Category Archives: your self

China Connections

On a recent trip to China, I was prepared to be overwhelmed by the dramatic grand sights – the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Three Gorges – but what surprised me were the small exchanges I had with some of the Chinese people. Many of them were willing, even eager, to relate with Westerner visitors. Their openness made for lasting memories of a rich culture and remarkable individuals. China seems to do everything fast, from building bridges and skyscrapers to making changes in social policy. In the late 1970’s … Continue reading

Posted in adult children, aging parents, extended family, well-being, your self | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Disconnect for Your Own Good

In this digital age, technological distractions have taken the place of uninterrupted quiet time. More and more we deprive ourselves of opportunities to disconnect. How about clearing your head and making room for yourself? Take a long walk and let your mind wander. Your internal space will change as you transition from high stress to the welcome awe-inspiring beauty of nature. The shift toward a more peaceful awareness will occur organically. And the silence can be loud enough to awaken your internal voice. Think about your negative feelings and what triggers … Continue reading

Posted in adult children, stress, well-being, your self | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Halloween: Practical Magic for the Sandwich Generation

Masks of wizened witches with warts remind us that Halloween is around the corner. And their facial expressions reflect the emotions of some women in the Sandwich Generation – upset, misunderstood, frantic. If that happens to be how you feel, now is the time to cast a spell on your own behalf. As your kids grow up and your parents grow older, the roles in your family inevitably change. Remember what those relationships were like before the massive shakeup? You used to be the one who set the rules but now that … Continue reading

Posted in sandwich generation, your self | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Four Good Reasons to Keep a Journal

For my tenth birthday I received a treasured gift, a diary with a lock. Even at that young age, it was clear that the key would keep my thoughts and feelings protected. Journaling can be a powerful life tool to change your mind and habits. So if you don’t have a safe place to explore your hopes, fears and dreams, why not try it? And here are four good reasons why: Reduce stress. Writing about events that upset you can accelerate your coming to terms with them. When you express … Continue reading

Posted in stress, your self | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment