What Makes Survivors Resilient? Recently I was asked this question by a PTSD survivor-turned-therapist, about how I would answer the question: What makes survivors resilient? Here is my response (*name changed for privacy): What a great question, Kate:* I believe survivors are resilient because they exercise choice (either knowingly or unknowingly). By choice, they take the…
This month’s issue, September 2012, of Yang-Sheng magazine featured my article, The Happiness Inventory. Read a snippet below and get the post here. The Happiness Inventory Are you happy? The Pursuit of Happiness in today’s hyperactive, super-stimulated, and over-medicated society seems to be subtitled with the phrase “Immediate Gratification” or “If it feels good do it.”…
“In order to be transformed, I must know what I believe.“ In the spring of 2008 I jotted this thought down on the inside cover of my well worn notepad. I carry it in my bag or briefcase wherever I go. I replace my small notepad every January. All during the year, it is my “Get…
March 26, 2009 – Today, I was hurrying Michael (my 3 year old) into his car seat knowing both he and his brother William (18 months old), were on the cusp of a “I’m-hungry-please-feed-me-now-and-I’m-sleepy-too-melt-down.” I knew I didn’t have long to get them home, fed, and down to naptime before one or both of them imploded….
Organic Baby Food Recipes: Today’s post is by BITL contributing author and iParenting award winning author, Lisa Barnes. Lisa is the author of the fantastic and practical book, Petit Appetit. Apple Puree from The Petit Appetit Cookbook by Lisa Barnes Apples are a great first baby food because of their sweetness and versatility. Be sure to buy…
Today’s post is by BITL contributing author and iParenting award winning author, Lisa Barnes. Lisa is the author of the fantastic and practical book, Petit Appetit. Babies usually triple their weight during their first year. So if “they are what they eat”, this is the most important time to give them the best. Plus you want…
Today’s post is by BITL contributing author and iParenting award winning author, Lisa Barnes. Lisa is the author of the fantastic and practical book, Petit Appetit.According to the US EPA Department of Health and Human Services, the greatest exposure to pesticides and chemicals is in a child’s first 4 years. This is why many advocate for…
The Power of Compassion in Shared Humanity Why must we experience loss and pain before we learn to share in the burdens of others’ grief? Through the birth and struggles of illness with my first son, I discovered the profound truth that joy and sorrow are meant to be shared. While we may never fully…
Family conflict during the Holidays. Ugh. It happens often and for some families, is inevitable. The Season is upon us, so to safeguard the harmony of your family Christmas, here are 5 Guidelines for Building Better Relationships. These guidelines arise from my life observations as well as my studies in yoga philosophy and my personal spiritual…
Okay ladies, here are my last “real time” stress busters (for this week anyway). 1. Stress scenario: There is not enough time in the day to get everything done.2. Solution: This is a tough one, but we must tackle it. Identify time wasters: 1. Stress: Immediate overload. You need help now!2. Solution: 3. Overall Benefits: More time for You. More time for Others. A…
Each day, I am guilty of multi-tasking. I’ve been known to brush my teeth while folding clothes and changing a diaper, for example. Today, the stress scenario is multi-tasking. What to do? I must continuously remind myself to follow my own advice on a daily basis. This is important. I always earnestly strive to practice…
Sometimes it creeps up on you, sometimes it crashes into you, sometimes it consumes you, but frequently it seems, stress seems to be just around the next corner. My day is going smoothly, and then something ALWAYS happens to interrupt my “zen” flow. Reality! You wake up late or you wake up too early. You…