Almost four years ago my first baby was born, and while I was overwhelmed by the love, beauty, and tenderness of it all, intro to parenthood totally turned my world upside down. I knew to expect sleepless nights, anxiety, exhaustion, etc. What I didn’t expect was the loneliness. At the time, I was the only […]
When We’re Afraid to Live Beyond a Screen
The other day my family and I were out to dinner and at the table next to us everyone was on their phone. For the entire meal, eyes were never lifted except to take a bite of food and words were never said except to share something from the phones. I know I struggle with […]
Smartphone Rules
Like most people, I benefit greatly from the use of my smartphone– but sometimes I get the urge to throw it over a cliff. We all know how addictive smartphones are and how harmful that addiction can be to our physical, social, psychological, emotional, and relational health. After months of frustration with my own addiction […]
Because Good People Cheat Too
My husband and I avoid hanging out one on one with people of the opposite sex who aren’t family members. Yes — I know that sounds really weird. We have other “rules” in our marriage (e.g. no phones at the dinner table), but those kinds of rules are socially accepted or even praised. Rules that […]
Gossip Like it Matters
Not to gossip, I insist with the disclaimer, I just think it’s interesting. Of course. Because as long as it has psychological value, as long as it’s a starter of possible intellectual conversation and banter, and as long as I hold no real ill will or hatred towards the person I’m sharing bad things about— it’s fine. […]
In Defense of Gifts
In this age of the entitlement complex many parents are rightfully concerned about spoiling their children. I know I am. Last year, after my initial excitement at getting to be Santa for the first time, I was overcome with a gloomy anxiety, a progression of obsessive thoughts and questions: how many gifts is too many? […]
