Why Forcing Gratitude in Kids Backfires—And What to…
Do you like being told what to do? If you’re like me, the only time you appreciate it is when you’re too tired to pick a place for takeout. Kids don’t love being bossed around either. As adults, we guide—but trying to force feelings doesn’t work. That’s true of many things, but let’s focus on […]
Are We Prepared for Rising Food Insecurity?
A couple of weeks ago, the New York Times reported that food banks across the U.S. were scrambling to serve their communities amidst budget shortfalls brought on by the federal administration’s funding cuts. A quick online search brings up an endless number of headlines about how these budget cuts are affecting neighborhoods across the country. […]
Is AI a Treasure Chest or Pandora’s Box?
Since ChatGPT’s arrival in late 2022, the explosion of artificial intelligence has taken one technological leap after another. But what is happening now goes beyond external shifts to a potential reshaping of our cognitive landscape. The laws behind the neuroscience-inspired artificial neural networks hint at AI’s boundless capacity to augment, affect, and challenge the human […]
Awareness and Self-Compassion: Two Powerful Tools for Chronic Pain
“Pain is not wrong. Reacting to pain as wrong initiates the tangle of emotional resistance against what is already happening.” ~Tara Brach The wooden meditation hall creaked softly as sixty people shifted in their seats, trying to find comfort in the silence. Outside, winter rain tapped against the windows, a gentle metronome marking time. I […]
How To Develop Your EQ
What is Emotional intelligence in the first place? Emotional intelligence (EQ) in relationships is being able to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, and to attune to your partner’s emotions. It’s not just about staying calm or being a “good communicator.” This is about noticing what you’re feeling, making space for your partner’s experience, […]
How Grieving a Dream’s Loss Built Hope for a New Life
“Our painful experiences aren’t a liability—they’re a gift. They give us perspective and meaning, an opportunity to find our unique purpose and our strength.” –Dr. Edith Eger, The Choice: Embrace the Possible The loss of an unrealized dream sent me spiraling down, down into the darkness. A darkness filled with a despair and hopelessness that […]
How Narcissists Gaslight You Into Dissociation
If you’ve ever been in a relationship with a narcissist, you may have experienced more than emotional turmoil. You may have felt detached, numb, or as if you were losing touch with reality. These are signs of dissociation, a protective response the brain uses to shield itself from overwhelming stress and psychological harm. Narcissists, through […]
The Inner Advantage | Psychology Today
Entrepreneurs often are faced with a unique blend of pressure, uncertainty, and responsibility. From managing unpredictable income to navigating the highs and lows of innovation, sustaining long-term success takes more than just strategy – it takes mindset. Research shows that prioritizing well-being and self-leadership—the ability to consciously direct one’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions to align […]
Study Finds AI Chatbot Can Improve Mental Health
A new artificial intelligence (AI) study in The New England Journal of Medicine publication NEJM AI demonstrates how an AI chatbot called Therabot can significantly improve symptoms in just two months for those suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and eating disorders. “Generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) chatbots hold promise for building […]
If Parenting Feels Hazardous to Your Health, Try This
The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a warning that startled millions of people, claiming that parenting can be hazardous to your health. My understanding of the report is that he finds the hazards to be the deleterious impact of stress, social isolation, and financial strain. This was compounded by a powerful March 2025 essay in […]