Blog Archive
Lessons from the Ballpark: Fired by my Son
My 7-year-old son publicly fired me from being his baseball coach. I remember it like it happened yesterday. We were standing in foul territory, next to the first base line, close to the dugout. I thought we could get some reps in before the game started. He, on the other hand, wanted to have fun…
Lessons from the Ballpark: Jeter’s Approach to Life
The New York Yankees retired Derrick Jeter’s number, # 2, in 2017. He retired as the Yankees leader in hits, games played, doubles, and stolen bases. As the Yankee’s captain, he led his team to five World Series wins. # 2 will forever live in the pinstripes allure as the 21st plaque to be erected…
Lessons from the Ballpark
Yogi Berra, the famous New York Yankee catcher and manager, once said, “Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.” I know Yogi’s math might not add up, but his proclamation continues to be appreciated by baseball players. The fact that this “Yogism” is still repeated suggests that the statement must have…
Connecting with your Child during the Summer
Summer is here! No more lunches to be made or homework to double check—finally a break! This is cause for celebration and yet, summer can also be a time that’s challenging. The lack of routine and structure can be difficult to manage. There are two common mishaps when responding to the new routine of summer—overscheduling…
Reflections on Clinical Depression Impact on the Home, Part 2
My previous blog on clinician depression looked at the financial impact depression is having on America. What is often overlooked, or not discussed, is the impact clinical depression has on the home. In this blog I am going to consider how depression affects the home and what loved ones can do about it. Living with someone…
Reflections on Clinical Depression Impact, Part 1
Aaron Beck, the author of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, described clinical depression as someone having consistent negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and the future. Beck referred to these three negative thoughts as the “cognitive triad.” According to Beck’s theory, a depressed individual will have a poor view of his or herself that leads to universal…
5 Questions to Ask when Looking for a Therapist
The first step to change is admitting you need help, but unfortunately we cant blink 3 times and have a therapist appear! Finding the perfect fit can be daunting, so here are 5 questions to keep in mind when finding the right person. “Who do my trusted friends, family or church leaders recommend?” While favorite…
Emotionally Intelligent Neighbors
For over three decades Mr. Rogers taught Americans how to be good neighbors. Decades before Daniel Goleman wrote “Emotional Intelligence”, Mr. Rogers was teaching viewers about being an emotionally intelligent neighbor. I must admit, as a child, I did not fully appreciate Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, but as I now reflect on his work, I can’t…
Instilling Empathy in Our Children
Take a moment and think about a shift in your life. What transpired within that context to help you change the trajectory in which you were headed? Was it when someone blasted you with a lecture and reminders of ways you’ve fallen short? Was it when someone confronted you on your inward motives? If I…
Making Mindful Resolutions
Research shows that a large percentage of people make New Year’s resolutions and only a small percentage achieve them. Mindfully observing our life from a nonjudgmental place, will allow us to examine where we can grow and acknowledge where we have grown. The new year brings both challenges AND opportunities. With those challenges and opportunities…