This may seem like an odd question to ask in the middle of a pandemic! Yet, most of us have the opportunity to experience joy daily. When you think or say, “I enJOYed that” breathe deeply and let it in. Often,…
Shine Your Light. I’ll Shine Mine. Together We’ll See Our Way Through
All of us struggle with dark times, whether it’s a private, personal crisis or a public, worldwide crisis. As I shared in a recent Ashland Tidings article, I learned this lesson early when two months shy of my 13th birthday I…
Navigating Friendship through 2020 Adversity
This has been a tough year, Covid-19, the Almeda fire, and now elections. Many of us are feeling agitated and fearful. Countless institutions that we expected to provide a sense of security and solidity are in disarray. In times like…
Keeping Resilient During this Pandemic
Social Distancing has been helpful in reducing the spread of coronavirus disease. Yet it creates challenges for our well-being. I hope that these tips can help you lead a more “natural” life during the quarantine. 7 tips to keep your…
Vacation Anticipation: It Might Be the Best Part of Your Trip
“What was your favorite part of the trip?” This is often one of the first things our friends ask us when my wife and I return from a vacation. However, imagine for a moment the surprise on your friend’s face…
Why Willpower Fails Us (and What We Can Do About It)
I didn’t grow up wearing seatbelts, they weren’t available. When they were available, I still drove without wearing one. Yet now, I buckle up every time. Why the change? It’s not that I consider the consequences of not wearing a…
How to Create an Optimistic Legacy
At some point in our life, many of us form a special bond with someone much younger. Perhaps as a grandparent, like I am to my 2-year-old grandson, or a beloved aunt or uncle, neighbor, or mentor. These relationships can…
How to Stay Resilient Despite Fear of Natural Disasters
Wildfires, earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes… depending on what part of the country you live in, most of us live under the threat of some kind of natural disaster. What kind of mental and emotional toll comes with the chronic stress associated…
Your Acquaintances Are More Important Than You Think! (Even if They’re Not Friends)
Often when we use the word “acquaintance,” we’re essentially describing a second-rate friend—we use the word in a negative sense. We tend to view these brief interchanges, with the barista at the local coffee shop or the neighbor you see…
7 Ways to Optimize Your Resilience
If the latest news or personal challenges are taking a toll, maybe it’s time to cultivate your optimism, to help you bounce back and feel better. Resilience can be learned, and even small actions consistently performed increase your hardiness. Since…