One form of “magical thinking” is the false belief that someone can “be stopped” from a self-destructive or self-defeating course. The magical thinking starts with the belief, “I should be able to stop him/her.” What follows is, “If I cannot … Continue reading
In less enlightened times, people assumed that mental and emotional distress — severe anxiety and depression, for example — had no cause, other than maybe supernatural. Today, it’s assumed that these are totally caused by brain chemistry. But has it … Continue reading
Sometimes people rewrite history. They do so after the end of a marriage, romantic relationship or friendship. Rewriting history, in the sense I’m talking about, means altering the facts to suit your new conclusions. It means leaving your own errors … Continue reading
Other people are not entitled to your time; nor are you entitled to theirs. If someone purchases your time, then they’re entitled because you gave your voluntary consent to provide some of your time for that purpose. This applies to … Continue reading
Someone recently asked me about controlling mothers — in other words, why are so many that way? There can be many causes, but the most likely one is a false belief (on the part of the mother) that a parent … Continue reading
Finally! One, foolproof method to solve all your issues, conflicts and problems. Be totally well-adjusted in only 5 minutes! Check out (former TV psychologist) Bob Newhart’s expert advice using this informative YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYLMTvxOaeE
The purpose of a holiday is not to be rational and kind to yourself, and your loved ones, while not being this way the rest of the time. Happiness is not, or should not be, reserved for holidays. I view … Continue reading
Here’s what a friend of mine (familiar with my writing) said to another friend when told by a therapist that her cheating husband is “depressed.” Note that when a therapist uses the word “depressed,” it’s most often code for: “I … Continue reading
Some people find it hard to adapt to change. For example, there’s a weather event or something else unexpected, and you have to change your plans. I have found that emotionally healthy people handle this sort of thing well. They … Continue reading
There’s a type of person who delights in bad news or negativity. What causes this? In most cases, it affirms for the person a sense that life is futile and hopeless. Such people don’t get inspired by the heroic or … Continue reading
People who are frightened of risk — all risk, risk as such — are missing the point of life. The only thing that gives accomplishment meaning is the fact that you might not have accomplished it, yet you did. Without … Continue reading
The worst people are the ones who are confident in their errors. Error is not propped up, psychologically, by the confidence and strength of reality. Usually, people in error are propped up by a combination of their own evasion and … Continue reading