Ideas on Mental Health & Meaning
How’s Your Vision?
It's easy to get up in the minutia of everyday life. Does this sound like your life? Wake up, brush teeth, pour some coffee, get the kids off to school, get to work, work (meaningful work hopefully), come home, dinner, tv, bed. Get up and do it all over...
“Looking for a Sign”
This article could just as easily be titled, "Honor Thy Father and Mother," - you'll see why as you read on. As I write this, I am preparing to embark on a brief road trip with my Dad tomorrow. I'm sure it will be a bittersweet adventure as we honor my Mom's passing...
Is CBD for Me?
As a social scientist, I am trained to be skeptical; to be a critical consumer of research. As a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, I'm extra skeptical of most substances - I do quite a lot of research before I recommend people put anything into their bodies for...
“That’s Not Good” – JBP’s Rules for Life
"There is no enlightened one. There is only the one who is seeking further enlightenment. Proper Being is process, not a state; a journey, not a destination. It's the continual transformation of what you know, through encounter with what you don't know, rather than...
Stress is Good for You
Stress is a sense that we have something to do that we haven't done yet. In manageable doses, stress is a healthy motivator that propels us to get stuff done. When we are in a position to choose our own stress - to choose projects we want to do, work we find...
Better Living Through Self-Transcendence
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 This may be a Biblical statement, but the same sentiment can be found throughout recorded history, mythology, and even our modern story-telling. 300 Spartans laid down...
There’s NO Such Thing as a Dragon!
...until it is destroying your home. Small dragons that sit on tables become gigantic dragons that destroy homes. That is the crux of Jack Kent's children's story. But it has very real meaning in the adult world: Daily drinking can become binge-drinking that turns...
So Live Your Life
So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long...
Labor Day and Meaning in Work
Today we honor the American labor movement, and the American laborer for all they have added to the "strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country." Hopefully, you are able to take some time away from labor to enjoy meaningful fun, hobby, or socializing. ...
When Heroes Die
There seems to be an apocalyptic event every few years, if you're in to the whole comic book / superhero thing. There is a giant "RESET" button when things start to get too complicated. If you've watched the most recent addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you...
Pain, Suffering, & Substance Abuse – a personal story
I don't often share personal stories about myself. As a psychotherapist, I received some pretty strict training on the appropriate use of self-disclosure as a therapeutic tool, and I've found over time that less is more when trying to help people through their own...
10 Betrayals
Infidelity, extramarital affairs, sexual promiscuity - often sensationalized in the media, these relationship destroying choices happen all too often in "real life". However, lesser indiscretions can often lead a couple to struggle significantly, and can cause untold...