Summers are supposed to be happy, right? Carefree, easy, laid-back…and, yet, so often, they’re not. This column is about how to make this summer one of your best ever. Let’s start with: Lower your expectations…of everyone. For example: don’t think you have to lose…
When I moved to L.A., I was amazed to see how beautiful most people were. Especially if you lived in West Hollywood, which I did. Everywhere I looked, there were people with much better bodies than mine (and I was a regular gymgoer with a…
As a psychotherapist, lots of clients ask me if shyness or social anxiety is normal. It’s a tricky question: aren’t we all a little shy in new situations? Most of us are, but some people are energized by a room full of strangers and find it…
Most of us don’t learn through happiness; we learn through difficulties, and hard times present us with many opportunities to learn more about ourselves. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of financial blogs, and would like to take the best of what I’ve read and…
I recently entered what is commonly known as “middle age”. Sure, I have my share of wrinkles and gray hair, but I FEEL youthful and healthy. I’d like to share some of what works for me – and my clients – in hopes it will…
Recently, a local news reporter interviewed me about why people gain weight. Weight gain (and loss) is, for many of us, right up there with sex and money on the anxiety scale. Anxiety and weight gain are linked. As the level of general anxiety continues to…
There are lots of articles out there in the self-help world about loving your inner child. John Bradshaw made that really big a while back. But, recently, I’ve wondered about what comes next? In other words, what about our inner teenager? You know your inner…
Are you afraid to slow down? Do you think only stupid people go slowly? You’re not alone. Why do we rush so much? What do we think we’re achieving? Is happiness basically a numbers game – whoever does the most stuff wins – or a matter of…
For many of us, a major birthday (30, 40, 50 or 60) brings great hope for change. We expect things will be better. However, just because we’re another year older, nothing really changes. As a psychotherapist, I notice that expecting things to get better – without…
Dear Michael: I liked your recent meditation column. Someone told me that they do “affirmations” to help them stay focused. What are these “affirmations” and do you think they really help or are they just a bunch of new age fluff? Curious in Downtown Dear…
