In this Episode:
You are an individual. So am I. As individuals it is only possible for us to be one half of the relationship we have with each other. Our goal in the relationship we have with each other is to be our best half. On the other hand, in the relationship we have with ourselves, you and I are the entire relationship. Our goal in the relationship we have with ourselves is to be whole by loving ourselves first, so we know how to love each other well.
In this Episode:
If I had a magic wand I’d touch it to the hearts of those who hurt others and yet claim to love. If I had a magic wand I’d touch it to the hearts of those who allow themselves to be hurt by others and yet claim they are loved. One of the biggest misconceptions we have about relationships is that we have the power to change another person. If we’re just more understanding, patient, loving, open, scream louder, say it in a different way, etc., then he or she will wake up and get it. If it were that easy I would wave my magic wand and the world would transform overnight.
In this Episode:
I don’t know how to dance the Argentine Tango with its virtually unlimited improvisational opportunities or the American/International Tango where specific steps and patterns are learned for competitive events. If I want to be part of a successful dance team, whether it is for competition or just out for fun on Saturday night, I first have to learn how to dance. The same is true of my having successful relationships because those also require me to be able to move in rhythmic partnership to an ever changing dance of interpersonal dynamics.
In this Episode:
When I was younger I spent much time daydreaming. In school, in church, while watching television, when mom and dad were talking. I was constantly distracted by my thoughts. Needless to say I was not a good student. So while pursuing my master’s degree I genuinely wanted to do my best. I consulted a psychiatrist who, after a long series of tests, diagnosed me with Attention Deficit Disorder. Aptly so, since I was so easily distracted I could not finish reading one sentence without my mind carrying me off to whatever it got distracted by.
In this Episode:
In Cabaret, the 1972 movie based on the hit Broadway play, Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey and cast sang these lyrics in one of the movies most memorable scenes. “Money makes the world go around, the world go around, the world go around. Money makes the world go around, that clinking, clanking sound of, money, money, money, money, money, money, money, money, money, money, money, money.”
In this Episode:
Life can easily become monotonous. Daily routines become ruts. Ruts become habits. Habits become comfortable whether the habit formed is positive or negative. Doing the same actions over and over, driving the same routes, watching the same television, listening to the same music, eating the same foods also become routine, or a rut, or habit. However I find much of my satisfaction and happiness stems from the new experiences I have that intentionally take me away from the everyday.
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.
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.
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.
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.