Is it a setback or an opportunity?

In my experience, life rarely goes according to plan. At least not according to my plan. This isn’t because I’m unlucky, or life sucks, or any such nonsense- it happens because, well, I don’t control what happens in life, I only control what I do with my life. It’s really not a problem when things don’t work out the way … Read More

When you take on more than you can handle

I must think I’m Superwoman- better than because I’m don’t just kick ass, I also think I can do everything! Okay, maybe not everything, but a lot. You might call me an over-achiever. Other words to describe me include energetic, enthusiastic, self-motivated, and, yes, sometimes a people-pleaser. Let’s face it, I can get myself into trouble. Conversely, I can also … Read More

17 Ways to give yourself a break

If you’re not nice to you, who will be? Don’t you deserve to give yourself a break? I know I do! I’m a recovered perfectionist, fully enjoying a peaceful, happy life after many years stressing over getting every little detail right. I’m sure I’m not alone because when I look around me I see many people burdened by perfectionism and … Read More

Managing expectations in the workplace

I’ve heard it said that expectations are premeditated resentments. I believe much of life’s discomfort and unhappiness happens in the space between expectations and reality- especially in the workplace. This week I got a call from a friend who was struggling at work. Things weren’t working out as she expected and as a result she found herself stuck in a … Read More

Living and loving the life you have

I wasn’t happy most of my life. I worried about what what other people thought of me. I attached my well-being to other people’s behavior. I was troubled by my thoughts and feelings. I worked hard every day to be perfect, to be worthy, to be whole. I wanted a better life yet I believed I wouldn’t be happy until…   … Read More

How to find beauty in life’s ups and downs

Coming off a “down” last week, I was struck by the beauty of life. Faced with a difficult family situation I was overcome with sadness, frustration, and anger. I struggled with the situation for several days, on the edge of tears much of the time. After several difficult days I found a renewed sense of purpose and motivation in my … Read More

Getting through a rough patch

I’m going through a rough patch in my personal life right now, dealing with a family crisis. Life has it’s ups and downs and while I’m fortunate to have more ups than downs these days, I still have to get through the downs. With healthy habits, a sense of self-worth, and a good support network I know I’ll get through … Read More

Stop taking work so seriously!

Does your job keep you up at night? Do you work too hard? Do you care too much? Yeah, I’ve been there. I’ve always been a little too serious with a highly developed sense of responsibility. This trait carried over into my work, in a serious way. I tried to do it all and rarely said no. I stressed myself … Read More

The Dos and Don’ts of Work Life Balance

When I tell people I write about work-life balance the response I get most often is, “I need some of that!” Don’t we all? The problem is we tend to think of work-life balance as a destination we hope to arrive at one day but like most of the things we want in life (happiness, love, success) work-life balance is … Read More

Do your best and forget the rest!

We tend to measure success by the results of our efforts. Did I get what I want? If I got what I wanted I might say, “life is great!” What if I didn’t get what I want- does that mean life isn’t great? Is my measure of success based on life going my way and only my way? No way! … Read More