Self-improvement

How to Listen Without Getting Defensive

“Why does everything always have to be a fight?” “Why can’t we ever talk about something without it turning into a fight?” These are things I hear not only from my couples in couples therapy but also from individuals. Wouldn’t you appreciate feeling heard in a difficult conversation? And I’m sure there have been many […]

9 Essential Ingredients of a True Apology

There are times that I don’t always show up as my best self. I’m sure if you ask my husband, Todd, he’ll tell you that there are many more times than I care to admit, that a lesser version of myself shows up. Just like all of us, I can get stressed or be in

Relationships in Isolation

It feels like our world has changed so much in the last eight weeks. The coronavirus has impacted each and every one of us to varying significant degrees. All of us now have a new normal. As we socially distance, some of us are breathing a sigh of relief and enjoying being introverted. Others of

The Awakening

The Awakening(Author unknown) A time comes in your life when you finally get it…when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out…ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down

Life Isn’t About Keeping Score

Life isn’t about keeping score.It’s not about how many people call youand it’s not about who you’ve dated, are dating, or haven’t dated at all.It isn’t about who you’ve kissed,what sport you play,or which guy or girl likes you.It’s not about your shoes or your hair or the color of your skinor where you live

Healing Is Not For Wimps

I recently ran across this wonderful article by Rick Belden at his site www.goodmenproject.com.  He has wonderful insights on how most of us tend to run away from our emotional and psychological pain rather than sitting down and working through it. We do this because of conditioning and fear, among other reasons. The effect of this

The Two Wolves

An old Cherokee told his grandson, “My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies, and ego. The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, kindness, humility, empathy and truth.” The boy thought about it and asked, “Grandfather, which

Letting Go, Opening to Life

“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” ~ Joseph Campbell Profound words from a master! So many of us have our noses to the grindstone, following a path that we set for ourselves a long time ago, or worse yet, that

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comesas an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all!Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,who violently sweep your houseempty of its furniture,still, treat each guest honorably.He may be clearing you outfor some new delight. The dark

Possibilities

The weather is so remarkable today. It truly feels like spring is here in Southern Ontario. The sun is shining, the air is warm, and I cannot help but think that a day like this is filled with the promise of possibilities. After a winter of hibernation where we tend to coccoon and stay close

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