Helping others can provide hope during global crises and uncertainty. Instead of focusing on foolish, self-serving, and dangerous global events, we can improve the world around us. In 1970, I came across an excerpt from neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing’s two-volume biography of the esteemed physician Sir William Osler, published in the Journal of the American Medical…
Perspective can keep us alive or cause death. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, MD, an Auschwitz survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote about a fellow inmate rendered weak and ill from starvation and debilitating work who determined to live until Christmas because she had heard that the camp would be liberated then. When the…
There are roughly two accounts regarding the universe: 1) The materialistic/atheistic explanation posits that matter and space were created spontaneously and that thinking creatures evolved by some fluke without any purpose; 2) The more common perspective is the religious view. According to this view, a mind or spirit created the universe. This spirit or mind…
In this time of political discord, I remember Abraham Lincoln’s words before the Civil War. He wrote, “Americans, all, we are not enemies but friends—We have sacred ties of affection which, though strained by passions, let us hope can never be broken.” Rile, chafe, argue, fuss, or scorn interferes with happiness. On the other hand,…
Studies show that thankfulness lowers anxiety levels, elevates mood, relieves stress, improves socialization, and stimulates a helpful attitude. Each of us would benefit from focusing on our blessings daily. I spend a few minutes jotting down two or three things I am grateful for, trying to identify something different each day. To do this, I…
Perfectionism robs us of contentment and steals our happiness. This tormenting trait increases stress, causes anxiety, and may lead to chronic depression. “Good enough” never satisfies the perfectionist because they want everything to be…perfect. Perfection Grading Scale: Grade yourself on each of the questions below thusly: Questions: Scoring: A score of 25-30 indicates a serious…
Most of us find ourselves trapped on the freeway of rush. We have a texting mentality, a fast-food appetite, and an Instagram philosophy. Before we know it, perhaps even without wanting to, we find ourselves leaping into the commotion without considering our options. Our minds are made static by noise – digital instruments bellowing, TVs…
To conquer the fear of public speaking, start by acknowledging your anxiety. Accepting that you are afraid can prevent that fear from spiraling out of control. Get yourself out of the way. Remember that a little anxiety can provide energy for your speech. Don’t worry about how your speech will be received. When we obsess…
There is a time-honored folk story about a young woodsman and a seasoned lumberjack. The robust young woodsman energetically chopped at the towering oaks all day long, never stopping to rest. In contrast, the grizzled lumberjack worked a little, then sat down to rest, only to chop a bit more before taking another break. At…
The famous line “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” comes from William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” This quote suggests that an event is not inherently good or bad; instead, it is our perceptions and interpretations that shape our views of it as positive or negative. In essence, our perspective determines…
The lazy, crazy hazy days of summer are over. Time for school. Time for work . Time tobegin the fiscal New Year. Time for priorities. From your dreams come goals. From your goals come a list of activities. From youractivity list come priorities. From priorities come the fulfillment of your dreams. Dream expansively. Dream luxuriously….