In between all the activities that characterize our summer beach resort, it helps to stand back and take a look at what matters (and what doesn’t matter) to you. In fact, this sort of self-reflection should be a part of … Continue reading
Category: Life’s a Beach!
Words Have Consequences
A Delaware Wave reader sent me this note: “My ‘new age’ friends are always telling me to ‘Go with your feelings and say what you feel.’ But is it advisable to just blurt out whatever pops into my head — … Continue reading
Self Sacrifice Does NOT Make You a Good Person!
Many people assume that mental health is a matter of either medicine or moral weakness. The medicine side assumes that pills can eradicate mental illness. The moral side assumes that troubling emotions stem from weakness of character. Both sides are … Continue reading
We Need a “Dog Whisperer” for Children
From 2004 to 2012, National Geographic Channel ran a reality show called “Dog Whisperer” where the talented Cesar Millan helped pet owners deal with their generally misbehaving dogs. I would like to add Mr. Millan to the ranks of the … Continue reading
Fear of Flying? Let’s Look at Facts.
People ask me all the time about the fear of flying. They usually follow it up by stating that without flying they would never go anywhere interesting. Then they ask me what to do. Under normal circumstances, that can be … Continue reading
Self-Employment: The Buck Stops with You
According to a study done by LinkedIn.com, three-quarters of employees dislike or hate their jobs because of the boss. That might make for great cartoons on Facebook, but let’s take a closer look: If you dislike your boss because he … Continue reading
Control is an Illusion
Barely a week goes by where somebody doesn’t ask me what mistake people make most often when dealing with family and friends. Regular readers of this page can probably predict my answer: The biggest mistake people make is trying to … Continue reading
Emotions, Thoughts and Facts Sometimes Don’t Agree
Regulars here at Life’s a Beach! know that I regularly refer to the term “cognitive therapy”. Has an impressive scientific ring, don’t you think? But aside from sounding official, just what is it? People ask me, “Cognitive therapy is all … Continue reading
Whatever Happened to: “Mind Your Own Business” ?
Labor Day is past, and our resort suddenly turns back into a small town. And one of the most common off-season complaints I hear, is: “Everybody knows your business.” Though it’s a widespread feeling, it’s not entirely accurate. Nobody knows … Continue reading
“Never Discuss Politics or Religion.” True or False?
A valued reader of this column writes that she disagrees with some of her friends regarding politics. (Surprise, surprise.) Because of her frustration over what they say and think, she has become disgusted and withdrawn. She says that if she … Continue reading
The Benefits and Hazards of Cynicism
Today’s culture of bad news and scandal has generated lots of letters and emails from readers. Basically, they ask me how they can keep from being cynical, but at the same time not be naïve in the face of negativity … Continue reading
Silence is an Option. Put Down the Phone!
Texting has become a basic part of modern communication. I even use it to communicate with my clients. But given the apparent need some people have to stay relentlessly in touch, mental health experts are asking if texting can become … Continue reading