David C. Sarnacki published The Essence of Writing Persuasive Trial Briefs: Big Ideas for Mastering Mediation, Arbitration & Trial Briefs. The short, practical book is available in both ebook and paperback form on Amazon and other retailers. A wealth of…
It’s preventable: the leading cause of U.S. children and adolescent deaths
The New England Journal of Medicine reported our new #1 cause killing our kids: gun deaths, rising for nearly every racial and ethnic group. Jason E. Goldstick, Ph.D., Rebecca M. Cunningham, M.D., and Patrick M. Carter, M.D., all from the…
A lover, not a fighter: arming yourself with loving, honest and open communication
CNN Health counsels couples on effective arguments. “One of the most important things we’ve seen in our research is that people benefit most from being direct,” said [FSU psychology professor] Jim McNulty . . . . “Beating around the bush,…
Courageous hospitality: learning through deep listening
Pádraig Ó Tuama writes in On Being’s The Pause Newsletter about the difference between person-to-person mediation and group mediation. Ó Tuama writes (excerpt): What you’re trained to do, in group mediation, is to help people continue to practice the art…
Criticizing, blaming and shaming backfire and reinforce beliefs: instead, to promote change, try empathy and curiosity
CNN Opinion reveals one method of persuasion that promotes change: the use of empathy and curiosity. So much more effective than criticizing, blaming and shaming. Those backfire and reinforce the existing beliefs. Peter Bregman and Howard Jacobson write (excerpt): In…
Play: letting go of everything else
CNN Relationships highlights the value of giving up “egos, worries and agendas” to play with our children, play with adults, just plain play. Elissa Strauss writes (excerpt): “Play for adults is absolutely necessary if you are going to have a…
How to escape the endless overthinking cycle: 5 tips
CNN Health offers us 5 ways to escape being trapped by our thoughts, based on the work of Deborah Serani and her five-step process. Megan Marples writes (excerpt): Step one: The first step is to become aware when you’re overthinking…
Diving into connection: work through awkward relationship moments
CNN Health offers tools for repairing relationships in the face of conflict. Christine Koh culls these five tips from the professionals (excerpt): 1. Reflect and write down the good [start with positive intention] 2. Choose a different way to communicate…
Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2021 Top Lawyers: Peer Review and Rating of David C. Sarnacki
Once again, David C. Sarnacki has been selected to Grand Rapids Magazine’s list of Top Lawyers, this time for 2021. Recognized by his peers for excellence in Family Law [divorce and custody], he was chosen by a confidential vote of…
Worse than hate: the resiliency of White indifference
CNN’s John Blake distinguishes among factors holding us back from our future in the beloved community (excerpt): When we talk about racism, we often focus on spectacular acts of cruelty. The ghoulish photo of Emmett Till’s face in an open…
Divorce or separation?: Or the joy of reuniting after a long separation
For those suffering in their marriage, Retrouvaille Grand Rapids offers an alternative. The program offers couples the tools needed to rediscover their loving relationship. The next Retrouvaille weekend is May 21-23, 2021. For more information on registration or for sponsoring…
When you make room in your heart for LOVE, how much room do you save for hate?
“Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply; expect little; give much; sing often; pray always. Fill your life with love. Scatter sunshine.” –Malcolm James McLeod, The Culture of Simplicity
Gifts over grief: a worthy obsession
On Being’s weekly newsletter The Pause includes Poetry Unbound host Pádraig Ó Tuama’s reflection on his counseling experience in his twenties. Pádraig Ó Tuama writes (excerpt): I told him how angry I’d been with him the first time I saw…
Aiding the advocate: A Visual Refresher Course on Courtroom Persuasion
A Visual Refresher Course on Courtroom Persuasion simplifies understanding with a practical, visual approach to trial persuasion. Learn how to become the guiding advocate, develop a simple core message, and skillfully make memories at trial. Like A Visual Refresher Course…
“Not Broken But Simply Unfinished”: What were you doing at 22?
NPR featured the extraordinary performance by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.
A forgiveness formula: powerfully perfect apologies
CNN Health helps us understand how to apologize. Jessica DuLong writes (excerpt): In her new book, “The Forgiveness Tour: How to Find the Perfect Apology,” Susan Shapiro explains that a full apology includes four essential elements: acknowledgment of the offense,…
“On the Pulse of Morning”: Maya Angelou’s reflection on her inaugural poem
The Atlantic has Brian Resnick/National Journal’s May 28, 2014 article on Maya Angelou’s reflection on her 1993 “On the Pulse of Morning”: “In my work, in everything I do, I mean to say that we human beings are more alike…
2021: what about health, happiness and peace in your life?
Good Housekeeping shares a few dozen ideas for starting off 2021 on the right foot. Here are two of Zee Krstic and Kate Rockwood’s “Achievable New Year’s Resolutions” (excerpt): Write to yourself. When your inner critic picks up her bullhorn,…
Big Ideas: New Resource for going to court without a lawyer
The Essence of Being in Court: Big Ideas for Going to Court and Representing Yourself is now available. If you are serious about winning in court, discover the proven strategies you need to know before entering a courtroom without your…
Make it up as you go: quarantine + talent + a good heart = sharing your love with the world
My sister sent me this link to the song: The Keep Going Song by The Bengsons. Perfect with that first cup of coffee to start your day!