Blog
All the writing that isn’t the Tools
Using the Toolbox: When I’m Criticized On Line
Negative reviews by anonymous people are tough, scary even, and I’ll admit that if someone is trying to hurt me: it hurts at first. This post is about the steps I take to empathize with and to learn from negative reviews, so I can be a better therapist to the many who find the process fruitful.
Draw for “The Tools” Webpage! (or get your kids to on a rainy afternoon)
Hey Artists and Makers, Do you like to draw or paint? Do you have an image in your head of "The Bird Feeder of Grace"? Or "The Back Pocket of Knowledge"? How about "The Cradle of Compassion"? If so - or if you think others you know might -...
The Serenity Prayer Challenge: Writings of Acceptance, Courage, & Discernment
The Challenge: To gather more writings that speak to Acceptance, Courage, and Discernment. I've been working on an essay called The Subtle Art Of Caring A Lot. I envision it as a not at all tongue -in-cheek (1) post about the difference between caring and panicking;...
Neither a Binge-er nor Binge-able Be
To Those Who Do Not Binge-Watch, I Salute You. Right now, in 2025, in North America, there are people who do not binge watch tv shows or podcasts. In fact, I know not just one or two brave souls, but hundreds of teens and adults who are not addicted to consuming...
What I’d Like Governments to Learn from Youth Sports
Pain creates the need; Acceptance creates the way. I wrote that seven years ago in the Fears of a First Time Coach essay. And I continue to be impressed with the improvements the sports organizations my son and I have been a part of are making. They have seen the pain...
Let’s Smile with our Eyes and our Questions
Have you ever noticed how much information is in the human face? Since we’re all wearing masks these days, what can we do to communicate clearly and brightly during Covid 19? Luckily, we can still smile with our eyes. And what a huge difference that makes! One of the...
In Person and Phone Sessions
As things are opening up again and cases are low in Manitoba, I’ve decided to meet with clients in person again. Ongoing precautions will include staggering client meetings so there is time to wipe down all touched surfaces between sessions and ensuring healthy social...
Teach Your Children Beautiful Questions – Part 1
One of the special things about kindergarten, and why it is so important, is that it can be a perfect environment for learning with curiosity and passion. There are no tests to “teach to” and there is very little to memorize. (Though memorizing certain things matters a lot, too.) In kindergarten, it’s still ok not to know the answer to something. In kindergarten, it’s still ok to ask questions.
Fears of a First Time Coach
Two hours before my debut as an U7 baseball coach, and I kept thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?” A part of me even wished we’d have a rain-delay. Yes, I was afraid of little league!