February – the month of the heart. Candy hearts, paper hearts, paper mâché hearts, heart streamers, heart balloons, heart-shaped chocolates, red hearts, purple hearts, pink hearts, hearts, hearts, hearts, hearts – hearts everywhere. Reminders that this is the month of love – of date nights, rom-coms, cupid, and sappy Hallmark movies. February challenges us to love better, deeper, to show our care through actions.

However, not everyone has a sweetie to pour love on. But – everyone has a self. … Read more

Coping with holiday stress

As the holiday period begins, we enter a time of extreme highs and lows for many people.  Ideally it is a time to slow down, to visit with family and friends, to share meals together, and maybe to exchange gifts. Unfortunately, for too many people, it is also a time for the “holiday blues.”  Busy schedules get busier with preparations, events, and celebrations.  Most everything is done to excess:  too much food, too much alcohol, too… Read more

I feel thankful to get to write about gratitude this month. On my way to work this morning I noticed all the vibrant colors on the tree leaves contrasted against the beautiful blue sky, and breathed in the crisp air. We live in a beautiful place! Paying attention to what’s good in life is a gift we can give ourselves (and others) that keeps on giving.

Robert Emmons, Ph.D, a psychologist and professor at UC Davis, and the director of… Read more