Staying, Leaving

One day I was sitting in a small sandwich shop having lunch. At the next table was a young man, probably in his late twenties, sitting with a woman who, based on her age and the way they spoke to each other, was his mother.

I wasn't making an effort to eavesdrop, but they weren't whispering, so most of the conversation was clear. The young man was explaining why he had stayed in a terrible relationship, and how he had finally gotten out.

A Time For Hope

All too often, the joys of the holiday season are diluted with sorrow. As another year slowly comes to an end, many of us feel the ache of dreams unfulfilled, the regret of actions not taken. More than ever, we are aware of the relentless progress of time, and we may feel discouraged about our future prospects.

If we have spent much time watching and reading the news, we may feel anxious and fearful. Fear is the enemy of hope. If we allow fear to fill our minds, we lose hope, and with that we lose our sense of meaning in life.

In a special Thanksgiving message John Gottman reminds us that this is a season of hope. He offers a plan that can turn our lives around with a renewed sense of purpose.

Where there is love, there is hope.
 

Do You Hear What I Hear?

One day when Kara, my mother's neighbor, was home alone, she heard footsteps overhead. It sounded as though someone were walking carefully across the roof.

Naturally, she was alarmed. She ran outside and looked up, but she couldn't see anyone. After she had assured herself that no one was on the roof, she felt better, even though she couldn't explain what she had heard.