To show up as our best selves, we must be able to EXPRESS OUR EXPERIENCE of life with someone else. Being truly seen, heard, and known is essential to happiness. This means that we must be able to honestly express our past hurt, our current pain, our joy, our concern, our frustration, our confusion, our love, and every other experience we encounter in our lives. We must have someone to see, hear, and know us – our true authentic us.

Are the people closest to you safe? Is your home safe? Is your workplace safe? Your answers to these questions are important. Very important. And we encourage you to take some time today to really think them through because in order to thrive and show up in life as the best version of yourself, your relationships, home, and work must be safe.

One issue that has been coming up in our practice quite frequently this summer is exhaustion from experiencing a lack of consideration and kindness. Life can be stressful enough – and being confronted with unkindness is difficult!

Today is Valentine’s Day – a day that some people thoroughly enjoy and also a day that brings sadness and depression to others. While there may be chocolate, cards, and special dinners, there might also be grief, disappointment, and a sense of deep loneliness.

Luckily all my worries came to a screeching halt when my phone rang this morning. Here was our beloved hygienist, calling US to express HER gratitude and appreciation for our years together. We had a lovely conversation, and it was very satisfying to be able to share together, exchange contact information, and make plans to meet again away from the dental office.

So much hurt and pain is caused in our world, communities, and homes because people don’t think before they speak. So even though we may feel frustrated, disheartened, or angry, it is wise to take some time before we engage with others to calm down and respond instead of reacting.

Springtime. The weather is warming up, we're spending more time outdoors, and many of us feel a sense of renewal. Along with all these beautiful aspects of spring, we must add activities such as outside cleanup, gardening, and planting flowers.

This month, we discuss a problem we see often: people forget to ask themselves before they speak, "Is what I'm about to say KIND, TRUE, and NECESSARY?" Our communication can make or break our relationships - including our relationship with ourselves. Because of this, rather than reacting to what someone says, we must take the time to go within and respond with intention.

Earlier this month, Don and I celebrated our 38th Wedding Anniversary. We had a nice long chat about all the usual thoughts people have on such an anniversary.

Last Tuesday evening, as the attendees of our Enneagram 1 class were packing up to leave, we had a quick discussion that has stuck with us. Our discussion began with someone commenting that it is sad that when people are unhealthy and behave in ways that do not serve themselves or others, the “good” they have done in their lives is forgotten or diminished.

The topic we want to talk about today is the idea of Living in Integrity. In our book, 5 POINTS TO PEACE, we define this term as: Your word is a true reflection of what is inside of you and you are honest.

You all know us pretty well. So, you know we encourage everyone to try to respond to the happenings in life in a kind and loving manner.

With all that is happening in our country, communities, neighborhoods, families, and personal relationships, we want us all to take this week to ask ourselves: Am I Being Kind?