As you embark on this task and create your direction for the year, I ask, is your priority a WHO or a WHAT?

This time of year is a season that provides for us the opportunity to stop our busy lives for a moment and give thanks for our many gifts and blessings.

The holiday season is upon us. For many it can be the most wonderful time of the year, but for others, it can be the loneliest. If you have lost a loved one or suffered a breakup with a spouse/significant other or friend, the holiday season is a constant reminder of the loss. Grief at any time of the year is painful, but it feels especially traumatic during the holidays.

Forming an opinion based solely on someone else’s view can limit your ability to think critically and may prevent you from fully understanding the subject. When you adopt someone else’s perspective without investigating for yourself, you’re more likely to overlook important nuances, miss other viewpoints, and potentially accept biases or misinformation without question.

Kindness is an essential virtue that transcends cultures, religions, and societies, acting as a universal language that can bridge divides and create a more harmonious world. In our fast-paced world, it is often undervalued, but its importance cannot be overstated. Kindness has the power to transform lives, improve mental and physical health, foster strong communities, and even shape the future of our society.

Fourteen years ago on August 15, I lost my mom. When you lose a mother you lose your foundation. A mother is the one person you can count on no matter what. She loves you unconditionally through whatever situation you may create. There’s no need for an explanation or even an apology, all is always forgiven. Her love has no limits, knows no boundaries, and is always available.

Family alienation is a painful experience that can leave individuals feeling isolated, hurt, and confused. The motives behind attempting to alienate an entire family against one person are complex and often stem from deep psychological and emotional needs.

Life often nudges us towards idealizing the people around us. We don rose-colored glasses and view those we love and admire through a softened, forgiving lens. These metaphorical glasses blur flaws, magnify virtues, and paint a picture that is often more hopeful than accurate. While optimism and faith in others is a positive, there may come a time when it’s necessary to take off those rose-colored glasses and see people for who they truly are.

People who are addicted to drama often find it difficult to regulate their emotions, leading to exaggerated responses. They overreact to situations, creating unnecessary conflict or drama. This behavior can stem from various factors.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to take your parents for granted. It’s common to believe there is plenty of time and they will always be there. But, time whizzes by and before you know it, the days quickly turn into months and then years. The significance of spending quality time with them cannot be overstated.

Fifteen years ago on July 11, 2009, the Change Your Attitude … Change Your Life radio show premiered on a local New Jersey radio station. When I had the idea for a radio show, it was by all accounts a ridiculous one. I was a middle-aged, stay at home mother from a small town who had spent the prior 17 years primarily caring for my family. I had no radio experience. I had no media production knowledge. I had no dreams or goals for doing this type of work. It was nothing I had ever aspired to do. It was simply an idea that popped into my head and for some unknown reason, I ran with it.

Acknowledging that you have hurt someone can be a difficult and humbling experience, but it is also a crucial step in fostering healthier relationships and personal growth. Whether the harm was intentional or accidental, recognizing and addressing the hurt you’ve caused is essential for several reasons.

Discovering that your spouse or significant other has cheated can be an earth-shattering experience, leaving you feeling betrayed, heartbroken, and uncertain about the future. When it occurs, you may think you will never be able to love or trust again, and those feelings are valid. The revelation of infidelity marks the end of everything you believed to be true. It shatters your dreams and expectations. But, while it will certainly take time to heal, amidst the intense pain and turmoil, there is an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and ultimately, the chance to create a new life filled with love and happiness.

If you’ve ever sustained a breakup, whether a romantic partner, family member, or friend, you know that in the pain of the loss there will be moments when you long to have that person back in your life. You may even convince yourself that the relationship can be good. But, missing someone doesn't always equate to rekindling a relationship, it can be part of the healing process. It means you are acknowledging the impact that person had on your life.

Forgiveness is a profound and multifaceted concept that holds significant importance in human relationships. It is often described as the conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether the forgiveness is actually deserved. This act of letting go is not about excusing or forgetting the wrongdoing but about freeing yourelf from the burden of anger and bitterness.