This Week's Simple Tip: We all know that death and taxes are inevitable. But there are other experiences we can also be sure will happen: Unexpected Changes, both good and bad. While we inherently know that setbacks and tragedies, as well as pleasures and successes, are part of life's ebbs and flows, we still have a tendency to respond emotionally. But such responses are futile. In fact there is even an old Yiddish adage “Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” which means “Man Pl

This Week's Simple Tip: The English language is filled with words that have contradictory meanings, depending on their context. For example: 1) Custom: A common practice or a specifically made item; 2) Finished: Completed or destroyed; and 3) Consult:To give advice or to get advice. The word "weak" is another tricky one. People can be referred to as "weak," because of the things they do or the decisions they make. But often perceived weaknesses have nothing to do with ou

This Week's Simple Tip: My husband and I often talk about the required life skills that are not taught in school but hopefully are acquired either at home or through community activities. Budgeting and manners are two that readily come to mind. I recently listened to an interview with Scarlett Lewis who lost her 6-year-old son Jesse in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting of 2012. She is convinced that the inability of many people to manage their emotions and connect with oth

This Week's Simple Tip: Have you ever noticed that there are some people who really energize you, and others that completely drain you? We all experience this. But have you ever noticed what happens to you afterwards? When we spend time with someone who is always agitated, we too feel anxious after being with them. Likewise, if are with positive people, we leave them feeling upbeat as well. It is a proven fact that we participate in the mental states of the people with whom