When Gratitude Is Out of Reach

When Oprah Winfrey and Positive Psychology raved about keeping a gratitude journal,  I rolled my eyes. I’m a cynic at times. Here’s why it didn’t work for me. Sometimes gratitude feels way out of reach. If I don’t feel it; I’m not writing it. The research indicating writing what I’m grateful for supports greater health and happiness, doesn’t motivate me. One Reason To Do It …

Minor Change; Major Impact

Consistency is not my forte’. For over a year, promises to lift weights at the YMCA morphed into, “I’ll go later in the week,” and then…well….you know how this ends. Now, I’m at the YMCA  twice a week – without hesitation.  What changed? Gretchin Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before says, “Habits are the architecture of life.” She writes, …

Did He Just Yawn?

After 23 years teaching high school, I’m still not immune to disinterested and dissatisfied attendee’s expressions. As I begin a training for 15 company managers, Jerri’s expression says, “I don’t want to be here and I’m pissed that I am.” You’ve seen them, attending your meeting, speech or participating in your training: yawning, looking at their watch, checking text messages or slumped …

How To Listen With Your Senses

Lynn and Daniel, her adult son, are sitting side-by-side. After mentioning his tubing trip, she asks, “did you go alone?” He enthusiastically answers, “yes.” “Were other people there?” she asks. He answers, “No, it was a very quiet day.” Silence. Daniel goes on to describe the water level and pace of the river. He missed it – Lynn’s real question. And she still hasn’t …