In this Episode:
Growing up gay I did not give much thought to getting married. Until recently it was not legal. So when Barbara and I decided to make our relationship official, I had not taken time to sit with what being married to her truly means. Possibly it is because not much will change since we’ve been living together as partners for over 12 years. But, on this wedding eve I am now thinking deeply about why I am eager to say “I do” tomorrow.
RYS 125: Top Ten Best Gifts We Can Give Children
In this Episode:
While I don’t have children of my own, throughout life I have always been surrounded by children and young adults. Also, as a former wounded and dysfunctional child who’s spent much of my adult life in self-reflection to heal, I’ve learned how critical it is to a child’s success for them to be intentionally guided through the process of growing up. All children must be taught how to behave, what to value, how to express emotion in healthy ways, and how to respectfully treat themselves, other people and all life. And, I know children learn by watching the actions of those individuals they are exposed to.
RYS 124: God, Absolutely Why Not Me!
In this Episode:
Jobs end. Relationships end. We don’t get what we want when we want it. An inconsiderate driver cuts us off. We encounter a traffic jam. Our job becomes very demanding. The line at the post office is out the door. A check we mail never arrives. We are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Challenge is part of life. You cannot escape being inconvenienced or having to deal with unexpected and unwanted circumstances but you sure do have power over your attitude about what happens in life.
RYS 123: Why Do You Do What You Do?
In this Episode:
For many years I was unaware of the emotions, attitudes and rationalizations that drove my negative, addictive and hurtful behavior. One day I came to the realization life would never change for the better until I changed for the better. Only by taking responsibility for the thought patterns that drove my behavior did I overcome my excuses for continuing hurtful, ego-driven and unproductive action.
RYS 122: You are Powerful to Heal a Painful Past
In this Episode:
Within your human form is a wise, loving and healing energy. No matter what you experience in life, you can heal, you can overcome a negative past, you can forgive the actions of others, and your actions, to live in peace with the present. Allowing the strength of soul to be your guide prevents unnecessary suffering and strengthens your ability to successfully face and overcome any challenge.
RYS 121: I Love You
In this Episode:
What does “I love you” mean to you? Have you ever stopped to really think about it? Until I did think about it, I said “I love you” without really knowing the depth of emotional responsibility associated with those three words. Love is caring and affection so “I love you,” means we cherish the person on the receiving end of our fondness. And, to feel real I learned “I love you,” needs to be backed up with consistent positive action.
RYS 120: A Change in Perspective can Change our Destiny
In this Episode:
I was thirteen when my father took me on a day trip to Austin. One of our stops was the floor of the Texas Senate, the upper house of the State Legislature. Maybe dad hoped the experience would ignite within me the desire to someday run for office. While I have not pursued a position in government, I did cultivate a deep appreciation for the integrity of those who truly desire to serve and for the ideals of democracy, and the important role I, and every citizen, play in its success.
RYS 119: A Self-less Act of Love
In this Episode:
It has been hard watching our beloved Celine Dion suffer over the death of her husband of 21 years, Rene Angelil, followed two days later by the death of her brother Daniel Dion. We empathize with her loss because we too have experienced the death of loved ones. Many of us don’t think of preparing to pass away, but we should. Rene Angelil did prepare, leaving Celine and the children with all his affairs in order as a final act of love for them.
RYS 118: To Be Happy, Deal with Your Unhappiness
In this Episode:
I’ve learned being happy is a choice. Of course we will not have a continuous sense of well-being and contentment. But, overall the quality of life, our level of fulfillment and peace, is a choice we make, moment by moment, in how we deal most directly with the responsibilities that come with being an adult.
RYS 117: Dreams Do Come True
In this Episode:
Do you dream? Do you dream big? Do your dreams come true? Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it you can do it.” The first step to creating the life you want is to dream, to imagine yourself doing great things, receiving great things, creating solid and rewarding relationships, and having the right occupation. Step two is to be flexible in how or when your dream comes true.