Even other people have noticed the change — “I need some of what you have.” I was not in a restaurant or a store. I was at work calmly discussing with a peer our troubling existence caught between a now-defunct data-based system and a new barely functioning system. This problem was not in our control, thus my calm…

Why you need to read chapter books and novels to your children. — Of course, you are going to read aloud to your children. Picture books and storybooks abound. You get children’s books as baby gifts and more books for birthdays. There are so many to choose from and each child has their favorites. My oldest son memorized Dr. Seuss’s ABC and Drummer Hoff we read them to him so many times. …

As parents, this is how we helped our children grow into lifelong readers. — Raising a reader is not difficult, but it is more than making sure your children have access to books. It takes dedication. We made reading a family affair. As a result, we raised 2 readers. What started as a nightly bedtime routine, developed into a habit that helped both of…

Keeping a gratitude journal changed me.

I’m not the person I thought I was. — I waited in the train station restroom. A woman exited the stall, telling me, “There’s no more tissue, but I had some in my purse, so I left a small tissue pack on the dispenser.” That is when I knew I am not as kind and friendly as I thought. …

Your clutter of possibilities is holding you back. — I have many possibilities. I find them everywhere. Years ago, I read an article about how we have too many possibilities. Buying a new phone was an example. You do your research. Which is the best for you? Five options are easy to compare to make a decision. Twenty options mean more consideration and more deliberation. Even if…

When you start a journaling habit, journal in the morning.

You can start now and keep a journal. — I believe in the power of journaling. Eighteen months ago, I started journaling. First, it was just gratitude. My journaling has grown a lot. Now I know journaling serves a purpose. It’s a way to identify problems and their possible solutions. …

Routines are bossy.