Empowering people to make strengthening choices
In a recent blog post I introduced the five stage of marital satisfaction: enchantment, disillusionment, obligation, friendship and mature love. In this post I want to talk about four toxic relationship patterns that prevent you from moving forward from disillusionment or obligation to friendship and love. These four patterns come from marriage research at the […]
Happiness in Marriage Did you know that over 96% of all people will marry or come together as a couple during their lifetimes? The fact is, we don’t like being alone. We want to find a partner and settle into a life with someone with whom we can share our life experiences. Furthermore, according to […]
I’ve observed that intimate relationships often grow through five stages. I call them the five stages of marital (or couple) satisfaction. I want to offer them to you to understand the milestones in your progress towards building a happy and thriving marriage. I’m also interested in your thoughts. Do you agree? How do they fit […]
In my last blog post, I talked about how we are responsible for our own happiness in marriage. This is not something we can sluff off on our spouses. That doesn’t mean I always walk my talk. In this article, I want to share a story about playing the victim in my marriage. Hopefully, it […]
A belief of mine is that you have to take good care of yourself to have a healthy and happy relationship. Taking good care of yourself is your job and not something you can sluff onto your partner. Of course, the beginning of a relationship feels so different. I was just scanning face book yesterday […]
One reason that many marriages flounder or fail is that we enter into them with unrealistic expectations. There are many myths of marriage out there that are not realistic and don’t serve you. Unfortunately, they set you up to be disillusioned and discouraged with your marriage. I believe you’ll be a lot more successful building […]
Taking offense is being hurt, upset or angry by something your spouse (or anyone else) says or does. Always at the heart of taking offense is feeling treated unfairly. Your partner has been insensitive, inconsiderate, dismissing, condescending or disparaging in some way. What you’re hearing or how you’re being treated doesn’t fit with how you […]
Hurray for 2021! Most people are so happy to put 2020 in the rear view mirror. And yet, what’s going to make 2021 better? If you’re like me, you’re hoping circumstances will be different–that the vaccine will help us get a handle on the pandemic, that kids will be back in school, that unemployment will […]
As a counselor, I found the insights and strategies to be incredibly valuable. The knowledge and skills have not only deepened my understanding of effective parenting but have also enriched my ability to support other families in navigating the challenges they face. I was particularly impressed by your emphasis on fostering open communication and building strong relationships within families. Your strategies for effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution are not only applicable but also transformative. With utmost enthusiasm, I wholeheartedly recommend this course to fellow counselors, parents, and anyone invested in fostering positive family dynamics
Student Counselor AKES program, and student in Parenting to Raise Responsible, Mature Children
Thank you does not express the emotion I feel when I think of you! You have taught me so much and I live you and thank you for all you have done for me and my family. Thanks for the love and guidance when I thought I was lost. Thanks for validating my feelings and supporting me in my life.
student in Making Things Happen Seminar and a number of online courses
The Hero’s Choice is a very powerful and compelling story. It will make you smile and it will also move you to tears. The writing style and story line reminds me of Og Mandino’s books. If you love his books you will surely love this one
mentor and coach; founder of Teach the Soul and top Amazon reviewer
As a counselor who uses positive psychology, this has been a very enlightening course; not only for use in future sessions, but also on a personal level as I did the exercises. My only regret is coming to the end. Loved the engaging teaching style.”
student in Claiming Your Power to Live a Happy and Abundant Life
The course is short and concise as the author defines a process with actionable steps and guidelines for handling difficult conversations. In the last sections, there are some common scenarios in which you can see how the whole process comes into play and recognize the notions outlined in the first part. Before taking the course, I was clueless on how to even approach such a discussion, but now I feel like I have the notions and the tools to improve my confrontational skills.
student in Performance Management: Confronting Poor Performance
Prior to your training, I had success, but felt trapped in a life that was void of meaning and purpose. But this experience changed my life. It brought about a fresh perspective, a view that I had not seen before. That was four years ago. My journal and workbook are still with me all of the time, and I reflect on the goals that have been accomplished since the retreat. My long-term vision remains, clearly in front of me as I continue to create new goals that are congruent with this vision
consultant and participant in Life Quest Seminar
