Narcissists are not easy to spot, at least not right away. Well, the only exception might be (allegedly) Henry VIII, Napoleon, Madonna, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian (or let’s face it, any of the Kardashians), and the POTUS. But a lot of narcissists don’t realize they’re narcissists, which can sometimes make them difficult to identify. […]

Let’s continue our discussion (from here and here) on how depression, can change the content and trajectory of your thoughts. Here are some of the lies that your depression might be telling you: “The world is a cruel place.” I will not sugarcoat the truth: The fact is that some people can be inexplicably and […]

In last week’s blog, I began a discussion on how depression can twist your thoughts around. I know the emotional, psychological, and physical struggle that depression can be. Finding your way through depression is like trying to find the light switch in a dark room; trying to sort through the “depression” thoughts and the “real” […]

I am in a constant battle with my mind. It’s like that iconic scene you’ll see in all western movies: Scene: High noon. Two cowboys stand a few yards apart, staring each other down. A tumbleweed rolls across the screen. Me: It’s time for us to stop this feud. We’re not enemies. My mind: Go […]

A few years ago I was watching an old documentary on YouTube featuring motivational speaker Louise Hay. She walked across the stage, turned to the studio audience, and asked them to take out the mirror that she had requested they bring along with them. With mirror in hand, the audience was then told to look […]

I believe quite strongly that nothing happens by chance. As Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) once said about coincidence, “The universe is rarely so lazy.” I also firmly believe that our body is often a reflection of our feelings and personality. I once suggested to my brother that his, er, “musical body” (i.e. flatulence) was a […]

Let’s take a few minute to test what I like to call “social esteem,” which is basically my fancy way of saying your ability to handle rejection on social media: Test #1: You write what you feel is a brilliant, funny, or poignant post on Facebook or Twitter but it gets absolutely no likes/retweets. How […]

In last week’s blog, I began a discussion on the many downsides of rumination. It’s that oh-so-fun process of mentally turning a problem inside out and upside down in Cirque du Soleil fashion, with nothing to show for it except a string of sleepless nights, some bags under my eyes, and a wrinkle that wasn’t […]

I am a ruminator. Master level 99. I can take an innocent comment or minor situation and turn it inside out, upside down, take it down the street, around the corner, through the Bermuda Triangle and back. Here’s what happens to excessive ruminators like me: We over-analyze situations so pedantically that we make them a […]

Yes, regular readers of my blog know I don’t advocate blame. Parenting style does have a major impact on a child’s development, but you can’t spend the rest of your life blaming your parents for your hang-ups or unhappiness. At some point, you have to take full control of your personal growth. However, I write […]

In a previous blog, we started looking at the substantial impact that self-esteem has on every aspect of your character – your view of the world, your attitude, your ability to assert yourself, be independent, motivate yourself, and handle your emotions. Here are some additional factors that can be enhanced by working on your self-esteem…or […]

I know your resolutions for 2018 probably revolve around doing stuff better this year. Eating healthier, breaking a bad habit, losing weight, trying to be a better person, going after that dream that’s been sitting on a dusty shelf at the back of your mind, and attempting to get along with your mother or mother-in-law, […]