I’m not really one for making resolutions, but I do believe there’s good that comes from setting goals for improvement. Are there areas in your life you’d like to move past or develop for the better in your present circumstances? Me, I tend to dwell on former frustrations. I’ll see someone or something that reminds…
NUMBER ONE: Your husband or wife is the number one person in your life. This means all family decisions and planning for the future are made together. PRIORITY: Nothing in life should ever be allowed to interfere with your relationship—whether it be disagreements, social media, pleasure, fame, money, career, or hobbies. WORDS: Conversations with your…
L — Look for the best in others! First impressions happen quickly—and they go both ways! It’s best to treat others the way we’d like to be treated. I want other individuals to give me a chance before taking a tally of my faults! So, look for—and point out—great traits you see in other people.…
If you’ve ever moved to a new residence, what’s one of the first things on your to-do list? My guess is to paint some of the walls. This is an age-old trick to tidying up the appearance of worn-down houses to make them feel new again. My husband and I have moved several times since…
In a previous segment of this series, we learned that anxiety could affect our thoughts and behavior in such a way that we are debilitated in our daily functioning. You may be concerned about how this could affect you at the workplace. Normal job stress—meeting deadlines, talking with clients, being prepared, balancing your workload—is typical workplace angst. But, if anxiety-related unease hinders your ability…
Talking with teenagers seems challenging even for the most patient parents. While many moms and dads desire open interaction with their kids, the reality is that this becomes difficult as teens proceed through their middle and high school years. I thought we were communicating! In our generation of cell phones, text messages, and conversations on-screen—communication has never been…
There’s always a lot of buzz about teens and their use of smartphones and social media. Most of us have heard horror stories about cyberbullying, “sexting,” and other risky online behaviors. For parents, this information can feel overwhelming. How do we compete with the powerful lure of “likes” on social media platforms such as INSTAGRAM®,…
You may have heard the saying: “It won’t stick until it becomes a lifestyle.” Diet plans come and go. Some work while others are soon forgotten. Many of us have seen this when it comes to eating and exercise. But what about other aspects of your life, such as your family’s health? Are there any relational changes…
Children love to play games with their friends, but many times fun and laughter turn into resentment and sad feelings. What might appear as pettiness to us is actually a very upsetting situation in the making. Occasionally, when children’s feelings are hurt deeply enough, they choose to shut down communication with their friends, turning inward rather than finding a way to resolve…
Summer break is coming soon! It’s often thought to be a time of fun and relaxation away from the busy schedule of the school year. However, alongside the warm aspects of summertime, this season can also bring on boredom and self-absorption in kids and adults alike. So, what’s the best way to adjust one’s mindset from grumpy to…