The things we try to carry on our own

I had a dream last night in which a woman I didn't know was collapsing in grief on the sidewalk in front of a brightly lit theater marquee.  As I went to lift her up, she said, "You always know what to do." I said to her, "Let me hold some of this pain for you, so you...
Adventures in Tarot: The Fool

Adventures in Tarot: The Fool

Dave put a Tarot deck in my sweet elfin stocking this year. It was my best gift, if you don’t count the rad new snowboard and the really cute knit hat from Sundance. I’ve always been fascinated by Tarot, and the timing was perfect. I’ve embraced the idea of sitting...

Just Walking Each Other Home

Just Walking Each Other Home

The first time I heard this quote from Ram Dass, “We’re all just walking each other home,” it resonated so strongly that I created a series of events based on the idea. What if groups of women came together to talk about how our relationships could be deeper and more...

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

That person you despise? I hate to be the one to tell you, but they are showing you the traits you least like about yourself. Here's how that works: -All humans have the capacity to behave in ways that all other humans behave--from the most honorable to the most...

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

I’m ten days into the New Year, and already one of my well-meaning intentions is faltering. It’s not that I don’t want to make that change. I’ve realized I’m simply not emotionally ready yet. Changing or creating habits takes effort, but before we can even make the...

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

For many of us, the winter holidays have changed from a time of pleasant relaxation, quiet celebration, humble gratitude and once-a-year-special treats into a carnival of frenzied activity, regret-filled gluttony, fretful spending and massive angst. The transformation...

House Fire Chronicles #3: The Place Has a Memory

House Fire Chronicles #3: The Place Has a Memory

Remembering It’s been a year and a half since the fire. I’ve noticed that lately, neighbors and friends have been asking if we’re “back,” although we moved back at the beginning of March. The house is completely rebuilt, and is in better condition structurally and...

I’m Over It. Not.

I’m Over It. Not.

It took me many years, lost friendships and missed opportunities to understand: anytime I even think the words “I’m over it,” I am telling myself a story. It’s a story of invincibility from the most bullet-proof version of myself I can conjure up. It’s a story about...

Just Walking Each Other Home

Just Walking Each Other Home

The first time I heard this quote from Ram Dass, “We’re all just walking each other home,” it resonated so strongly that I created a series of events based on the idea. What if groups of women came together to talk about how our relationships could be deeper and more...

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

That person you despise? I hate to be the one to tell you, but they are showing you the traits you least like about yourself. Here's how that works: -All humans have the capacity to behave in ways that all other humans behave--from the most honorable to the most...

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

I’m ten days into the New Year, and already one of my well-meaning intentions is faltering. It’s not that I don’t want to make that change. I’ve realized I’m simply not emotionally ready yet. Changing or creating habits takes effort, but before we can even make the...

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

For many of us, the winter holidays have changed from a time of pleasant relaxation, quiet celebration, humble gratitude and once-a-year-special treats into a carnival of frenzied activity, regret-filled gluttony, fretful spending and massive angst. The transformation...

The Hurry in Your Head

The Hurry in Your Head

A New York Times Op-Talk blog got me thinking about a common theme among my clients and friends: chronic overwhelm. The article focuses on breathing, reframing and working less as solutions, but in my experience, those can be helpful only after we’ve gone a bit...

Annoyed? Good. It’s Your ‘Bat Signal’ for Mindful Self-Awareness

Annoyed? Good. It’s Your ‘Bat Signal’ for Mindful Self-Awareness

How often do you feel annoyed during your workday? Nobody would blame you, really, considering all the insanity you deal with. Think about who brings the crazy in your office. Wouldn’t it be nice if they dialed it down? How much happier would you be if Marty stopped...

Just Walking Each Other Home

Just Walking Each Other Home

The first time I heard this quote from Ram Dass, “We’re all just walking each other home,” it resonated so strongly that I created a series of events based on the idea. What if groups of women came together to talk about how our relationships could be deeper and more...

