Articles on 'Emotions & Attitude' ↓

Happiness — that simple gift of quiet satisfaction. We long to be happy. We reach for it. We even cry for happiness. But that is in our private moments.

In public, we paste platitudes on the face of this sacred search. We are afraid to show our vulnerability, as if it were a weakness to crave a thing so beautiful, and as seemingly delicate as happiness.

Our world requires “tough and smart,” so we downplay the search to be happy. But where does that leave our inner longing? Continue reading →

Is anger stopping you from enjoying your relationship?

Does anger management just remind you that you need fixing? Do you feel guilty and defensive at the same time — knowing that you are hurting your spouse, and yet not wanting to own the identity that accompanies that judgment?

Do you feel torn between your anger and your desire to be more loving? If so, then you clearly want to change.

Are you willing to take one small but powerful step? Continue reading →

When you are not motivated to take positive action, your life will spiral downward. That is the way it works. So what do you do? You could give up; that is a popular option. Or, you can dig deeper to find a source of motivation that is inexhaustible and always powerful.

We are talking here about tuning into–and becoming motivated by–the ordinary stuff of daily life; all those simple things that we experience from moment to moment. Just think for a second of the power of that: if every new day provided us with fresh sources of motivation, how can we fail to be happy and successful?

But, it is easier said than done is it not?
Continue reading →

I am talking about those deep emotional secrets that you keep, even from yourself. Secrets held from long ago, when your ability to cope was no match for the power of your circumstance.

Events that become dark secrets often happen in childhood. As children, we are more vulnerable. We are less able to protect ourselves, or make wise decisions.

They become dark secrets because: you never fully understood what was going on at the time, you were hurt or traumatized somehow, and you felt that you could not ask for help. Continue reading →

Where does the light go when the darkness of depression creeps up around you? How can you see your way out of that darkness when you sense no light within you?

These are questions you ask yourself — if you have the strength to ask — when severe depression strikes.

This is not about feeling blue. Long-term clinical depression can end your life, physically, mentally, or spiritually. It cuts you off at the knees and renders whatever gifts you have powerless. If it is not treated, either professionally or through good self-help, it will increasingly erode your mental health. Continue reading →