Category Archives: extended family

Help Your Family Feel Safe

by phyllis,

These are turbulent times, and the past few weeks have been unrelenting in their intensity. From political unrest and natural disasters to the senseless massacre in Las Vegas, we’ve seen how unpredictable life can be. At any time and any place – a local elementary school, political event, concert, sports competition, house of worship – communities have been at risk. Despite rekindled feelings of vulnerability, we must defend against fear and anxiety. Grief can make way for greater awareness and healing. And this process begins with family. As our children become immersed … Continue reading →

Posted in Evergreen, extended family, parenting kids, stress, well-being, your self | Tagged bombarded by graphic 24/7 news reports, how to promote greater gun control and mental health research, Trauma of massacre in Las Vegas and natural disasters | Comments Off

Happy International Women’s Day

by rosemary, March 8, 2017

March 8 has been established as International Women’s Day – celebrating the contributions women have made to society throughout history. Thousands of events across the world honored the accomplishments of women and encouraged gender parity. The theme this year is Be Bold for Change. In keeping with that dictum, we have, through the years, provided supportive direction for positive change. Whatever your challenges – working hard at a career where you keep hitting the glass ceiling, struggling to improve your marriage, exhausted by efforts to give your child the future … Continue reading →

Posted in adult children, extended family, parenting kids, stress, your self | Tagged achieving balance, Ban Bossy, Boomerang kids, challenges on the job, connect with your grandchildren, health crisis, improve your marriage, International Women's Day, Millennials, mothers of teens, olympic athletes, parenting styles, positive psychology, relationships, return to work, tiger moms, Whose Couch Is It Anyway, women's friendships, workforce, World Cup soccer, young adults living at home | Comments Off

Lessons from the Achuar Tribe

by phyllis, January 11, 2017

We all have a personal narrative, and listening to others’ stories helps us learn more about ourselves. My husband and I, our 4 adult children and 5 grandsons traveled to the basin of the Ecuadorian Amazon River where peace of mind is a natural commodity. It was a breath of fresh air to visit the indigenous Achuar people, as ecological mindfulness and family life are two of their top priorities. They number 6,000 and live on two million acres of ancestral territory, a remote area where they preserve their way … Continue reading →

Posted in adult children, extended family, stress, well-being, your self | Tagged Achuar Tribe, Amazon River, Ecuador, Gondwana Ecotours, Jared Sternberg, Kapawi Lodge and Reserve, travel, traveling with adult children, traveling with grandchildren | Comments Off

Thanksgiving Gratitude

by rosemary, November 23, 2016

Thanksgiving inspires us to express our gratitude for all we have been given. I’ve been grateful to have the opportunity to share my thoughts with you here on our blog for many years. Today, I hope you will click on some of my past Thanksgiving posts to read more about some practical tips to help you add to your holiday experience. Deciding to focus on giving thanks means a whole new mindset, championed by Positive Psychology and its founder, Dr. Marty Seligman. When you use these techniques to count your … Continue reading →