Author Archives: phyllis
Choose Resilience
To one degree or another, we’ve all suffered adversity and experienced setbacks. But have you heard about post-traumatic growth? You know, it’s always possible to bounce back. Whether you’re hit in the face with a crisis or making a slow transition to the next chapter, expect a cascade of emotions–anxiety, the desire to hold on, fear, maybe even a sense of freedom. If you step back, take a deep breath and face the situation squarely, you can’t help but grow from the challenges: Look into your part. You have a … Continue reading
Posted in stress, well-being, your self
Tagged anxiety, conflict resolution, crisis, death, fear, job loss, marriage, post traumatic growth, relationships, resilience, stress, transition
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The Clintons and Charlotte: Baby Boomers and Grandbabies
Chelsea Clinton, 34 and Marc Mezvinsky, 36 were married in 2010. And last week she gave birth to their daughter Charlotte, thrilling first-time grandparents Hillary and Bill. Delaying parenthood has become more common. The National Center for Health Statistics reported that between 1980 and 2004, the number of women giving birth at age 30 doubled and at age 35, tripled. Reasons to put off having children run the gamut from nurturing a career to coping with a challenging economy. Millennials today are focused on pressing issues like underemployment, huge student … Continue reading
Breaking the Chains of Domestic Violence
Earlier this year, running back Ray Rice knocked his then fiancé now wife, Janay Palmer, unconscious. And he received a two game suspension. Much after the fact, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell commented that failure to adequately address domestic violence should never be repeated. But I’m not holding my breath, because the language of violence has become commonplace in our society. If it’s possible to change the cultural dialogue, the first step is to bring a problem that thrives in secrecy to public attention. Surveillance tools, mobile devices and social media … Continue reading
Joan and Melissa: Mother/Daughter Bonds
As a daughter, mother and therapist, I can attest to the complexity of these relationships. To some, an extremely close relationship represents bonding, to others enmeshment. According to the media, Joan and Melissa Rivers were not afraid to act out the drama between a mom expecting to have a lot of control and a daughter trying to set some limits. Melissa recalls an argument when she tells her mother that she’s an adult and wants to be respected. And Joan’s retort? “I know about your boundaries and choose not to acknowledge … Continue reading
Posted in adult children, parenting kids, stress, well-being
Tagged daughters, family bonds, individuation, Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, mothers, relationships, role model, supportive, teens, trust
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