Act your age!  Ever heard that phrase before?  The problem with this statement is that behaviors are more influenced by development than a person’s physical age.  This point was illustrated beautifully, and sadly, by an unfortunate scene that played out at the end of a long plane ride I took earlier this week. We hadn’t been waiting long to disembark, but apparently the passenger sitting next...

I presented a workshop on stress and anxiety to several groups this past week.  With many participants randomly shouting out “Amen” throughout, I got the distinct impression people could relate to the content and examples outlined – especially when we discussed the topic of balance in our lives. It’s an understatement to say we live in an overscheduled, task-oriented, box-checking society....

Today I’m feeling thankful for the bucket fillers in my life who motivate me to be a better person.  You know the people I’m talking about.  They’re positive and encouraging.  They live their best lives and help you do the same just by being around them.  My bucket was filled several times over the past few weeks as I reconnected with colleagues and friends at various conferences.  Though I...

“How long have you and your wife been married?” I was asked.  “29 years as of Sunday” was my response.  Since that question was posed to me earlier this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about relationships.  Specifically, I’ve wondered how some relationships stay strong while others don’t last.  I’ve decided one key lies in four words couples utter on their wedding day, “for better or worse”....

Have you experienced brain overload? It’s not pleasant. It happens when we are attending to many pressing needs. The brain has a limited capacity for focus, so when our plates are full – or overflowing – we mentally bounce from one issue to the next like unruly toddlers begging for behavioral boundaries. It’s been a busy week. I’ve been getting ready for non-stop...

Do you present on mindfulness? resiliency? self-regulation? empathy? These are common questions I’m often asked, and my answer is usually the same, “Yes…ish.” Although I don’t tackle the issues directly, I do address the underlying concern. The topics requested all have one important commonality – an internal focus. When faced with challenges, we want our children to look inward and use...

My perspective is my reality, which is often the source of my problems.  Of course, I’m very good at seeing things my way.  I’ve had over 50 years of practice doing so.  Unfortunately, I forget the same holds true for others.  Differing perspectives, without some degree of empathy or understanding, often breeds hostility.  My second born son taught me this lesson. Micah once told me, “When I’m...

“What do you want to be when grow up?” Apparently, my answer was always the same. “I want to be a dad.” This is what my mom told me I said when I was young – and it doesn’t surprise me at all. For as long as I can remember I wanted a large family. Four boys and many years later, my love for being a parent hasn’t changed. Mind you, it’s hasn’t always been easy, but most definitely...

Ever have a bad week?  That pretty much describes my recent history.  A lot of negatives took up residence in my headspace.  I was a grumpy monkey.  And I’m confident that since I didn’t enjoy the experience, others probably didn’t find my disposition that pleasant either. I spent the first part of the week nursing a pulled muscle in my lower back.  It’s amazing how interconnected our bodies...

For most, school’s out for summer.  Was that a collective sigh of relief, I heard?  Yes – now is the time for educators to take a well-deserved break from school, paperwork, students, and the administrative duties that often overwhelm and consume us.  Summer’s gift is our chance to step away and disconnect. Of course, the “yin” of disconnecting from work comes with the “yang” of...