Family

Intimacy in a relationship comes from the ability to lodge a complaint with your partner and not have it met with criticism.

– Dad

Sometimes we’re so close to a problem that the emotions of the situation will cloud our judgment. In these instances a trusted friend, counselor or business coach can lend a fresh perspective and provide us the clarity needed for growth.

– Dad

Sometimes while watching my Son play soccer I struggle not to be critical of his performance. Why aren’t you trying harder? Why aren’t you leading by example and so on? Then it dawns on me I am parenting through the feelings of my own childhood. I must do a better job of remembering this is not my turn.

– Dad

I’ve been thinking a lot about my friend Jim Wood lately. Two years ago we lost Jim to colon cancer. He was one of the most kind and sincere men I have ever known. I remember the day he called to say he was sick and just like that he was gone leaving behind a wife and two boys. It’s easy to feel sorry for ourselves when things don’t quite go our way, but lean into the notion of impermanence. Life is just too short to sweat the small stuff.

– Dad

There are four key roles parents play when raising a child – Laurie Beth Morales

1. The Observer – No advice, feedback, or opinions are given here.  Your job is to act as a sounding board and nothing more.
2. The Consultant – Share your thoughts and perspectives w/out a stake in the outcome. The choice is theirs.
3. The Negotiator – Here you need to make an appointment to discuss a deep dive topic. Otherwise, the timing might not be right. Keep it short and sweet.
4. The Decision-Maker – There is no compromise here. My word is the final word. For matters of intervention and of a serious nature.

The fallacy of reciprocation in relationships is simply “if you love me you’ll do what I want.”  When you see that I’m angry you know you’ve broken a rule. But following the rules doesn’t earn love. It just gives a partner permission to tiptoe around the other until the next offense. 

– Byron Katie