A lot of books arrived at my house last week after psychologist husband Bob‘s office reorganization. Picking through the boxes, I discovered a few selections that I’d recommended to him because I’d found them outstandingly useful, actually practical and effective in improving my life navigation skills. So I decided to glance at these books again […] Read More

Hear me, world: I am ready! This is my announcement that, if offered, I will accept the post of American Idol judge recently vacated by Ms. Paula Abdul. Job Qualifications I bring many assets to the position. At 60, I am of a demographic not currently represented on the panel. Having no musical ability, I […] Read More

We don’t have to stick with whatever comes out of a package. Often, we can change it. I love using things in ways they weren’t intended, or altering them to make them work for my circumstances. Case in point: Husband Bob didn’t like the blue sheets because they “didn’t breathe.” I didn’t like the black […] Read More

I was preaching and theorizing here two days ago about how the health care anger and uproar was coming in part out of the fear of death. Turns out I was projecting: it was me. (And maybe those raging demonstrators as well) The day after that post (yesterday), I worried here about the recession and […] Read More

Curiously, courage is often needed most when a threat starts to recede. That’s true for me, and true theoretically. The recession starts to show signs of abating and I start to feel the full emotional impact for the first time: anger, fear, fatigue, etc. Why Be Scared of the Recession Now? When the first frenzy […] Read More

If job/economy worries are starting to wear on your courage and your imagination, your basic health and good humor, then take a playground break. Or you might even stand up and stretch, or try a little desk yoga. Not only bold, but refreshing. Confront The Beast Which reminds me that I regularly drive past Silver […] Read More

At tea this afternoon after my regular weekly writing group meeting, I suddenly understood why rage has been breaking out at meetings to talk about health care. The Anger I’m sure you’ve read about people showing up at these discussions packing heat, and seen the pictures of snarling and pushing participants. This afternoon at our […] Read More

A courage conundrum: Can a strong person have a weak stomach? I won’t burden you with details, but I came down with food poisoning last night. A rough six hours, but it was the cleanup that was most vexing. Willpower alone does little to restrain a stomach in rebellion. I do know that hypnosis can […] Read More

Here’s one of my favorite pump-up songs of all time, performed by one of the great pop artists. Perfect for shaking off any August lethargy. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apd-pkviZCA&hl=en&fs=1&] Add to del.icio.us - Stumble It! - Subscribe to this feed - Digg it Read More

Even to call one’s self a courage expert has to take some spunkiness. So Sandra Ford Walston shows her mettle even before you get to her website–or her book (Courage: The Heart and Spirit of Every Woman)– or her public speaking. (A “handle” like Courage Expert, BTW, is part of what is meant by a […] Read More