The Problem with Your Good Intentions

Well, I meant well. Recently a friend of mine was getting ready to celebrate a milestone birthday. This friend is awesome. She's just so good at knowing what to say to you and how to care for you and which kind of munchy snack to bring when you’re feeling blue. And so, a group of us decided to celebrate her in a big, huge, awesome way...with a big, ...
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A Sincere Letter from Me to You

Dear You: I hope you are doing well. No…scratch that. I hope you are doing wonderfully. In fact, I hope you are as happy as you can possibly be. Are you? My guess is you’re not. You might be somewhat happy, or you might be pretty happy some of the time…but as happy as you could be? Not so sure. The reason I know this is because ...
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The Problem with Life’s Pop-Tarts

I’ve noticed a troubling personal trend lately. Here's just one example. See if you can relate… I’m on social media and see a news headline, likely about whatever daily debate is going on. I read the article. Despite feeling my blood pressure rise a scooch, I click on links within the article to get more details and background. I feel myself growi...
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The Truth About Your Guts

Guess what? I’m a quitter. Yep, Deirdre’s a quitter. A QUITTTT…TER! Why the proud proclamation? Because I am proud. And because lots of people wouldn’t be. Or think I shouldn’t be. Because lots of people believe that quitting says something terrible about us.  It means we can’t hack it. It means we’re weak. You’ve heard that message at some po...
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The Truth About Your Factory Settings

Guten tag! I’m writing this trip in the midst of a visit to the lovely country of Germany. The whole family is really into it. This being said, and despite LOTS of planning, not everything has gone as…planned. My finest example? Our reservation at a hotel located smack dab in the middle of all the action in Munich. Which didn’t actually have ...
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A Request to PLEASE Do This Important, Simple Thing Already

So I’ve noticed a trend lately, and it’s not a good one. In fact, it can be hurtful for all involved. I being with a few examples from just the past few weeks. See if you notice a pattern. Friend #1 recently won a major cooking competition. When I excitedly told him how proud I was of him, he shrugged and said: “Thanks, but that woman who came in sec...
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