Just Doing Life
Lessons Learned Around a Dining Room Table
I grew up in a small home but with big love. We didn’t have a formal dining room, rather a spot between the kitchen and family room where a space was created. My parents had a round oak table, barely big enough for the four of us, but because of the leaf we could...
Parenting Mom and Dad in the Sunset Years
Last Sunday I did my mom’s grocery shopping. We usually run her errands on Fridays but I was gone and had not seen her in a few days. I went to Safeway and then asked if she wanted me to grab her lunch too. We decided on sandwiches and she asked if I planned to...
Dear Me
Dear 56 year-old-me, Everyone writes letters to their younger self or their older self but I want to write a letter to who I am today. Who I am right now. Who I will be when I wake up tomorrow. It is hard to believe you’re rounding the corner and closer to sixty...
Why Parents Need to Chill out on Their Back-to-School Excitement
As August draws near and parents prepare for back-to-school, be mindful that your child might not be as excited as you are for them to return to school—especially those in middle school and high school. While parents see the excitement of a new year and new...
PSA-Avoid This Word on IG
It’s my pet peeve. Sounds silly because it’s just one word. I know it’s meant as a compliment, but I’m coming clean. I am not a fan when someone comments the word “GOALS” on a social media post. I see that word and I cringe. Every.Single.Time. Aren’t goals a good...
We Show Up
Last weekend I drove two hours to attend the funeral of a dear friend's father-in-law. It was a no-brainer whether I would go or not. It was a chance to support her and her family, so it was without question. As I was walking up to the church, her sister saw me and...
It’s Okay To Get Lost
Last week I ran to the mall to return something at Lululemon. It was supposed to be a quick trip—make the return and leave. Because I had no intention of perusing the mall, I parked in a different spot than I usually do because it was closest to Lululemon. I stayed...
Try a Better Response to “I’m Going to Therapy”
I have a thirty-something year old male client who is very successful in business. It took a lot for him to make the call for us to meet because he felt stigmatized within the business world for appearing weak or crazy. We have worked together for almost a year and...
As Our Kids Get Older, We Get a New Always
My daughter decided at the last minute to come home for the weekend. She had only been back one night since January so she needed the respite that only home can provide. We loved on her, and she loved right back. We made her favorite cinnamon rolls, had lunch with...
The Four Seasons of Marriage
There is a local church in town that refers engaged couples to see me for four sessions before they walk down the aisle. Session one is always easy– Why marriage? How did you meet? When did you fall in love? Tell me about your families? What do you appreciate in...