So I often have a fun conversation. It goes like this: Me: Well, I’m an introvert Them: No, you’re not. That’s impossible. You speak in front of people and you don’t mind talking to groups. Me: That’s because I’m not shy. But I get my energy from being alone or with a very small group…
As a counselor, I am often tasked with helping people create and experience change in their lives. I often walk this road with couples. I often talk to them about the fact that they have to choose to be vulnerable or to not be vulnerable, but without vulnerability I don't know how change happens. The…
I have been hesitant to enter the Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman fray. In my opinion, it’s just too emotionally charged to get into it online. Sunday morning, I woke up before anyone else in my family and as is my custom, I checked my email, and did a few other things. Then I checked Facebook….
I have a new post up at the Creative Solutions Counseling webpage regarding our expectations and how they impact our life. Many times, bad expectations lead to bad experiences. Often because our expectations are just impossible. Here's an excerpt from the post: I so firmly believe that one of the most important questions we can…
June is a hard month for me. It is both the month that my mom was born (the 7th) and the month that she died (28th). To be honest, I don’t remember much about the month that she died. I was vaccuuming the house when my Dad called to tell me that she had died….
Are you a slave? It seems absurd to ask that question, doesn’t it? Some may even think it seems too insensitive given the number of actual slaves in the world today. But let me explain. I have seen countless people come through my office doors who are slaves. Some are willing slaves. Some recognize that…
Let's talk about something you will learn at this year's Hopes and Dreams Conference. Do me a favor. Take out a piece of paper and draw a circle in it. Now write out some things that go on in your life anywhere else on the paper. Work….hobbies…family…faith…charity…etc. Now write in the middle of that circle…
This part of a continuing series on Relational Equity. Part 1 can be found here Part 2 can be found here Part 3 can be found here Part 4 can be found here How is relational equity built? There are a myriad of ways that couples can build equity into their relationship. Being intentional with…
Part one can be found here. Part two can be found here. Focus on the positives If you are fighting with your spouse a lot, chances are good that you are focusing on the negatives. Let’s say that your husband has been promising to get something done in the backyard for months. You keep bringing…
This is the first part in a series on relational equity. This is actually a chapter directly out of my book that I’m working on. I imagine some of the things I have to say in this section will be somewhat controversial. That is not my intent. This is a key to a healthy relationship….
