We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still. More >>

People seem very confused about happiness.  Most folks believe that having all they want is the way to be happy.  I don't think so. When I was on the radio evenings in Los Angeles over two decades ago, I reached a "24 share."  That meant one out of four people listening to Los Angeles radio was tuned into me.  I got a substantial bonus.  We took that money and paid off all financial obligations and had some left over. I had always wanted a tennis bracelet - that's a bracelet made of tiny or huge diamonds.  I had enough money for a bracelet with tiny diamonds, but a tennis bracelet nonetheless.  My husband told me to treat myself, and I did.  I felt a swell of joy every time I looked at that bracelet. I did not feel joy because I had a diamond bracelet on my wrist. More >>

A few Teen Commandments about what we should provide for our kids: "Take me shopping." "Thou shall give me what I want." "Thou shalt spoil me rotten." "Thou shalt leave everything to your kids when you die." "Thou shalt shower thy youth in riches." These are the same teens who wisely ask parents to set rules and enforce them, provide discipline, hold them accountable, and be role models. However, when these same kids start thinking about money, different things come out of their mouths. Suddenly they sound like shallow, petulant brats. More >>

The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us. More >>

We all hear and do too much complaining about our circumstances and how we MUST compromise our values and the well-being of our families in order to survive.  Truthfully?  That's rarely true, if at all.  But it requires a commitment to a goal and a commitment to family that will not be compromised.  That means another way HAS to be found. I've recently gotten "hot and heavy" into polymer clay work.  I love it. More >>

People have, do, and will disappoint you. Simple fact of life. Ask yourself two questions:  did they intend to do damage, and what are you going to do with the disappointment? Let's look at the first question.  People are deeply involved in their own lives.  That doesn't mean they don't care about you or others, but they are first motivated to deal with their own situations and personal emotions.  The more mature, considerate, and less self-centered will also shift gears back and forth to consider the consequences of their actions or inactions. More >>

I found an interesting item on the Fox Small Business Center website, written by Teri Evans.  She wrote an essay titled " Leveraging Loyalty: How to Keep CustomersHooked ." In this economic environment, and with Wal-Mart announcing free shipping for its online sales, competition for consumer dollars is getting tougher for mom-and-pop businesses.  So, I decided to read Teri's ideas, and while I was doing so, I realized these concepts were wonderful for relationships of all kinds: More >>

Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men. More >>

Just when you're about to close the door on an abusive relationship, that nagging feeling he's changed can make you lose your resolve: More >>

It gets late early out there... More >>