This kind of black and white thinking rules us. We learn it from young. You might get a gift from Santa if you are nice, be good or do what your parents want you to do.
However continuing this practice of doing what someone else wants you to do, or ‘because it is nice’ (or good, or right) will only lead you to relationships filled with confusion and resentment.
Read MoreFrom Halloween through til New Years, we are bombarded with images of houses to decorate, parties to either perfectly host or joyfully participate in, hundreds of gifts to buy, including gifts to have in your closet so you can give a gift to someone you don’t know well enough to buy a real gift for yet have a gift for them if they happen into your home. Don’t forget all these gifts require wrapping—thank goodness for gift bags and tissue paper. Food shopping, traveling, organizing pet sitting, and the rest of it.
Read MoreNavigating the holiday season in a way that feels good to all takes clear communication, and lots of understanding.
Read MoreThis week I have the opportunity to mourn some interactions I had over the weekend.
What does that mean?
It means that I had some experiences that I feel less than excited about. In the moment they were a bit awkward. I was feeling a bit confused, and disappointed, even a little sad in the moment. Very aware that I wished ‘it’ was different.
Read MoreI was painting rocks this morning and was reminded of the simplicity of navigating relationships.
Read MoreI was driving on the Schuylkill Expressway last week. And I ran into traffic jams. So what’s new about this story?
Read MoreWhen I was a very little child, I cried when I was upset. I had such strong emotions, yet expressing them certainly didn’t bring me more understanding or the connection I deeply yearned for. So I learned how to reign in my tears.
Read MoreThis word that I (and most NVC trainers) talk about endlessly. NEEDS. What are they? Why does it seem so difficult for some to ‘get’ it?
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