My Dad was a phenomenal parent, the kind that should have had a hundred kids because he was just so darn good at it. He had this gift for turning any ordinary event into a teaching point. Leave […]
5 Life Lessons My Father Left Me Read More »
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis When I was in second grade I struggled to keep up with the other kids in school. My teacher tried to help me but had too
The Gift of Struggle Read More »
A friend of mine, Karen*, is one of those people who seems to have it all. She graduated at the top of her MBA class. She holds a high level job at a prestigious Fortune 500 company. She
4 Reasons to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others Read More »
No work, no chores, sun, sea, sand, and ten days of pure freedom! Forgetting the stress it took you to get on your holiday, the time it takes to unwind and when you get home there will be
Freedom Is Not Just For Holidays Read More »
Here’s a true story from my past that is a bit on the gross side…not too much so. If you can hang in there, it’ll be worth your while! One night when I was about eight years old
Have you ever wondered how some people are able to overcome incredible adversity, while others remain stuck, defeated, and struggling to handle failure?
There is a common thread between the “rags to riches” and underdog stories of victory.
10 Thoughts to Remove from Your Mind Read More »
There has been black ice all over the roads in Connecticut this week. Even as I type these words onto my laptop, I’m looking out the window and seeing another fresh coat of snow. I know it’s going to turn to ice before the sun goes down.
It started with coming back last Sunday from Ken MacArthur’s jvAlert in Philadelphia. Two hours to get out of the city limits with all the accidents and construction. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t fear it either. Traffic was moving slowly enough so that it was an inconvenience, but not a danger.
A Life Changing Experience on an Icy Highway Read More »
It’s late at night, and you’re about to fall asleep. As you drift off into dreamland, your mind wanders to that one thing you really want to do with your life. Maybe you want to start your own business. Write a novel. Travel to foreign places. These long-standing dreams put a smile to your face.
Until you hear “the voice.”
How to Change the Voice Inside Your Head Read More »
I will readily admit that I haven’t always been a particularly positive person. I think cynicism is in my genetic code and I used to genuinely believe that it was better to expect the worst in order to be prepared than to allow high hopes be dashed.
I’m also the biggest chicken imaginable. There was a time when I was truly scared of everything and the thought of acting courageously seemed impossible. I still find myself fearful and anxious at times but I’ve come a long way.
To top off the “Negative Nelly” trifecta – as if you weren’t already convinced that my redeeming qualities might be lacking! – I often tend to be driven by logic versus emotion and struggle with compassion at times. It has occurred to me that all of these aspects of my personality are likely interconnected and probably support and feed off of each other.
How to Keep Your Glass Half Full Through Courage & Compassion Read More »
I have a dog, and walking is something I love to do. When I do, I feel at peace with nature. For the past three months, I’ve been travelling alone in France and northern Italy. Every day I like to go off exploring. Where I am currently staying, there are acres upon acres of forest and beautiful little walks along the pilgrim’s path that weaves its way through the region.
As I have gone along my journey I have become more confident on my walks and have felt braver to explore further afield. My fears have abated. At the beginning, I was afraid of getting lost, which I have faced by getting lost twice. Both times, I was OK.
How to Stay Open to Life, Even When You’re Afraid of Getting Hurt Read More »
I was a junky kind of person for a long time. I was also unhappy with my lot in life, unfulfilled in my romantic relationship, and out of shape. My home was as cluttered and dusty on the outside as I felt on the inside.
These things are not necessarily true for all cluttered people, but there was a definite link for me. My grandmother was a hoarder and a very unhappy and unhealthy woman, and I wondered if it could be genetic. It wasn’t until she told me I reminded her so much of herself as a young woman that I was scared straight.
How Your Excuses Are Holding You Back Read More »
