“Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people in a hostile world. Same world. Wayne Dyer Mother Teresa is quoted as saying “I was once asked why I don’t participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I’ll be there.” I […]

Niccolò Machiavelli’s political reign lasted 14 years, and in that time he left an indelible mark on modern political theory. In his treatise, The Prince, he proposed that ruling through fear would be more effective than ruling through love. While he was undeniably cunning and unorthodox, it is difficult to deny the fact that Machiavelli […]

I grew up in a rather strict household. I was grounded pretty often, not because I was a trouble-maker, but because I didn’t live up to some pretty lofty expectations. I wasn’t allowed to question rules, or pretty much speak up at all. Everything I said or did was minutely scrutinized. So how did I […]

Imagine visiting a therapist for depression, only to be told that the key to overcoming it is to develop better self-esteem. Or consulting a professional for anxiety issues, and then given tips on how to be more assertive. It sounds crackers, but research we conducted at Queendom indicates that self-esteem and assertiveness, along with six […]

I can’t possibly be the only person who dreads the holidays. I’m not talking about the frenzy of last-minute shopping, like when you get to the point where Smurf shot glasses are suddenly looking like a reasonable gift. Or spending what feels like a year of your life circling around the parking lot for a […]

I have a really hard time convincing certain people why I don’t like buying pirated copies of movies – or why I refuse to take advantage of discounted appliances because they “fell off the truck.” “It’s a matter of principle,” I’ll say. “By buying this kind of stuff I’m encouraging more dishonesty.” “Who cares? You’re […]

“The women who follows the crowed will usually go no further that the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” Albert Einstein I’m not going to lie: The results of the presidential election are making me a little nervous. Like many people around […]

My cousin is generally a mellow, quirky teenager. She watches Japanese anime with subtitles and recently decided that she wants a t-shirt with Bob Ross’ face. So imagine my surprise when her parents recently confessed that she missed the first 3 weeks of school because of debilitating anxiety – and I mean hyperventilating, turning-blue-ready-to-pass-out anxiety. […]

Few will offer a disparaging word about Winston Churchill. If asked who deserves to be on the list of the world’s greatest leaders, he would likely turn up in the top 5. But behind that stoic gaze was a man who knew he wasn’t perfect and who, according to several historians, suffered from bouts of […]

I don’t think I’ve ever been a silver-lining kind of person, even as a child. You know how kids always have that “pie-in-the-sky, everything-is-awesome” view of the world? That wasn’t me – at all. I was the Chicken Little, the doomsayer. I was the “OMG-we’re-going-to-get-in-trouble/we’re-all-gonna-die” kid. Try as might, I’m not a very good optimist. […]

I’m a unique emotional eater. If I’m anxious or worried about something, my appetite is non-existent. Same goes for sadness or anger. My nemesis is idleness. If I’m bored, I’ll switch to the Food Network…and by that I mean my pantry. “Chip Battles,” starring me, with a special guest appearance by my love/hate partner, Chef […]

My relationship with my former best friend was tight-knit. I swore that I’d make her the godmother of all my children; she promised to make me the godmother of her, um, dogs (she didn’t want kids). We were even going to live next door to each other, go on family vacations together, and organize play […]