“It’s all about the twelfth step.” I had the great fortune recently of meeting a young engaged couple, each of whom was active in a 12-step program.  The groom-to-be who I’ll call Jason said he figured out what made the program work.  “It’s all about the twelfth step –  being of... Read More →

I blinked and we’re halfway through January.  I don’t want to let that continue to happen.  Living day to day without a clear vision of where I want to go this year.  But it will unless I get intentional about my goals and dreams for 2020. Let me be clear.  This is not about... Read More →

Here’s the who, what and how to remember this week of Thanksgiving. “Who are you thankful for?”   Stop and think about this question for a moment.  I imagine when you do, that list starts to grow.  Whether it’s people in your life now or those who have helped you along the way,... Read More →

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it can save your relationship. Think about it.  In the early stages of a relationship, sparks fly, hormones rage, and you can’t get enough of the other person.  You’re open and curious, excited to learn more.  And you take it all in.  Your... Read More →

I just watched a great TED talk entitled “4 Habits of ALL Successful Relationships” by Dr. Andrea & Jonathan Taylor-Cummings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4Y5Mr8rZ9A).  Drawing from their research in the UK, they identified these four relationship saving habits: BE... Read More →

“Communication is an art learned in moments of peace to be practiced in moments of difficulty.” –  Pope Francis The number one reason that people seek out couple therapy is poor communication.  This is probably not a surprise.  Whether it’s a couple or a... Read More →

“The brain is good at learning from bad experiences, but bad at learning from good ones” –  Rick Hanson The brain is an amazing thing.  But sometimes it’s different parts don’t always work so well together.  Consider the following.  The frontal lobe of the brain is wired... Read More →

What’s going on when a romance starts?  When you meet someone new and romance blossoms, there is an amazing chemical concoction being mixed in your brain.   The ingredients of this cocktail include: Testosterone:  the “hormone of desire” which increases libido in both men and... Read More →

It is easy to get mired in negativity.  The news is filled with it.   It’s all around us.  “Behind every silver lining is a dark cloud” some might say.  What if we changed our focus?  What if we looked at what’s right in the world and built upon that?  What if we looked at what’s... Read More →

Whether you’re single, dating, or married forever, here’s 3 Dos & Don’ts for Valentine’s Day… Do reflect upon the meaning of the day.  Take time to reflect upon where you experience love in your life and express your gratitude for this love.  Look within at those parts of... Read More →