Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be explained by those symbols called words. Their meaning can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart. —Martin Luther King, Jr. As I reflect on my life, I realize there are critical life lessons that make me into the person …
In all of our lives there certainly are those times when it is very healthy to live only for ourselves. If we are just about to give birth to a child, if our recovery in a hospital from a life-threatening illness like alcoholism is at stake, or if we are powerless over another family member’s …
Facing and resolving the major impediments in our life will bring us to a better lot in our life, one that surpasses having no impediments at all. Assuredly what doesn’t destroy us will only make us stronger. That’s the point of all suffering. —Anonymous Numbers of depression and anxiety are skyrocketing. If you are someone …
Serenity is not in things but in what we make of things. —Epictetus, Greek Stoic Philosopher (55-135 AD) Some of us are truly happy over the long haul. However, most of us don’t know how to sustain authentic happiness. We may give ourselves some thrills in the short run but are unclear how to maintain …
Trying to care for a selfish person is like traveling into a black hole looking for love. The more you do it, the more you lose yourself. Eventually you disappear and perish in agony. —Anonymous Nothing pains me more in my mental health practice than witnessing a well-intentioned person trying desperately to be loved by …
Having too many rules is just another way of saying: “I don’t trust anybody to love me.” “I’ll never forget my father’s funeral. It was tragic beyond words. Several people came to our family church to say goodbye to Bill. He had been a dutiful member of our community and responsible breadwinner of our family. …
Are parents really in charge of their families today? Most parents would say, “Of course we are!” The more honest answer is, “Probably not.” Popular media, peer culture and our very own beloved children themselves often run our families today. Don’t get me wrong. We parents really do love our children. It’s just that we …
“Where was I? I’m here. At least I think I’m here. Wasn’t I?” —Josh, multiple tour Marine Veteran, Iraq War Most of us grasp that people exposed to overwhelming horrors may feel that life is just not nailed down for them. A part of them lives in a seemingly rewarding present world while another part …
When I was a boy, my sister and I always looked forward to jumping in the family car and going with our parents clear across the country for our annual vacation. We’d finally get time alone with them, a rarity in our house due to their busy teaching schedule. Actually, the trip was a bittersweet …
“He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword.”— Matthew 26:52 As you probably are aware, gun violence affects us all and is an epidemic in our society. It is a major problem in America much more than in other developed countries. However, most of us are overwhelmed by the daily violence, overnight murders, …
