Recently I received this letter from a reader:

I moved away from home when I was in my late teens. I don’t visit much now–at most maybe once a year, sometimes every other year–but I know I will fall apart when my parents die.

My mom and I fight and don’t get along (I don’t know what to do about it… I’ve tried everything), but my dad and I are very close. It makes visiting home nearly impossible as my mom is always upset at me, and my dad gets upset with my mom for her crazy ways.

Posted in acceptance, choices, family, guilt, helping others, inner peace, Letters From Readers, love, Overcoming Challenges 19 Comments »

Dear Blog,

This is a picture of me at Ben & Jerry’s in Chattanooga this past weekend. It’s also a picture of me NOT thinking about you. For three days I was away from you completely… no internet at all. I had no access to email, Twitter, Facebook, or anything else online. And you know what? It felt pretty good.

At first I was ashamed of that fact, but then I read Jay’s post, Lazy Summer Days, and realized I shouldn’t have to feel guilty about being out, enjoying a good time away from you. I had a great life before you came along, believe it or not.

Posted in acceptance, balance, choices, guilt, helping others, love 1 Comment »

Obstacles are tricky things…

If we think of someone pursuing a noble goal, like finding a cure for cancer, or trying for Olympic gold, then obstacles are merely tests of determination. Overcoming them shows commitment, resourcefulness, and an undeterred sense of purpose. If you focus on your goal, you can find a way around any challenge or complication.

On the other hand, if we consider a less than noble goal, obstacles take on a whole new dimension. For instance, if the objective is to feed an addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, food, online socializing, or the thrill of an illicit affair, the obstacles serve as a warning for you to stop, think, prioritize, and choose wisely.

Posted in addictions, bad habits, choices, compulsions, guilt Comments Off