He walked out of the building, into the bright sunshine, and took a deep breath.

Two years of stress rolled off his shoulders.  He stretched, took another deep breath, and chuckled. He felt lighter. 

He never imagined he could do it - take a chance, make a change.  But he had...

How often do you change your environment, experience new ideas, or get out of your comfort zone?

It can feel very safe and cozy to remain in familiar surroundings.  We know what to expect.  We have a sense of control.

What happens when we take a break from our routine?

We change our...

Remember the ancient times, like 2003, when we had landlines and answering machines?

Back in the day, I would receive many calls soliciting donations for worthy causes, from breast cancer to wounded warriors. 

I can still close my eyes and put myself back there.  I can physically sense...

This memory came up on my Facebook timeline today:

Pianos take up a lot of room and they are deceptively heavy.  It took four guys to maneuver her each time I moved, and once again when she finally left me for a new home.

Not only did my piano take up space in my home, but she took up space...

My hometown NFL team, the Buffalo Bills, ended their season this past Sunday in a nailbiter against the Kansas City Chiefs.

I don’t normally watch football, but it was hard not to get swept up in the enthusiasm surrounding the Buffalo Bills.  So, there I sat, chest tight, hands...

Winter in Buffalo, NY will inevitably deliver snow.

Even so, there is always a run on the grocery store when the weatherman warns us of an impending storm.  There is value in knowing a snowstorm is on the way.  Afterall, forewarned is forearmed. 

At the beginning of the winter...

As a recovering people pleaser, I am always amazed at what happens when I implement a strong NO, in response to a request or offer.

While holiday shopping, I approached the checkout with my purchases and the young, attractive salesman began his upsell pitch. 

I don’t mind upsells or...

A few years ago, I stopped making New Year’s resolutions. 

I realized my resolutions were a lofty, ethereal promise I made that wasn’t grounded in anything substantial.  And therefore, often broken by February.

Instead, I now choose a word or phrase that becomes my theme for...

I always take the final week of December to reflect on the last twelve months and prepare for the coming year.

Today, I leave you with a short story I have had pinned to the board in my office this year.  It’s served as a kind of theme for me.  It’s written by Patty Hansen...

Ahhhh, the holidays.  Chestnut roasting, eggnog drinking, gift wrapping.

Also, black Friday, cyber Monday, and giving Tuesday.

‘Tis the season of shopping.

As a recovering people pleaser, I have always felt extra pressure to make sure my gift was "perfect" for the person receiving...

I was chatting with a friend the other day, catching up on our lives.  We haven’t seen each other in a few months.

She has spent every free moment of her time studying and writing papers.  At the age of 45, she decided to go to college and get her Bachelor’s degree. ...

It’s that time of year again.

No, not Christmas or Hanukkah.  It’s time to set new goals for the next year.  This is the time of year when I look back at what I have accomplished (or have yet to accomplish) and set an agenda for the coming year. 

It’s torture.

...