Texting and smart phones have brought the world to our fingertips in so many ways. While our parents didn’t have access to these tools growing up – “for better or worse,” we do. They are now a source of both communication and distraction. One research study discovered that nearly 20% of couples feel closer to…
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Why should we be serious and invested in the spiritual? So many things today are labeled as spiritual that are oftentimes totally focused on the person’s own self. But truly spiritual has more to do with how we relate to God, who is spirit. He created us and He knows our every need. Leaning on…
Details“When happiness shows up always give it a comfortable seat.” – Charles Dickens Neuroscientists have repeatedly demonstrated that the more we reinforce thinking in our brains, the stronger those connections become. For example, re-experiencing a trauma can lead to irrational but paralyzing fears. It is interesting to notice how things like insults, discouragement, or bitterness…
DetailsIn our last Relationships Tip Tuesday I discussed the seemingly epidemic growth of loneliness among individuals – both single and married. As promised, I want to take today to suggest a four strategies that we can use to fight back against loneliness. Talk to strangers. You may be in line at the grocery store or…
DetailsI remember a story from a number of years ago, that a friend related regarding his parents. He said that when he was growing up, his “normal” was different from that of many of his school friends. He related that his parents kissed in the kitchen every morning, his dad brought his mom flowers once…
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Over recent months I have occasionally written about some of the dangers of too much technology use and its impact on everything from our brain to our relationships. Today I want to borrow and adapt some insightful suggestions from brain expert Dr. Daniel Amen regarding steps we can take to increase our healthiness in these…
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I sat with a couple yesterday that are having enormous problems with connection. He feels that his wife is aloof and doesn’t want to connect with him, which couldn’t be less true. She is feeling that he has no idea what makes her tick nor does he have a desire to. They both say it…
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For many step-parents, the answer to this question would be a resounding “No!” I have heard comments such as, “I was such great friends with his kids before we got married. I don’t know what happened.” Or “My partner and I had discussed this issue prior to marriage and thought we had a handle on…
DetailsI recently read a story about a couple in Oregon who were traveling back home from an out of town trip. They were using their GPS as they navigated an unfamiliar route. Nearing a small town, their GPS instructed them to turn off onto a little used forest road. This was a result of their…
DetailsMy thoughts today are going to be geared for the most part to those of you who are single? While you may be dating or even in a relationship, you have not yet decided to “settle down,” “tie the knot,” or “allow yourself to be caught.” Many in this situation figure that they should use…
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