-
How the “Magnifying Glass” Can Help Us Find Well-Being and Joy
Last week I noticed the most magnificent red-orange-yellow leaves of this tree against the backdrop of the otherwise brown and barren landscape of late autumn. This photo was taken from my window, the one I walk by multiple times a day, every day. And yet, there were many days prior that I walked right by
-
How to Deal with Grief and Other Difficult Emotions
When we run up against difficult emotions, one of the places I find that people get most tripped up is expecting that there is a certain way that one should feel. And, taking this further, that often translates into “There’s something wrong with me that I’m feeling/or not feeling this way or that.” All too
-
How to Find Support in Difficult Times
Back in the day when I used to run triathlons, I discovered something powerful that helped me get through in the face of physical challenge. It wasn’t just my training but the encouragement from the spectators and the other racers that helped me find the stamina to keep on going. The energy from those around
-
When the Going Gets Tough Say These Two Words
I’ve had a lot of time for reflection in my long car rides back and forth to CT to visit my dad over these recent months, as his health has declined precipitously. I’ve been struck by the very physical impact of sadness and loss. It has not only shown up as a felt sense in
-
Five Ways to Thrive in Midlife
Last night, I sat in the audience and watched my adult daughter and about 40 others in a musical production that was pure joy for both the audience and the cast. The catch of it was that they had only two days to learn their parts, rehearse, and pull the whole thing off! (They only
-
Want to Improve Your Well-Being? Be More Like a Car
I was wondering recently about how it would be helpful if human beings came with built-in technology, the way new cars do. Besides having a built-in GPS, my current car also has a lane departure warning system that beeps to alert me if I veer out of my lane, another signal that goes off to
-
Six Steps to Decluttering Your Life
Several months ago, I spent some time decluttering my house by going through papers, clothing, kitchen stuff, personal items—everything. Beyond creating a more satisfying space, I discovered some surprising effects on my psychological well-being. Along the way, I was able to cultivate inner resources such as gratitude, satisfaction, mindfulness, non-attachment, and other qualities that emerged
-
To Reach Your Goals, Try Shifting This One Word
“But” versus “and.” Perhaps you haven’t thought much about these words and their impact. I hadn’t either until I became more curious about the power of words and how they can affect what’s happening in our body, our emotions, and even our behaviors. Consider this… “I want to start that new project, but I’m afraid