How to cope with bad news? It’s all around us, I know. But what’s GOOD? Is nothing good in your life? For a lot of people the answer is, “Much is good in my life.” My advice, then, is spending … Continue reading
Category: Psychology & Self-Improvement
Why the Strong Don’t Repress Emotions
Being strong doesn’t mean hiding from, or repressing, your feelings. To run from something is not a sign of strength. At the same time, wallowing in–or being overcome by–your emotions is not an indication of strength, either. Strength comes from … Continue reading
Sticks, Stones and Self-Esteem
“Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me.” There’s truth to this old saying. You can choose to accept another’s criticism as true, or false. You can thank them if it’s true, and ignore them–or … Continue reading
Two Attitudes
There are two ways to look at people who do something well, or better than you. One is: “Why can’t I be like that?” The second is: “Wow, what a great job he does. I’m going to strive for that, … Continue reading
Dealing With Another’s “Spin”
People in general, not just politicians, have their “spin.” The issue is communication. The key to communication is following the facts and logic relayed by the person speaking to you. Facts and logic are the means by which you evaluate … Continue reading
Goals are an Everyday Thing
A serious goal that involves a major life change is an all-or-nothing proposition. You either commit to it, or you don’t. If, for example, you decided to become a writer, you would write every day—or more days than not. You … Continue reading
Why Confidence Matters
Perspective comes from hope and confidence. We all know hope is valuable, but confidence is very important, too. Confidence allows us to assume that we are able to solve and resolve problems—even when in the moment we cannot solve them … Continue reading
Shame and “Disease”
The whole idea of calling mental health or behavioral problems–like depression, alcohol abuse–a “disease” was to encourage people to stop viewing them with shame. If you view your problems with shame, you’ll more likely deny or ignore them rather than … Continue reading
Thoughtful Independence
Dependence doesn’t mean delegating to others what you’re able and willing to pay for. Dependence doesn’t mean learning from, or listening to, somebody else. It’s not dependent for a medical student to go to medical school and learn what previous … Continue reading
Listening Ear
Listening doesn’t come from a desire to please others. Listening comes from a desire to understand and learn. A subject is either important and interesting to you, or it isn’t. A person is either important and interesting to you, or … Continue reading
Feeling Good Isn’t Always Good
If the purpose of mental health is “feeling good,” as many insist — then the proper standard of life should be: If it feels good, do it. But unless you are supremely rational, you might sometimes FEEL like doing something … Continue reading
Critic for Criticism’s Sake
Overly critical people lack self-esteem and self-respect. This is why they are quick to criticize. The flaws they see in others are sometimes valid, and sometimes exaggerated or overstated (in defiance of the person’s strengths). It’s the reason they criticize … Continue reading