Those who do not suffer become insufferable. Our depth comes from experiencing a wide range of emotions, including profound tragedy and our strength comes from that which could destroy us. As we grow...
The kinder you are to them the longer they last. Another woman asked, What are you referring to? Then, one by one, the rest of us chimed in, Your knees, Your bank account, Your swimsuit, and Your husb...
Teresa was dying, she said, I have worked for God all of my life and I know I will soon be dancing in heaven. But I wish I had danced more during my time on earth. No matter what situation she was
Self-awareness allows us to separate our own needs and desires from those of others. We can ask over and over again, What part of this interaction is about me? What part of this situation is not about...
Positive Mental Health
Over the years my friends and I have discovered many empty, wild places. Invariably, when we get lost or something goes wrong, one of us reminds the others, Remember the first rule of the wilderness:...
Nobody will protect you from your suffering. You can’t cry it away or eat it away or starve it away or walk it away or punch it away or even therapy it away. It’s just there, and you have to survive i...
Newcomers don't want to learn English.
Newcomers do not pay taxes. In fact, refugees pay taxes, including property taxes.
My definition of wealth has varied across the years
Monique teaches her daughters the names of the trees, birds, wildflowers, and ornamental plants. She wants them to pay attention to the natural world, which will always be a solace to them, no matter...
It takes most people from one to three years to learn social English and five to seven years to learn academic English.
Intentionality, or Being Thoughtful about Choices
Happiness seekers are unhappy when they don’t get what they want. Meaning seekers can survive negative events.
Breathing properly, meditating, and focusing on the impermanence of all things are healing activities. In fact, some of our most successful psychotherapy incorporates aspects of Buddhism.
As friends or family members and caregivers, we can help a great deal by listening and empathizing with women who are in the thick of it. We can bring them small gifts...and make sure they are invited...
When you give up speed, you open up time.
Verbal Expressiveness One of the most important attributes is simply being able to express one's needs clearly and appropriately.
Newcomers need people from their own culture to orient them to America.
Most refugees are here illegally. This also is not true. Most have the proper papers and are desperately seeking to comply with the INS. My INS story about Sadia and her daughter going to Hastings ill...