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Nov 12

The 5 Things Those in the Driver’s Seat Want You To Know

Being in control ALL the time can be exhausting.

Who are the strong leaders in your life? Those you can count on to be decisive. That uncanny ability to cut through a mess to bring the light shining in. We all know someone we love to hate because they always seem to have their s@#t together. But deep down we don’t hate them. We appreciate having them in our lives. They are our solid wall, firmly grounded, and we know we can throw any ball at the wall and it will bounce back to us in a way we can catch it. Read more

Aug 1

2 Comments

Peel Yourself

Peel back the layers and then solve your problem.

I often wonder if I resumed being a therapist today, would I rely more on my college degrees or my wisdom from living 48 years? I know. That’s laughable.

There’s at least one concept I did learn in class that seems to have stuck. Here’s a jump start to solving your own (or someone else’s) problems. Read more

Jul 14

1 Comment

Love Notes

A love note is the perfect way to communicate affection.

My first love note was in 5th grade. I can remember the thrill of reading a few words on wide-lined notebook paper. As good as it gets.

Have love notes been replaced with texting (sexting)? Hopefully not. Love notes can send a powerful message to those you love because they meet a basic human need.

The need to be appreciated. 

Read more

Jun 25

5 Comments

Parents Need To “Shape” Up

Invert the triangle and you'll be headed in the right direction.

If a parenting manual came with every newborn, I’m not sure it would be that helpful. Written directions telling me how to raise the perfect kid. Heck, I don’t have enough patience to read directions on a help screen! I’m more of a “click it until I get it” kinda gal. I always find exceptions in instructions, something missing, or “I already made the wrong turn so what do I do now?!”

Some of us need cause and effect scenarios in plain sight. Kids are perfect teachers. Their feedback is instant, in your face, relentless and uncensored.

I prefer to talk guidelines and strategies when it comes to raising our offspring. Leaves you room for interpretation and adaptation. Every family is unique. Every child is different. But we all want them out of diapers and paying their own bills eventually.

Here’s a principle that may help you transition from wiping snotty noses to handing over car keys. Read more

Jun 19

4 Comments

★ Sid’s Sense- Lingo & Laughter

Use humor and the right vocabulary to snap tension, ignite fellowship, and cope with life’s stings.

View previous posts in this series, Sid’s Sense.

Around the year 2000, my mother was diagnosed with a progressive illness called multiple system atrophy. It started with severe bouts of hypotension (low blood pressure) and progressed to the point she could not walk or take care of herself. It was heartbreaking. My father, her husband of 52 years, knew this might just be the biggest fight he would ever endure. Determined to find a way to cope, ease the stress, and remain proactive in her healthcare, he chose his words carefully. Read more

Jun 17

Under the Mask

A Dedication to Father's Everywhere

Under the mask is a first time Dad holding a newborn wondering how he is going to be a good enough father.

Under the mask is a single Dad trying to figure out what a Mom would do in this situation.

Under the mask is a devoted father praying his little leaguer hits the ball so he won’t have to convince him he’s still a winner.

Under the mask is a strong man in uniform, filthy from dirt and sweat, yearning desperately to see his family again.

Under the mask is a jobless father in despair telling his family it will be alright and things will come around real soon.

Under the mask is a salesman worn out from working under the pressure of a monolith when his wife and kids just want him home.

Under the mask is a distraught father comforting his broken-hearted daughter telling her the boy didn’t deserve her anyway.

Let’s face it. We appreciate our Dad’s masks.

This certainty that they will be there to lean on, to look up to.

        This knowing that they will remain strong when we fall apart.

This faith that they’ll throw the rescue line when we’ve fallen too far.

        This expectation that they have the map if we just follow their directions.

This belief that when we don’t feel good enough, we’re good enough for them.

To all the Dad’s out there, Thank You.  You matter.  A lot.

You are our anchor that only lets us drift so far.

"Fatherhood doesn't build character. It reveals it." Skitz

May 20

5 Comments

Training The Unchaperoned Mind

The number one lesson to teach your kids.

If I had to narrow down just ONE piece of advice for raising responsible children, this would be it. Read more

Apr 21

2 Comments

Let Your Kids Quit

Follow through should not always be the goal.

I can already feel the shudders from all the high achieving parents out there. I’m one of you so I understand the word “quit” doesn’t sit well in your mind. Good parents teach kids to follow through.  To finish what they start.  To perform well.  True.  But if you don’t understand when to let them quit, you’re selling your kids short. Read more

Mar 28

1 Comment

Welcome to WE BELONG

Health, Love & Money-- in that order.

If I was to summarize my philosophy of life, that would be it.  As I will say many times, if we don’t have our health, nothing else really matters.  Look at the life of Apple executive and business icon, Steve Jobs.  He seemed to have everything one could hope for, including love and money, but unfortunately he did not have good health.  Sometimes we can’t control the genetic time bombs that may hide within, so all we can do is fuel our bodies with the best internal army to fight off what we can.  Lance Armstrong is a good example of a body that was so fit that it could handle more powerful cancer fighting drugs when the drugs themselves would have destroyed most people. Read more