Ideas on Mental Health & Meaning
The Compatibility Question
"Do you believe there is "The One" for everyone, that we have a soul-mate?" That was right after he asked me, "Do you believe in Fate or Luck?" Definitely some thought-provoking questions. In terms of compatibility, NO, I don't think we all have a "soul-mate". I...
“Toxic Positivity”
This could also be called "what to say when you don't know what to say". Often, I find it is the most to know what to say when the stakes are highest, the most meaningful. It's often hard to know what to say to encourage or console someone who is struggling, so we...
Meaning and Wisdom from Viktor & I
Last week, I had the distinct honor to spend a day with film maker and Logotherapist, Alex Vesely - the grandson of Viktor Frankl. He screened his movie, Viktor and I, for us. It was Amazing. Inspiring. Tearful. Meaningful. Wise. Insightful. More than a...
Emotional Sea Level w/ Dr. Weil
Where our modern world tells us to "be happy, regardless of the circumstances", even if it means taking a pill, Viktor Frankl tells us to that life has meaning in all circumstances. However, meaning does not guarantee happiness, and maybe happiness should not always...
The Science of Emotions
Just kidding. There is no "science" - well at least there is no scientific consensus yet. There is plenty of scientific research going on around them. We just aren't that sure how to define them yet. Does it amaze anyone else that such a critical, all-inclusive part...
The Most Vital Piece…
...of Communication - in any relationship - but especially in a committed relationship... Is LISTENING. Although it is easy to write, it is pretty difficult for many of us to do. For us Extroverts it is very hard to have the patience to wait for our Introvert to...
Consumer Society & The Family
I'm just not feeling "it" today. In fact, I'm feeling pretty low. Maybe it's the weather, or possibly giving up that hour of sleep last night, after staying up a little too late to finish that Netflix series. It could be a little "Sunday Neurosis" as Frankl would...
You Are Not Your Past
Whether you made a mistake yesterday, or had something terrible happen to you as a child, you are not your past. You carry the weight of that mistake with you. You carry the memory of what may have been done to you. But it is not you. You can choose differently. You...
For All You Dads Out There
Really, this is good info for any parent, or someone who knows a parent. These are my notes from a presentation to a group of Dads at a Daddy-Daughter Dance last weekend. I hope you find them helpful. "The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for...
Mental Health “Wonder Drug”?
As a substance abuse therapist for the past two decades, I’ve been pretty skeptical about CBD. However, as a mental health counselor for just as long, I’ve seen the effects of long-term prescription medication use - not just opiates, but anti-depressants,...
Was mich nicht umbringt…
...macht mich stärker. Many of have heard one Friedrich Nietzsche's most famous quotes: "Whatever does not kill me, makes me stronger." But as I am reading through Hiking with Nietzsche: On Becoming Who You Are, I am reminded of what an impact he had on Viktor...
Just Be Safe – Maybe Discover Some Meaning
Apparently many of us have a pretty rough week ahead of us. "Historic lows" they say. I read something about -39 to -49 degree windchill at some point during the week. That's inhuman, and inhumane, for anyone who has to be out in it. After denigrating The State of...