Joe and I have a code word for calling a “do-over” that is used when we’re in a conversation that one of us wants to get out of. You know when you’re discussing something and it starts to become about being right instead of about the actual topic at hand? Or when you don’t mean …
I didn’t overeat yesterday, but I certainly ate less than my share of vegetables and greens, and way more carbs and sugar than I normally do. Today, Black Friday, we have a choice—do we continue to stuff ourselves with leftovers, or do we regroup and go back to normal? Interestingly, the US average weight gain …
This week in Death and Dying Class, we’re talking about suicide and earlier this morning my class watched a really graphic video about drunk driving deaths. I found this Frontline show about assisted suicide that made me really sad and uplifted at the same time–we’ll be watching it today in class. I highly recommend watching …
Death Class—Reasons to be Saddened and Uplifted, Reminded to be Grateful for Moments Read More »
Yesterday was Matthew’s 7th birthday, and I was able to go to Penn Yan and see him at my Dad’s house. It was fun—reminded me of the old days when I had a family and we did stuff like have birthday dinners (birthday boy picked pizza—I swear he could be mine, my sister always chose …
Blunt Truth and Comfort Food in Uncomfortable Moments Read More »
We’ve all heard that if you exercise, you will improve your mood. But do you know why? The obvious and well known answer first: When you move and exercise, your body sends and receives the signal to secrete endorphins. These amino acid peptides reduce pain and enhance pleasure. Neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, are also released—the …
I’m reading Dr. James Gordon’s book, Unstuck, not because I’m depressed but because it’s good and I like him. And it has useful interesting tools that anyone can use to be happier and healthier. One of the things he emphasizes is that being physically healthy enhances your emotional wellness. I’m sure you’ve heard it before—physical …
This weekend, my Mom and Matthew spent the night with me while Joe was in Chicago running the marathon. It was great! We played, rode bikes, made (lots of) messes, and had a really fun time…just like we always do. I made the last of the Trader Joe’s pancake mix for breakfast on Sunday (and …
Chapter I I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in I am lost . . . I am helpless It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. Chapter II I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. …
Autobiography in 5 Short Chapters by Portia Nelson Read More »
I’m in Arlington, VA at a conference put on by the Mind-Body Institute. James Gordon started the institute about 20 years ago after realizing his Western medicine training was just not enough. It’s a long story, but I highly recommend reading his books. Specifically, the new one, Unstuck, and a previous one, A Manifesto for …
I’ve found that sometimes, rather than trying to control my reactions to stressful situations, it can be easier to just control the situation. This sounds contrary to the standard advice, “You can’t change the situation, you can only change you’re reaction to it.” That’s often true, but let’s tackle this stress monster in multiple ways, …
