Nice is Different Than Good
We all know the story of Little Red Riding Hood. She’s on her way to Granny’s house when she encounters a Big Bad Wolf who turns on the charm, waylays her, and coerces her into spending a bit more time [...]
Say Thank You Instead of I’m Sorry
A few weeks ago, I called a friend to wish him a happy birthday. We spent about half an hour catching up, first talking about his celebration plans, and then more general life events. As we were getting off the [...]
6 Ways to Endure the Trump Presidency
Yesterday – I’m certain I don’t have to tell you – was a roller coaster of emotions. Most people I knew woke up in the morning, reveling in the likelihood of the historical day: electing the first woman to be [...]
4 Self-Help Books Actually Worth Reading
“You have to read this book. It’s called “Be Your Own Windkeeper”. It’s about how women need to be more empowered. Oh, but there’s wind! And the wind can make us goddesses. But do you know who takes our wind? [...]
Everything’s a Mess and That’s Okay
I work in a beautiful office building in Downtown LA. You enter on the ground level, and take an elevator to a breathtaking "Sky Lobby" six stories up, where you check in with security, a gregarious group of people dressed [...]
Wasted Time and Death Anxiety
A relative called me a few weeks ago and asked, “is now a good time to talk?” I glanced sidelong at the ever-growing “to do” list on my laptop. “Sure,” I replied, “I think I can make a few minutes!” [...]
Ado Annie and the Slut-Shaming Fallacy
“I’m just a girl who cain’t say no!” proclaims Ado Annie (prounced Ay-doe Annie), from Rogers and Hammerstein’s 1943 musical Oklahoma! by way of introduction. Poor Ado Annie. She’s so confused about what’s okay and what isn’t. Everyone tells her she [...]
Developing a Stress Management Action Plan with Your Partner
Even the healthiest, most functional person can look dysfunctional in an extreme situation. This sentiment, paraphrased from one of my graduate school text books, is something I think about a lot. It’s true of individuals, but it’s also true of [...]
5 Reasons Scuba is Good For Your Mental Health
Last weekend, I had the great privilege to begin renewing my scuba certification through Eco Dive Center. This is a lengthy and involved process, including hours of home study, skills practice in a swimming pool, and finally, several open water [...]
6 Questions to Ask When a Loved One is Angry at You
It’s one of the worst feelings in the world: You hurt the feelings of someone you care about and you have no idea how to make it better. Maybe your stress level was running high and you took it out [...]