social intelligence, feelings, boundaries, emotions, humor
Introduction My client, with a tear in her eye, said, “I’m exhausted from feeling other people’s energy. You see, I am an empath and have high emotional sensitivity.” An empath is a person who is highly attuned to the energies and emotions of those around them. Not just empaths, but many people experience the world […]
Have you ever said or done anything you regret? I am not talking about a fumble mumble or tripping over the front hall rug. Rather, I am referring to disrespecting someone, emotionally wounding another, or crossing over a personal boundary. I’ve done my fair share. For example, I have: Acted disrespectfully. Years ago, I invited […]
“Shame on you!” hits differently than “You are guilty of taking the cookie from the cookie jar.” While they might sound similar, shame and guilt are actually very different emotional experiences—and both can deeply affect our well-being. Add in resentment, especially when it’s directed at those who trigger these feelings, and it becomes even more […]
Bullying is a significant issue in many communities, and our culture often responds by advocating for anti-bullying measures. But is this approach the most effective way to address the problem? I beleive the key to lasting change lies not in just stopping bullying, but in building resilience and virtues in the next generation. When Bullying […]
Lance Armstrong’s Deception Caught The headlines were filled with cycling champion, Lance Armstrong’s lying, deception, and cheating. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey (televised January 17, 2013) he said, “I went and looked up the definition of cheat . . . the definition is to gain an advantage on a rival or foe. I did not view it that way. […]
“Lacking a sense of psychological safety, people shut down, often without realizing it. They are less likely to seek or accept feedback and also less likely to experiment, to discuss errors, and to speak up about potential or actual problems.” Christine Porath, professor, at Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina and author of Mastering […]
At some point, we’ve all tried to control our relationships, especially with loved ones. Yet, the idea that we can control another human being’s thoughts, emotions, and choices is not only unrealistic but also can create relationship misunderstanding and friction. True personal power, freedom, and connection come from letting go of the illusion of control. […]
What is resilient self-talk? Resilient self-talk is a kind, supportive and compassionate inner dialogue. What you say to yourself shapes the quality of your life. William Shakespeare wrote, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Our internal dialogue can lift us up or pull us down. Resilient self-talk can be […]
Consider the wisdom in the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go. He was correct, You have a brain in your head. Use it well. Wipe out the cobwebs. Nourish it with wisdom and compassion. Our present culture tends to fill our children’s brains will commercialism, greedy, sugar, violent images, mean-spirited competition, contempt, discontent, and […]
Oftentimes we are encouraged to set goals for our ourselves or our organization. Most often we are then encouraged to keep plugging along at our goals. But sometimes, we would be wise to know when to let go and move on, and when to persist. When and how do you know? Kenny Rogers sings in […]
To love yourself unconditionally means to treasure yourself merely because you exist.
Introduction Do you find yourself struggling to accept acknowledgment, appreciation, or a compliments Are you often at a loss for words when someone praises your efforts? I used to be one of those people who would say, “It was nothing.” Why? Because in my head I heard my father yelling, “Who do you think you […]