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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Does suffering strengthen character? Not really. Suffering is never an end in itself. The avoidance of suffering is a goal–but not the primary one. Living a happy, self-interested and rational life is the overriding goal (and the purpose of morality). … Continue reading