Why I’m Still an Optimist
You might think, with so much death, doom and disaster in the world, that optimism would be foolish or naïve. Nope. I read exhaustively to [...]
Worried about Trump? Are you Comfortable with Uncertainty?
Inflation. Donald Trump. COVID. The Ukraine. Elon Musk. Financial instability. The Supreme Court. Immigration. Abortion rights. Global warming. Antisemitism/racism/agism/homophobia/misogyny. I’m 71 years’ old and I [...]
The Brilliance of Nikki Giovanni
I'd like to share with you some of the wisdom of the brilliant Ms. Giovanni, who died recently at the age of 81 (only 10 [...]
Insanely Jealous?
Dear Michael: I have a wonderful girlfriend, “Olivia”. We’ve been together for about two years’ now and we’re both so happy. There’s just one [...]
Slower Is Better
Are you afraid to slow down? Do you think only stupid people go slowly? You’re not alone. Why do we rush so much? What do [...]
What’s the best way to express Anger?
Can anger be healthy? If so, how much anger is healthy? And what do you do with this healthy anger? As a therapist, I’m asked [...]
A Timely Quote from James Baldwin
"We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and [...]
RISE by Victoria Jackson
It’s when the earth shakes And foundations crumble That our light is called To rise up. It’s when everything falls away And shakes us [...]
Keep Your Brain Young
I turned 71 in June and am pleased about it. Sure, I have my share of wrinkles and gray hair, but I feel youthful and [...]
Elderly Parents: The Juggling Act
Dear Michael: My elderly parents live in Los Angeles. So far, they’ve been okay, but lately my dad’s health is pretty shaky and my [...]
Who are your PITAs (Pain-in-the-Ass People) and What Can You Do About Them?
No matter how wonderful your life is, it’s impossible to avoid difficult people. These unpleasant folks may be your neighbors, coworkers, family, clients, boss or [...]
Can You Buy Happiness?
Whether you’re a Buddhist monk or a TikTok star, age 90 or 19, drowning in money or barely getting by: isn’t happiness what we all [...]