One of the things that we learn as children is that if you love something, you set it free. We're taught to take care of our animals, be kind to insects that live outside and release butterflies after watching them emerge from a chrysalis. There is actually more to this saying which applies to our lives, our insecurities and relationships though: If you love something, set it continue reading...

Change isn't easy. It might be exciting, it might be painful, it might be unnerving, but it is never easy. There's no way to feel comfortable within change. You never know what's going to happen and if you can't be sure of the outcome, you don't feel in control. Some people love this feeling and others not so much, but the common factor among all of it is that change usually continue reading...

As I sit here, ready to write today's empowerment article, I'm having a tough one. A really rough day. It started yesterday and continues on, despite my trying to get it to go away. I hear my internal dialogue and no matter what anyone else says, that is what is sticking with me. I don't use this word in everyday speech, but since I'm writing, I'll share it with you. Every time continue reading...

Elton John has been singing for years that "sorry" seems to be the hardest word, but I think I disagree with him. In my experience, the hardest word to say is "no." I was raised as a people pleaser - and that's not a bad thing. I like to think that what I'm doing is benefiting other people. It is extremely difficult for me when I feel that someone is upset with me and I have continue reading...

There's a common misconception that most of us live by - reality is reality. That's not actually true if you think about it. The truth is that perception is reality. A few weeks ago I was in the car with my son and he asked me if color was a matter of fact or opinion. That really got me thinking. In the end, my answer was that it is both. If you think about it, our eyes continue reading...

Maya Angelou once said "When people show you who they are, believe them." This can be one of the hardest pieces of advice that I've ever tried to follow, but it is sage advice. When someone really shows you and tells you who they are, take them at their word. If someone you are dating cheats on you, see it. When someone you love quits school because it's not the right direction continue reading...

One great life quote that I carry around with me is that "Chance favors the prepared mind." This statement, made by Louis Pasteur, is one that often comes out as "Luck favors the prepared" or "Fortune favors the prepared mind," but as far as we're concerned, they all really mean the same thing. When you prepare yourself for life, chances are often in your favor. (And yes, I'm continue reading...

One of the most popular quotes that you'll hear is "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." We're not going to discuss the origin of the quote (which is debated, although typically given to Albert Einstein) or the exact formation of the words in the quote (which are slightly different depending on who says it or continue reading...

I know you've heard this before - you teach people how to treat you. Whether you watch Dr. Phil or not, it's become one of those phrases that has moved from the television set into the everyday vernacular. There is a reason for that! When you find yourself in a situation - good or bad - where you are appreciating or loathing the way that someone has been treating you, think continue reading...