It's days from the New Year and resolutions are on the horizon. Typical resolution choices involve exercise, diet and overall physical health. Don't get me wrong, these are great things to do. How about making a relationship resolution and actually KEEPING it this year? Often, our primary ...read more
“Home” for the Holidays!
Here it is, the thick of the holiday season. Between the just past Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa and New Years we have so many opportunities to gather in groups and families to celebrate things. Funny how the very celebrations we look forward to all year also bring so much stress and ...read more
Grace Under Pressure
Grace: disposition to, or an act or instance of, kindness, courtesy, or clemency; mercy, pardon; a special favor; the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful. (Merriam-Webster.com)We talk about God's grace, a dancer's grace and being in someone's good graces but we rarely use grace ...read more
Dads Matter!
We just passed Father's Day last weekend and sadly, Dads often don't get their fair share of recognition for how important they are in family life. We spend more on Mother's Day than on Father's Day. When someone gets on T.V. it's usually "Hi Mom!" not even "Hi Mom and Dad". Even though a growing ...read more
Love Is a Risky Business
"You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, and you are deserving of love and belonging." Brene Brown gives this excellent quote toward the end of her well known Ted talk on vulnerability. It's so hard to be vulnerable, isn't it? What if you are truly and totally you and you get rejected in ...read more
I Love You Just the Way You Are: The Power of Acceptance
One day the Sun and the Wind were having a bit of an argument about who was more powerful. Finally, they decided to have a contest to end the disagreement. The Wind noticed a woman wearing a light overcoat and said "Whoever gets that coat off the woman is the most powerful and wins." The Sun ...read more
Dating Someone You Have to Stretch to See in Your Forever Future?
You probably know how it feels to go out with someone who has all the qualifications of a great match. He has a good career, others like him, he treats you well, etc. In other words, he looks good "on paper". However, there is one thing that just doesn’t check out: you’re gut. If you’ve ever been ...read more
Married For a Day
As much as we all love weddings, it’s time to put them in their place. How do you think your new job would go if you stopped working at it once you got it? Regarding your kids...do you stop trying to “be a parent” once you have the baby? Wouldn’t it be ridiculous if you worked and earned the ...read more
Simple Ways to Make Your Partner Feel Heard and Understood
When you feel seen and acknowledged, what’s that like? You feel pretty good, right? If you notice someone looking at you, you straighten up and stand taller, adjusting yourself a bit; and if the person seeing you also loves and respects you, you feel a little glow. You shine brighter than if you ...read more
The Upward Spiral Of Gratitude In Couples
The Upward Spiral of Gratitude Have you ever noticed that glow on someone who is grateful for all sorts of little things? They not only remember to say thank you for the smallest of kindnesses, they infuse everyday life with warmth and genuine appreciation. We all want to be around these people ...read more