When I Realized I Was the Problem
It felt like a punch to the gut the day I realized many of the problems in my marriage stemmed from me—and my own unhappiness. For years—nearly a decade—I had one foot out the door. I was convinced we wouldn’t [...]
It felt like a punch to the gut the day I realized many of the problems in my marriage stemmed from me—and my own unhappiness. For years—nearly a decade—I had one foot out the door. I was convinced we wouldn’t [...]
I spy on my kids’ social media. There, I said it. And if you’re a parent, I hope you’re doing the same. To keep up with them, I download all the apps they’re on—which means I often find myself sucked [...]
When I was a kid, the television was always on. Morning to night, background noise was the soundtrack of my life. But I didn’t really notice it—because that was just normal. Now? I only turn on the TV for Real [...]
Ever wondered what it would be like to land a $1,000,000 book deal—only to find yourself so paralyzed by writer’s block that you might have to give the money back or face a lawsuit? No? Me neither. What about being [...]
In my work with couples, I often hear both partners say, “We just don’t know how to communicate.” But that’s just code for, “My partner doesn’t hear me.” Not the actual words, but the emotion behind what’s being said. People struggle in [...]
When did you see your first counselor? Mine was in college—right after a very blunt nurse practitioner at the student clinic (affectionately known as “The Quack Shack”) looked at me and said: “I’m not going to be your drug dealer. [...]
Yesterday, a client confronted me and gave me some homework. Well, that was awkward. She was having home repairs done while we were on our virtual call, and in between me telling her the sound didn’t bother me (it didn’t) [...]
Almost 19 years ago, I stood in the aisles of Barnes & Noble, holding a book that would change my life. I was pregnant with my twins, and while I was excited, I was also terrified. I wasn’t sure I [...]
For most of my life, I considered myself a professional people-pleaser. I didn’t ask for this title but proudly wore it, thinking it made me a "good person." I worked tirelessly to make everyone happy even if it left [...]
You Are Not Alone Here I confess. I tend to want to fix things for people. I want people to be happy, and I feel guilty when I'm unable to "make it all better." It's difficult for me to stand [...]