Speaking from the heart is essential Will Rogers once said, “Never miss a good chance to shut up.” That does not work if you are trying to have a good relationship. If you want to be close to your spouse, or your children, or your friends, you must speak the truth of what is going on inside you. Lack of effective communication skills is the basic problem facing every couple, … [Read more...]
Invite new experiences
Invite new experiences Before the first bridge hand is dealt, I always look across the table, into the eyes of my partner, and say with all sincerity, “Please forgive me in advance for all the mistakes I am about to make.” We laugh and begin the play of the cards. Humility is good for our mental health because it balances inflated egos. Therefore I keep walking into … [Read more...]
‘Fair-fighting’ is a valuable skill to learn
‘Fair-fighting’ is a valuable skill to learn Mitch Albom in Have a Little Faith wrote, “When my wife is mad at me she gets historical. You mean hysterical….no, historical. She brings up everything I’ve ever done wrong in my entire life.” That statement made me laugh because it is a great example of how NOT to fight. All relationships have disagreements. Arguments are normal … [Read more...]
Focus on solutions not problems
Focus on solutions not problems Everyone has problems. A problem exists when what we have (reality) collides with what we want (desire). It can relate to anything; relationships, finances, parenting, employment, etc. The problems can be very complex, but the solutions to those problems are often basic and simple. I recently edited a book that was focused on identifying … [Read more...]
Don’t allow an addiction to destroy your story
Don’t allow an addiction to destroy your story I've never claimed to be an addiction counselor, but I have seen and experienced the hurt and destruction caused by addiction. Addiction can ruin, dilute, disguise and even kill a person. It can do the same to friends and family. It can make a person and the people around him/her feel dark inside. It is not a good thing. One can … [Read more...]
Live while you live
Live while you live I thought I would start my column with my usual closing quote: Live while you live! We all WILL die, and we probably could give that thought a little more credence. Too often we put off things that bring us joy because we don’t have it on our schedule, and we unconsciously believe that we have more days or weeks or years to get to it. Maybe we do, and maybe … [Read more...]
Anxiety – challenging but not deadly
Anxiety - challenging but not deadly When a person experiences a tight chest, rapid heartbeat, tense arms, sweaty hands, inability to focus, and even fear of dying, it might be anxiety. If you are experiencing these symptoms, first go to your medical doctor to make sure your symptoms are not caused by a physical ailment. This will give you accurate information that is not … [Read more...]
Appreciate America
Appreciate America July 4th is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. That was 238 years ago; more than 9 generations. At my age, that would be my great, great, great, great, great, great grandparent’s generation. What an awesome thought. I challenge all of us to appreciate and be thankful for the efforts, … [Read more...]
America; the grandest home
America; the grandest home Sorry, but if you choose to read this column, you must endure my soapbox in defense of our amazing USA. If you do not like America, if you choose to complain about life within our fifty states, spare yourself and do not read this article. I love America. Period! I love her without conditions. Sure, I see flaws, we all have flaws, but she still wins … [Read more...]
Stress can be associated with anything
Stress can be associated with anything Stress is a word we hear everyday. In my counseling office it was used when discussing anything from hospital visits, guests, parenting, exams, relationships, diets, employers, money, illness, entertaining, holidays, etc. Stress is an emotion that can be associated with anything we do. Stress does not come only from negative events. It … [Read more...]
Nature Offers Important Lessons
Nature Offers Important Lessons Throughout my life, I have studied at the university level for over 14 years, and I could have learned as much about how to help people have strong mental wellness from nature. Take a tree: Stand tall and proud; sink your roots into the earth; be content with your natural beauty; go out on a limb; drink plenty of water; remember your roots; … [Read more...]
Father’s Day is for appreciation
Father’s Day is for appreciation George Washington, the first President of the United States of America, is revered as the Father of our country. What made him such a great ‘Father’? He was determined to be a great leader; he never gave up; he took charge; he served his country relentlessly; he put his country before himself. A good father today has some of the … [Read more...]
Book Signing by Jennifer Goble
Book Signing by Jennifer Goble What: Book signing for "My Clients...My Teachers; The Noble Process of Psychotherapy,"by Dr. Jennifer Goble When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 8 Where: Sterling Public Library community room STERLING —After 23 years owning and operating a private counseling practice, former Sterling resident Dr. Jennifer Goble is now sharing her counseling experiences … [Read more...]
Depression is not a death sentence
Depression is not a death sentence Depression is common. Depression is a physical disorder. Depression involves an imbalance of brain chemicals. Depression does not define who we are unless we let it. Depression does not affect our worth unless we let it. Everything I know about depression I learned from my clients and from my friend Diana Alishouse. From Diana I learned to … [Read more...]
Speaking from the heart is essential
Speaking from the heart is essential Will Rogers once said, “Never miss a good chance to shut up.” That doesn’t work if you are trying to have a good relationship. If you want to be close to your spouse, or your children, or your friends, you must speak the truth of what is going on inside you. Lack of effective communication skills is the basic problem facing every couple, … [Read more...]