. “The Passion Book” reveals Tibetan Buddhist monk Gendun Chopel’s discovery of “the long-forbidden joys of lovemaking for the first time.” Ian Kerner…
Disappointment’s greatest gift: treating yourself with compassion
Psychology Today gives us Do’s and Don’ts for “What to Do When You Feel Let Down by Someone.” Toni Bernhard’s list of Helpful Responses includes (excerpt): 1. Recognizing that all relationships change 2. Feeling happy for others 3. Questioning the…
Parenting tips on how to raise a happier child
Happy Child starts with Tal Ben Shahar, the researcher, author and lecturer, and translates concepts into tips for building happier children. Yvette Vignando’s list (and discussion) includes (excerpt): 1. Allow your children to notice the full range of feelings they…
High roads for kid’s sake: you, your divorce, your children
Karen Covy contributes her “Divorced Girl Smiling” top 10 list on taking the high road. Covy runs through ways to (a) make things better or (b) not make things worse, and her list includes (excerpt): 1. Treat your spouse with…
Best Lawyers in America recognizes David C. Sarnacki as 2019 Lawyer of the Year
Best Lawyers in America recognized David C. Sarnacki as one of the 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” award recipients for his work in Collaborative Law: Family Law in Grand Rapids. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and community…