I was excited to see that Dr. Ron Siegel had put out a new book and this one does not disappoint. For those who are living a reasonably good life and find themselves discouraged and frustrated or others who are perfectionists and finding that this is creating problems, this is a great resource. Dr. Siegel uses a very conversational style and has many links to audio files that allow you do do more in-depth exploration. He explains the reasons why we get so tied up in knots and gives lots of su...

This idea occured to me the other day:

Acceptance leads to compassion

Compassion leads to action

Action leads to change. 

May you accept yourself and treat yourself with the kind of compassion that leads to the changes you seek for yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving

Sharon

I have been a caregiver [both in state and out of state] for a family member since 2011. I wrote this piece for a panel presentation and have decided to share it with you here. This is a list of things that I wish I had known when I started this journey. I hope you find it helpful. If you use it for other than personal use, I do ask that you cite me as the source. I wish you peace and patience on this journey.

What I Wish I Had Known…

(about caring for someo...

For those who are weary of or struggle with some of some aspects of organized religion, this book provides a welcome refreshing view of God and God's presence in our lives and our world.

http://www.amazon.com/Altar-World-Geography-Faith/dp/0061370479/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455645904&sr=1-1&keywords=an+altar+in+the+world

Who was that person? He looked like me. He talked like me. But I don't think I know him anymore.

Who was that person? He had so many friends. He was popular at cocktail parties and told good jokes. Today, he seeks out one person he can really talk to and that is enough. His telephone Rolodex is a lot smaller, but so much more important.

Who was that person? He had such different priorities. He skated over life, like an ice skater on a frozen po...

We have had more than one teen die unexpectedly in our area recently. For the parents of those children and the many others who have lost a child, prayers and thoughts are with you this day.

Sharon

The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman [ISBN 978-0-8024-7313-4] has many strengths and a few weaknesses, [just like parents and teens!] I like the idea of tuning in to what resonates with kids as a way to form better connections. I am wholeheartedly in support of the first four as ways to connect with kids. Their love languages change over time and this book provides options to consider when the tried and true ceases to be effective.

Chapman lists 5 ways to connect with t...

I had the unique opportunity to see Dr.Ron Siegel speak in Dallas a couple of years ago. His book is written with the same humor and down to earth practicality presented in his workshop.

Rather than expecting people to sit quietly and meditate, Dr. Siegel's book gives active, engaging exercises to help people understand and experience mindfullness. The practice of being present in the moment is helpful in a multitude of arenas: work, parenting, relationships, spiritual growth and str...