Beware the Nocebo Effect This past weekend I was introduced to The Nocebo Effect, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Like many of you, I was aware of the Placebo… Read More
Before You ‘Do’ Another Holiday, What Kind of Perfectionist Are You? (Messy, Classic, Procrastinating…) With one holiday behind us and many more looming, it can be easy to fall into the ‘doing’ of the holidays, rather than their celebration. (As a side note: The… Read More
“The Listener Completes the Song” (AKA “Paul Simon Explains Intention vs. Impact”) Last month I listened to Howard Stern interview Paul Simon. At one point Howard said to Paul, “This song is about your father, right?” “No,” Paul responded. After some back… Read More
Grandiosity vs Shame: What Happens When One Gets Swapped In for the Other? This past week I read a book titled, “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity.” Let’s leave my thoughts on the book entirely to one side. The thrust of this… Read More
Say a Proper Goodbye to Summer: Abandon Presenteeism, Embrace Forgettery Years ago, I subscribed to Wordsmith.org and it’s hard to articulate the joy it has brought me. Despite having a strong grasp on vocabulary, I am continuously intrigued and informed… Read More
Your Passport to Infinite Pleasures This past week, I published the below quote from Henry James as my daily “Wow, that’s a Thought”**: “Innocent and infinite are the pleasures of observation.” Why did that strike… Read More
Is it Too Hard For You, or Too Hard On You? Recently, I took a movement class with a very cool fellow named David Wilson (You can find him on Instagram as Oldscoolmoves. He’s fantastic.) One thing he said that struck… Read More
“Here’s What You’re Doing Right”: How to Give Great Advice In 2019, I was listening to Howard Stern interview Trevor Noah. (PSA: Howard Stern’s interviews are excellent. The rest of it? I can take it or leave it—or leave it… Read More
“Don’t Talk About My Friend Like That…” A few years ago my friend Sarah was running herself down in front of her boyfriend. This aspect of her body wasn’t correct…that one was awful…etc. Her boyfriend’s response? “Don’t… Read More
No Before Yes? Yes, Please For some time I’ve been meaning to write a post on my instinct/pattern of saying “No” before I say, “Yes.” And this is not just “No” to big asks. This… Read More