Managing Expectations in The Time of Coronavirus

Managing Expectations in The Time of Coronavirus

         (4th in an ongoing series on Acceptance in The Time of Coronavirus) I’ve often talked and written about the importance of moderating our expectations if we wish to control less and accept more.  High expectations can hurt us in a lot of...

Keys to Moving from Denial to Acceptance

Keys to Moving from Denial to Acceptance

Overcoming denial is a prerequisite to acceptance. You can’t accept “what is” when you are in denial, because you are unaware of or can’t “see”the underlying reality of the situation or person. Simply put, you...

A Unique Benefit of Practicing Gratitude

A Unique Benefit of Practicing Gratitude

  Gratitude is a common subject of many recovery books and articles. Below is an article about gratitude I wrote that was recently published in Tiny Buddha, a leading personal growth and inspiration blog. “Gratitude is not only the greatest...

Control and Impermanence

Control and Impermanence

One of the illusions about control is that many of us believe we can significantly alter or impact the natural flow of things, or as I like to say, “life’s natural currents.” This is why our friends or loved ones may refer to us as control...

A Unique Benefit of Practicing Gratitude*

A Unique Benefit of Practicing Gratitude*

  Freedom people living a free, happy, carefree life at beach. Silhouettes of a couple at sunset arms raised up showing happiness and a healthy lifestyle against a colorful sky of clouds background. *Below is an article I wrote that was...

Is This Tiger Mom Out of Control?

Is This Tiger Mom Out of Control?

  The December 24 Books section of the Wall Street Journal features an article by Amy Chua, aka Tiger Mom, in which Ms. Chua attempts to justify her domineering parenting techniques as she continues to back peddle from the widespread criticism...

Five Good Reasons For Accepting People As They Are*

Five Good Reasons For Accepting People As They Are*

There’s a good reason why dogs are considered “man’s best friend.”   They offer us unconditional acceptance! Even when we’re mad at them or mistreat them, they accept us–often with a wagging tale! Now with...

Three Key Ways to Improve Your Close Relationships

Three Key Ways to Improve Your Close Relationships

  In these frantic, unpredictable and financially volatile times, the need for close, supportive bonds with family, friends and loved ones becomes more important than ever.    It provides us with a much needed emotional anchor. Ironically...

Writing Love Poems by Letting Go of Control

Writing Love Poems by Letting Go of Control

For me, composing poems encompasses letting go of control, particularly in the sense of not overthinking and overanalyzing them. I begin with my intention and then jot down words and phrases that evoke that intention, not really concerning myself...

Control Freaks Suffer, Too—And You Can Help Them!

Control Freaks Suffer, Too—And You Can Help Them!

  In my media interviews with respect to the recent publication of Losing Control, Finding Serenity: How the Need to Control Hurts Us and How to Let It Go, interviewers and listeners alike often relate their considerable angst and discomfort...

Finding Serenity

Finding Serenity

As the author of Losing Control, Finding Serenity, I am sometimes asked what I mean by “serenity.” I realize that serenity means different things to different people.    For many, it means peace and tranquility.   For others, it means...

Losing Control, Finding Flow

Losing Control, Finding Flow

We often hear people talk about “going with the flow” when discussing  how they intend to deal with important issues and challenges in their lives.   I think for most, that means they wish to engage matters as they naturally arise, without...