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…
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…
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…
Transform Your Anxiety into Excitement!
People tend to consider anxiety as a threat, fearing its capacity to debilitate and exhaust us. However, research shows how anxiety can motivate us toward optimal functioning. By seeing unease within an optimistic framework we open up possibilities to…
Make Someone’s Day Brighter
Many of us feel isolated, overwhelmed and anxious in today’s world. It’s difficult to make a difference in the state of the world, but we can make a difference in someone’s world today. Compliments are a way for us to… Show…
Chemistry Between Friends
Friends are increasingly important to our health and happiness as we age. Studies show friendships increase our well-being, longevity and life-satisfaction. People with strong social bonds have less chronic inflammation. What is it that sparks the chemistry between friends? New…
Invigorate Your Aging Brain Health – Tips that Work!
Do you feel like your brain is aging well? According to Dr. John Medina you can keep your brain functioning at its peak no matter your age. After reading his book, “Brain Rules for Aging Well”, I’d like to share…
Pursue a Meaningful life, Not Happiness, and You’ll be Happier!
Many Americans view the pursuit of happiness as a birthright. But is it a worthwhile pursuit? With “Happy New Year” still ringing in my ears, I was intrigued by the research on this topic in a New York Magazine article,…