On Being highlighted one of my favorite quotes in a post about The Questions We Ask Ourselves. The words of Rainer Maria Rilke offer a bit of light in moments of blinding darkness: “Be patient toward all that is unresolved…
The true cost of Facebook: your marriage?
Ozy highlights a Boston University study suggesting Facebook is “a positive, significant predictor of divorce rate and spousal troubles.” Apparently, Henry David Thoreau* was right about true cost: “The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for…
Who has the power to change your life?
CNN celebrated Positive Thinking Day (September 13th) by offering “five expert tips to help you think yourself well.” The point is to take responsibility for your happiness and to do something. Sara Cheshire included these tips (excerpt): Be aware of…
Top tips for conscientious conscious capital uncoupling
The Wall Street Journal focuses divorcing couples on financial planning for “getting unmarried.” Veronica Dagher offers and discusses these tips (excerpt): 1. Know What You Own and Make Copies. . . . 2. Save and Budget. . . . 3.…
Changing minds: Listen, show you understand the other person’s side, ask to see your side, suggest another outcome
Real Simple suggests how to go about changing someone’s mind. Amy Spencer writes (excerpt): The essential rule when trying to convert someone is: Don’t — at least, not at first. “Just listen,” says Dennis Ross [author of “The Missing Peace”]…
Spilling your guts and other concerns when preparing for divorce
Kim Komando adds 5 things to your To Do List when a divorce is coming, as well as an opening warning to think twice before posting to social media. In the column, Komando has tips regarding passwords, social media profiles,…
Favors make the world go around: “Social wheels” and relationships
Psychology Today included an item from Susan Krauss Whitbourne’s blog, entitled “How to Ask For a Favor.” She offered 7 specific situations commonly involving opportunities for favors, and she identified 4 core principles. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D., explains each of…
From sinking to stearing a new course: Divorce later in life
The New York Times highlights the financial problems for divorce in your 50s and 60s. Constance Gustke writes (excerpt): [M]ore Americans are going through so-called gray divorces and the downsizing that follows. **** “There isn’t much time left to enhance…
Forget your perfect offering: The cumulative effect of imperfect parenting
On Being includes a post by Parker J. Palmer that, while not intended to focus on Father’s Day, applies to parenting: Have the courage to make small contributions knowing that there is a cumulative power in your imperfections. Palmer writes…
She says, you too can rise
Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014), heart, soul and voice of “And Still I Rise.”
Best wedding vows: perfect marriage by following science?
Psychology Today offers us scientific wedding vows. Samantha Joel’s list includes (excerpt): 1. “I promise to respect, admire, and appreciate you for who you are, as well as for the person you wish to become.” 2. “I promise to support…
Essentials, priorities and lifestyle choices: How to set up a quick budget
LearnVest offers a simple budgeting rule to apply instantly to your household. Your take-home pay is allocated among three categories: essentials [50%], priorities [20%], and lifestyle choices [30%]. Laura Shin writes (excerpt): The 50/20/30 Rule can be easy because instead…
Graceful disagreement: Guidelines for giving and taking honest feedback
On Being highlights the work of Brené Brown and offers us guidance on compassionate criticism. Mariah Helgeson writes (excerpt): I’m ready to sit next to you rather than across from you. I’m willing to put the problem in front of…
A Journey: From nursing to foster caring to parenting to individual adoptions to family
Senior Judge Bernard A. Friedman issued his decision after trial in DEBOER v SNYDER, Civil Action No. 12-CV-10285 (E.D. Mich. 2014). He determined that the Michigan Marriage Amendment, a 2004 voter-approved amendment to the Michigan Constitution prohibiting same-sex marriage, is…
What would you do with a $20 bill?
CBS highlights superhero Myles Eckert, age 8.
Relationship building: Tips for difficult conversations
Today’s Love and Logic Insiders Club e-Newsletter featured tips that apply to make difficult conversations in life. The specific context was teacher-conferences, but it noted the interpersonal applications as well. Charles Fay excerpted some of his father Jim Fay’s advice…
Secrets to finding happiness in your life and relationships
The TED Radio Hour features insights into happiness research and simpler ways of life. The “Simply Happy” episode includes: Pharrell and his “Happy” song. Matt Killingsworth on staying in the moment. Carl Honoré on slowing down to enjoy life. Graham…
Valentine’s and Violence
Jim Wallis poses some interesting thoughts about celebrating February 14th. He writes (excerpt): Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, our annual reminder to celebrate the love we share in our lives. While many may be struggling through aisles of candy hearts and…
Why am I not happy? Or am happy? Or not sure? Graphic research findings
Trent Gilliss at On Being shares a Webpage FX infographic on “The Science of Happiness.” Gilliss writes (excerpt): The infographic above may not capture the details of the science, but it jogs a host of questions and insights. A few…
Considering Cosby: comedy with commentary
CNN-HLNtv offers us a take on Bill Cosby’s “10 greatest lessons.” Colette Bennett’s slideshow commentary includes these life lessons (excerpt): 1. Age is in your mind: “Old is always 15 years from now.” 2. Fear is all that’s stopping you:…