Using Emotional Data at Work

Using Emotional Data at Work

In this ten-minute video, I riff with burnout prevention coach Travis Roznos about using emotional data at work, and tell a story about what happened when one client, an elite sales executive, didn't recognize an emotional trigger.   After the video, I'll describe how...

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

That person you despise? I hate to be the one to tell you, but they are showing you the traits you least like about yourself. Here's how that works: -All humans have the capacity to behave in ways that all other humans behave--from the most honorable to the most...

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

I’m ten days into the New Year, and already one of my well-meaning intentions is faltering. It’s not that I don’t want to make that change. I’ve realized I’m simply not emotionally ready yet. Changing or creating habits takes effort, but before we can even make the...

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

For many of us, the winter holidays have changed from a time of pleasant relaxation, quiet celebration, humble gratitude and once-a-year-special treats into a carnival of frenzied activity, regret-filled gluttony, fretful spending and massive angst. The transformation...

Just Walking Each Other Home

Just Walking Each Other Home

The first time I heard this quote from Ram Dass, “We’re all just walking each other home,” it resonated so strongly that I created a series of events based on the idea. What if groups of women came together to talk about how our relationships could be deeper and more...

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

That person you despise? I hate to be the one to tell you, but they are showing you the traits you least like about yourself. Here's how that works: -All humans have the capacity to behave in ways that all other humans behave--from the most honorable to the most...

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

I’m ten days into the New Year, and already one of my well-meaning intentions is faltering. It’s not that I don’t want to make that change. I’ve realized I’m simply not emotionally ready yet. Changing or creating habits takes effort, but before we can even make the...

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

For many of us, the winter holidays have changed from a time of pleasant relaxation, quiet celebration, humble gratitude and once-a-year-special treats into a carnival of frenzied activity, regret-filled gluttony, fretful spending and massive angst. The transformation...

The Hurry in Your Head

The Hurry in Your Head

A New York Times Op-Talk blog got me thinking about a common theme among my clients and friends: chronic overwhelm. The article focuses on breathing, reframing and working less as solutions, but in my experience, those can be helpful only after we’ve gone a bit...

Cultivating Albóndigas Practice: The Zen of Meatballs

Cultivating Albóndigas Practice: The Zen of Meatballs

Peace.” “Comfort.” “Liebe—love.” “Joy.” Our yoga instructor had asked each us to think of one word, in any language, that was our favorite. Asking a writer for a favorite word is the ultimate Sophie’s Choice. How can I favor one word over another? And to what end? Did...

Troubled? Return to Your Values.

Troubled? Return to Your Values.

We behave, it is said, in accordance with our values. That’s a disturbing thought, given my all-too-human propensity to act in ways that blatantly conflict with those attributes which I profess to value most highly.

Want to Listen Like a Pro? Here’s How.

Want to Listen Like a Pro? Here’s How.

Today is "Free Listening Day," an event scheduled by Urban Confessional to be part of National Conversation Week.  I'll be holding up a "Free Listening" sign in downtown Annapolis to see what's on people's minds. For me, listening skills are critical both for my...

First Person Vulnerable: What Your Language Reveals About You

First Person Vulnerable: What Your Language Reveals About You

Ten women sat in a circle in my living room, warmed by the fire and the company of other women, identifying the attributes of their Inner Critics. In the space they created together for this purpose, they began to share their experiences, making it possible for others...

Adventures in Tarot: The Fool

Adventures in Tarot: The Fool

Dave put a Tarot deck in my sweet elfin stocking this year. It was my best gift, if you don’t count the rad new snowboard and the really cute knit hat from Sundance. I’ve always been fascinated by Tarot, and the timing was perfect. I’ve embraced the idea of sitting...

