Hope: Two Women, Robin Williams, and Living NOW

MysteryShrink: Two Women and Living in the NOW The truth about psychology and psychologists:  We long to be scientific—to prove our medications, our talk therapy works.  We long to assist ourselves and other humans to find more joy and make more sense of their lives. We mostly fail on both …

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Living in the Now. Be Ready. The “Now” May Find You.

Living in the Now. Be Ready. On Being a Person,  Are We What We Contribute? (Disclaimer.  I firmly promised no ‘diary’ posts or–gasp–anything that has a scent of political issues.  I don’t for a moment think my life is so interesting the world can’t do without hearing about it. Still, …

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“Should You Care What Other People Think?” Self Esteem vs. Self Centered.

Should You Care What Other People Think?  Self Esteem vs. Self Centered. You might be surprised at the answer.  The ways concern for “what other people think” influences our lives is not simple.  Knee-jerk responses are not answers.   Sometimes ‘caring what other people think’ is about more than a …

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Life, Death, Self-esteem, and Writing Stories, Part 1

Life, Death, Self-esteem, and Writing Stories, Part 1 This article was written as a guest post on the blog of Literary Agent Helen Zimmermann who has Project Publish, a helpful blog for aspiring writers. The topic of my entry is the emotional side of writing—specifically on how your life can …

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Robin Williams, Oh How We Loved You, Depression is Real.

Robin Williams, Oh How We Loved You. Depression is Real. I started MysteryShrink as one answer to a question that is with me daily.  “What have you contributed today to make a difference to the emotional suffering of people?” The question is the same every day.  How can I take …

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MysteryShrink in the Now

MysteryShrink in the Now Psychology and psychologists have ideas to share, some are even effective.  Still our profession falls way short on aiding the journey to ‘living in the now.’ Psychologists listen, diagnose, and attempt to improve the skills of others.  But diagnoses, techniques, and schools of thought do not …

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“Oh Dear Me!” The Most Dangerous Criticism is Criticism of Yourself

The Most Dangerous Criticism is Criticism of Yourself Dateline: Cabo San Jose. They’re always finding fugitives here. Or at least they do on the many crime shows I watch with abandon. There’s a guy at the next table who’s a dead ringer for the most unlucky guy in the world. …

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