(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   It’s hard to give up. Giving up can feel like defeat or resignation, maybe even like being a victim. Giving up is always accompanied by a sense of loss. But when you want to change something…

(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   Have you ever traveled to a location that is new for you and then had someone come up to you and ask for directions, mistaking you for a “native”? If so, you were probably being a…

(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   It is easy to confuse a want with a need because much of what people say they want is really an attempt to meet a need. Needs, when un-met, are painful and therefore compelling. They drive…

(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   It is a fine line that separates these, but a chasm in the difference. When you envy someone there is a feeling of lack on your part; you want what they have. This can lead to…

(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   It seems that lots of people believe in giving back. Some of them give back to “balance the accounts” for something they have received. Others give back even before they receive in order to create some…

(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   If you are someone who does the “should’s” of your life consistently and effectively, congratulations. Most — no, nearly all — people will not do should’s for long. “I should not eat that.” “I should do…

(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   Nobody likes the feeling of being in a rut. When you’re in a rut it’s easy to feel trapped and victimized. Life loses its flavor. Being in a rut is energy-draining. Someone once said, “a rut…

(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   This time of year can be a good time to think about forgiving people for what they have done (or what you think they have done) to you. In forgiving, you leave it here in this…

(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   The old joke is that in a breakfast of bacon and eggs the chicken is involved but the pig is committed. However, you don’t have to give your life to be committed! Commitment is based on…

(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)   A top athlete can make history by setting a new world’s record and they will forever be in the history books for their achievement. An ordinary school teacher can change history by having a pivotal impact…