Annoyed? Good. It’s Your ‘Bat Signal’ for Mindful Self-Awareness

Annoyed? Good. It’s Your ‘Bat Signal’ for Mindful Self-Awareness

How often do you feel annoyed during your workday? Nobody would blame you, really, considering all the insanity you deal with. Think about who brings the crazy in your office. Wouldn’t it be nice if they dialed it down? How much happier would you be if Marty stopped...

Want to Listen Like a Pro? Here’s How.

Want to Listen Like a Pro? Here’s How.

Today is "Free Listening Day," an event scheduled by Urban Confessional to be part of National Conversation Week.  I'll be holding up a "Free Listening" sign in downtown Annapolis to see what's on people's minds. For me, listening skills are critical both for my...

I’m Over It. Not.

I’m Over It. Not.

It took me many years, lost friendships and missed opportunities to understand: anytime I even think the words “I’m over it,” I am telling myself a story. It’s a story of invincibility from the most bullet-proof version of myself I can conjure up. It’s a story about...

First Person Vulnerable: What Your Language Reveals About You

First Person Vulnerable: What Your Language Reveals About You

Ten women sat in a circle in my living room, warmed by the fire and the company of other women, identifying the attributes of their Inner Critics. In the space they created together for this purpose, they began to share their experiences, making it possible for others...

Adventures in Tarot: The Fool

Adventures in Tarot: The Fool

Dave put a Tarot deck in my sweet elfin stocking this year. It was my best gift, if you don’t count the rad new snowboard and the really cute knit hat from Sundance. I’ve always been fascinated by Tarot, and the timing was perfect. I’ve embraced the idea of sitting...

Annoyed? Good. It’s Your ‘Bat Signal’ for Mindful Self-Awareness

Annoyed? Good. It’s Your ‘Bat Signal’ for Mindful Self-Awareness

How often do you feel annoyed during your workday? Nobody would blame you, really, considering all the insanity you deal with. Think about who brings the crazy in your office. Wouldn’t it be nice if they dialed it down? How much happier would you be if Marty stopped...

Just Walking Each Other Home

Just Walking Each Other Home

The first time I heard this quote from Ram Dass, “We’re all just walking each other home,” it resonated so strongly that I created a series of events based on the idea. What if groups of women came together to talk about how our relationships could be deeper and more...

Using Emotional Data at Work

Using Emotional Data at Work

In this ten-minute video, I riff with burnout prevention coach Travis Roznos about using emotional data at work, and tell a story about what happened when one client, an elite sales executive, didn't recognize an emotional trigger.   After the video, I'll describe how...

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

What I Don’t Like About You, I Mean Me

That person you despise? I hate to be the one to tell you, but they are showing you the traits you least like about yourself. Here's how that works: -All humans have the capacity to behave in ways that all other humans behave--from the most honorable to the most...

Avoiding “Nightmare” Hires: A Case Study

Avoiding “Nightmare” Hires: A Case Study

How to Employ Emotional Intelligence to Build Your Team and Boost Your Career Have you noticed that those who hire the best talent tend to have the most successful careers? Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the key: understanding and practicing the EQ skills that support...

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

Why That New Year’s Resolution Didn’t Take. Hint: Because, Bacon.

I’m ten days into the New Year, and already one of my well-meaning intentions is faltering. It’s not that I don’t want to make that change. I’ve realized I’m simply not emotionally ready yet. Changing or creating habits takes effort, but before we can even make the...

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

Holiday Cards: Yes or No?

For many of us, the winter holidays have changed from a time of pleasant relaxation, quiet celebration, humble gratitude and once-a-year-special treats into a carnival of frenzied activity, regret-filled gluttony, fretful spending and massive angst. The transformation...

House Fire Chronicles #3: The Place Has a Memory

House Fire Chronicles #3: The Place Has a Memory

Remembering It’s been a year and a half since the fire. I’ve noticed that lately, neighbors and friends have been asking if we’re “back,” although we moved back at the beginning of March. The house is completely rebuilt, and is in better condition structurally and...

Share This