We are entering that crazy time of year where we allow ourselves to be socially conditioned to spend money on stuff people don’t need. We look for that one gift that can bring the ultimate amount of joy and keep providing great times for our loved ones. Ironically we all have access to provide that each and every year, because that gift is ourselves. The greatest gift you can ever give people is yourself, your time and your love as these are the most precious resources we pos

I love Thanksgiving because the holiday is dedicated to the focus of being thankful for the things our lives include. I know, I know. There are times when that gratitude is harder, especially when you feel as though you, and everything around you, is falling apart. I recently came upon the poem below by John Roedel which is an enlightening perspective for finding gratitude even through difficult times: you are not breaking, you are becoming! Me: Hey God. God: Hello….. Me: I’m

My husband and I recently returned from a bucket list trip to Alberta, Canada. The countryside was stunningly beautiful, especially after a fresh dusting of snow. One of the intriguing things we saw were wildlife crossings along the Trans-Canada Highway. The crossings resemble grassy hilltops, dotted with trees and flowers. They arch over the highway and serve as a passageway for the area’s animals. It made me wonder how the animals adapted to using these crossings? Apparent

Let's face it, as human beings we are never going to agree on everything. But in reality, in order to function well, we need to have productive conversations, be it in personal relationships or within organizations. Unfortunately, disagreeing has become very divisive. Regardless of the topic -- mask-wearing, sports, presidential elections -- too often disagreement degenerates into heated arguments with no resolution or increased understanding. We seem to have forgotten how to

It is a beautiful fall day as I sit and write this newsletter with my office windows open. The joyous sound of kids laughing and playing fills the air, and I can't help but to smile. It is funny to think about how much more we laughed as children. On a good day, kids may laugh together hundreds of times. As adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. Laughter is really essential to our health. Multiple research studies suggest many benefits from laught