What happens if you get mocked or belittled when you open up? How can you bounce back? — I took a deep breath, careful to tip-toe into the subject. “Honestly, it’s hard for me to talk about,” I began. “I’m absolutely terrified of dying. Growing up in a very Christian home, I always felt guilty about my fear of death. Many times my parents, pastors, and other spiritual…

Do those three small words make all the difference — or none at all? — It was a beautiful late summer day in Richmond, Virginia. We were hiking along the river, towering, lush green trees on one side, bubbling, rock-strewn waters to the other. We walked for hours, clambering over rocks, navigating building ruins, and trying to decode worn-out graffiti. …

Because of poor life choices, I spiraled deep into self-hate. But the lessons I learned broke me free from it’s clutches — There was a time in my life when I hated myself. It was my first year away at school and I was doing terribly in my college classes. Not only was I lacking academic motivation, but my personal life was in shambles. I made a series of poor choices, hopping…

Maybe you’ve been labeled a slut, dork, fraud, or loser. Your reputation might just be your greatest strength. — In high school, I had a bit of a reputation. I called it the “Double B.” The first “B” was because I was a bookworm and the second was because I was kind of a bitch with an attitude. Not that I was mean to people, but I had more…

Do they disappear or kick you when you’re down? Might be time to re-evaluate your relationship. — Mike* was my best friend. We were close enough that each week we’d hang out a few times. Mike often described him as “lazy” and was perpetually broke — so I paid for the food when out together. Not that I didn’t have my own issues. I was neurotic and…

It’s easy to be outraged at the tiniest slight. How can we correct that? — When my daughter was three, I took her to visit a friend’s house. I knocked on the door and when my friend opened it, the strong, horrible smell of cat pee hit us. It was so overwhelming, I nearly gagged. But a more pressing concern hit me — my three-year-old…

Facing rejection, failure, and setbacks — A few weeks ago I received a very important email — a response to a job application for a position I wanted desperately. My anticipation was through the roof. I had spent hours meticulously going over every line of the writing test, even passing it through the eyes of my…

Bad relationships can give you wisdom instead of souring you on dating if you’re willing to learn — I used to be a serial dater. Before I married, I was in and out of relationships and almost-relationships. My experience ranged from delightful to disastrous and all the gray in between. Yet, this month will mark five years of marriage and commitment with my husband. When we first got…

There’s no such thing as a perfect work-life balance because it doesn’t exist. — My daughter’s last field trip of the year was the other day. She was looking forward to time with friends and celebrating the end of the school year. Unfortunately, she was banned from attending the trip. When students are restricted from attending events, the punishment is usually because of misbehavior…