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New Town — New Connections

Moving to a new city is exciting. There are so many experiences to discover; from scenery, to food, to culture.

It can also be a little overwhelming leaving behind all the familiar people, places and experiences, that you know like the back of your hand.

My husband and I moved a few months ago to Nashville from Orlando, where we both grew up. The sights, smells, our friends there — were all…

3 Things I Wish I Had Done When I Moved My Parents to an Assisted Living Facility

I remember vividly the moment I knew that a major change was needed for my parents. My mom had some major medical complications and needed a level of care my father could no longer provide. I was on the phone with my cousin, wandering through the grocery store, trying to find something to cook for their dinner. This became a nightly ordeal.

His early dementia (that would eventually lead to…

Staying Connected on a Human Level in the Age of Technology (from a Baby Boomer Perspective)

Technology is a wonderful thing.

I am a member of the Boomer generation, and while I try to keep up with all the Millennials who probably have never experienced life without technology in their grasp, there are times I feel overwhelmed and disconnected.

That sounds like an oxy-moron.

The very thing that keeps us connected to the rest of the world through millions of apps, (2.8 million for Android…

This Happened—Now What? You Have a Choice!

You can go forward, backward, or do nothing.

Having been a student of life, all my life, I learned much of what I know from observing others and how they react and respond to people and circumstances.

Not to say I haven’t learned from my own experiences as well, but it seems easier, or perhaps more clear to notice others first and then in reflection, ask yourself what you would do in the same…

10 Meaningfully Ways to Connect With Others This Year

The beginning of another year –

I don’t make resolutions. I don’t believe in waking up on the first day of each year, determined to turn my life in another direction. Those kinds of declarations rarely stick.

Instead, I look for ways to be more present in my everyday life. And for me, the best way to stay present is to stay connected –with myself  – and others.

On one hand (did you look at the…

The Lesson That Made My Marriage Stronger

I struggle with written directions. Reading financial statements stresses me out and makes my head spin. Following a written recipe is a challenge. I look like an early reader with my finger resting on each word.

Tell me the driving directions or share a recipe verbally and I’ve got it. I can visualize what I hear and I’m off and running, or driving, or cooking.

Back in my college days studying…

Yes, the title sounds like the name of a networking group and I think I have even been to one with that name. I have made some incredible connections over coffee, but that is not where I am headed.

This is about a hospital experience and a brand of coffee, Barnie’s Santa’s White Christmas. The flavor was introduced during the holiday season in 1995 and soon became a year-round favorite.

The label…

No Problem is a Problem!

Are you starting a new business and need to hire employees? No Problem!

Do you need to fill a customer order? No Problem!

Perhaps source out the right technology? No Problem!

How many times have you asked a question of a business, inquiring if something could be done and the response you received was “No Problem?”

Whether you are asking a waitress for a beverage, a retail clerk for help with a…

Something I Never Told You – Sharing Family Memories

I recently conducted a workshop for a non-profit that organizes monthly activities for its member families. It is one of my favorite events to facilitate because the stories that are shared cover a wide span of ages and experiences. I always marvel at the giggles and affectionate glances that are exchanged as the family members uncover layers of memories that deepen their family bonds.

It doesn’t…

Love Yourself – Father’s Anti-Bullying Song For His Daughter Goes Viral

Truth be told, we probably all know someone who has been bullied. This dad taught his daughters how to “Love Yourself” no matter what! More than advice, he provided them with tools to make a difference.

I’M BEAUTIFUL – I’M WORTHY –

THOSE MEAN WORDS CAN’T HURT ME!

I’M PRICELESS – I’M SMART – I LOVE MYSELF –

I’M FOCUSSED ON MY HEALTH!

Read my article on The Good Men Project and Check out the…

Three Nuggets You Can Take Away From A Team Building Activity

When was the last time you tried something new? Something adventurous? Something completely out of your comfort zone and, you did it with someone else?

I conduct team-building workshops for companies to help them build stronger relationships, but recently I focused on a much smaller team. There were only two people and I was lucky to be one of the participants!

I flew to Washington D.C. to visit…

Scott McKenzie – He Had Us Laughing

I need to laugh and when the sun is out

I’ve got something I can laugh about

I feel good in a special way

I’m in love and it’s a sunny day

Good day sunshine, good day sunshine, good day sunshine –

The Beatles

When we laugh, our energy is lifted. It is as though we are attached to a virtual helium balloon that pulls us up. No one knew this better or connected more deeply with others through…

5 Ways to Keep Stress From Affecting Your Relationships

My husband and I are learning what it means to tread water. Not literally, but we are leaning to stay afloat and together when there is no rescue in sight.

It’s been a rough couple of weeks. Our house was struck by lightning, leaving a ragged hole in the chimney and frying out the wiring in our home. Our 11-year-old miniature schnauzer contracted diabetes a few months ago and as the doctors…

Living With the Guilt of Letting My Father Go

Four years ago I made a decision that still haunts me. A decision that would change lives forever. His would be ended. Mine would be empty without him.

Guilt. It is something I have been holding in my heart since that day. Did I make the right decision? Could I have done something different, made another choice, gone in a different direction, tried something else?

Some will say taking him to…

A Big Smile – A Few Tears and a Very Special Memory

When I was a kid, my mom and I played a game. We hid a little rubberized clown named Bendable Buddy around the house in odd places for the other to find. Whomever hid him last often heard peals of laughter and knew instantly he had been discovered.

We tried to be clever with our hiding places. I tied him to the blade of the ceiling fan. Mom squeezed him in the egg carton. It was so much fun…

3 Essential Steps to Clearing the Clutter in Your Head!

Clutter. How do you define it? The drawer that needs to be cleaned out? The pile of shoes that hasn’t been put away and is blocking the doorway? The stack of old mail and junk littering the counter, or the stuff acquired over the years you can’t seem to let go of?

There can be business clutter too. Old office equipment that slows down the efficiency of your business. Ideas that don’t work any…