How to Be a More Decisive Person
What to be more decisive? Here’s how: While playing it safe may be comforting, standing in the shadows, waiting for someone else to decide, or remaining dependent on friends or loved ones to make decisions for you weakens your confidence and chips away at your self-esteem. Being totally at the mercy of others is a […]
What is a Value Creating Life?
What’s truly of most value in life? Life deals us so many sufferings – loved ones pass, illness occurs, tragedy strikes. In a heartbeat, we could be hit with a critical blow we never saw coming, an event that could change the course of our lives forever. The bottom line: If you’re living and breathing, […]
How to Cure Analysis Paralysis
My Analysis Paralysis Story “Unfurl the ropes!” The white-haired captain barks as he surveys the wind-bellied sails. My twelve-year-old mind is spinning. Unfurl? What does unfurl mean? I’m clearly in over my head. What have I gotten myself into? The captain points to a large pile of twisted and knotted ropes on deck. In a […]
The Father’s Day Time Machine
A Father’s Day Memory “Wrap the extension cord around the gutter and tie a knot!” My father cups his hands and hollers into the wind. “Be careful! Don’t drop the bulbs! They’re expensive!” I inch toward the icy edge of the roof and think for a moment. “What about me? Am I expensive?” I lower […]
Anger MISmanagement and Other Relationship Crimes
Everyone gets angry. But how we manage anger is very different. Some of us store up frustration, hold grudges, nurse hurt feelings, or isolate ourselves; others rage and blame the world and everyone in it for their problems and their feelings. These behaviors will only hurt us and damage our relationships. What’s worse, they give […]
How to Stop Being a “No” Strategy Parent
A “No” Strategy Moment “Poppa, can I have some apple pie?” A simple question. But have you ever tried to reason with a four-year-old around five a.m. on a snowy winter’s morning? Especially when there’s no apple pie in the house? Gloomily, I employed my “No” strategy, an approach many parents are familiar with. A […]
The Ice Cream Cone that Changed the World
Derek & the Ice Cream Cone Derek is painfully aware he’s poor. Forced to wear worn out sneakers and jeans, he’s often the subject of ridicule wherever he goes, particularly when he delivers newspapers to the wealthy part of town. And it’s not just teasing by other kids; even the adults in that neighborhood snicker […]