The V-Word

The mass shootings that are taking the lives of innocent people in schools, movie theatres and shopping malls are occurring at such regular intervals that no matter what side of the gun laws you sit on, we all share a palpable fear of the out-of control vulnerability of living so closely among so many. The mental instability and the anguish that goes unanswered belongs to all of us as we learn...

The only way out is through. I am not the first to say it and tonight it was my wise son who reminded me what I have always taught him and his siblings: that it is only with the courage to communicate and willingness to become vulnerable that releases us from our past injuries. It is an active process, this letting go, which commits you to becoming emotionally intelligent. Learning to recognize...

I have learned how to care for myself. Yesterday was a painful experience of witnessing and releasing some of the hardest aspects of my childhood. I am grateful to know I am not being held by the story anymore and what a fortunate circumstance to have a chance to enjoy the gifts of being American that I have only enjoyed once before. Our nation’s capital is awash in cultural richness. Within...

I came to celebrate my mother’s 75^thBirthday. I was committed to not making it worse. I was just aiming for 5% better. The thing about letting go of the past is that you have to be willing to experience the emotions to release them. Anything else is a lie, a cover-up, a turning away. I came to let go of the past and be with my mother as she is. I wanted also to apologize for the disrespect and...

Dealing with challenging family issues is one of the greatest stresses that life throws our way and whether the issues are about the stressful dynamics between partners or the mismatch of temperaments between parents and kids, the estrangement and painful consequences of broken relationships can last a lifetime. Renowned psychologist and author Dr Josh Coleman speaks compassionately and...

“To love another person is to see the face of God.”  -Victor Hugo

A new friend reminded me today that the patience and tenderness that I seek for my estranged family is in reality a search for love in myself. Most of us have been confused by the idea that forgiveness is primarily an action we offer for others. This is the juncture where we lose our intention to love, because we believe that by...

“Pleasure is the object, duty and the goal of all rational creatures.”  -Voltaire

The new year is a good time to re-orient our experience of pleasure. It is easy to confuse the continuous onslaught of instant gratification that our culture gorges on with the deep healing experience of pleasure. Here are a couple of guideposts to help distinguish and navigate oneself towards the healing...

Dr. Joshua Coleman, Co-Chair of the Council on Contemporary Families and a renowned psychologist, talks about the reality of staying for the kids. Visit us at TheOpeningDoor.org to listen to the full interview.

I am traveling on the East Coast, which is where I was born.  In the past, my visits have left me bewildered, lost in old stories and lost to the self I was trying to grow into.  Each time I visit now I feel acutely aware that this might be my last try at making peace and accepting the past for what it is.  So here I am again with a singular focus of being the person I aspire to be.

It is strange...