I was headed to the beach for my morning run and as I passed through Veterans Park, I overheard a woman consoling her friend, telling her how horrible she must be feeling and how badly she wished she could fix her friend’s problem. I'm not sure if this is what her friend really needed to hear at the time, and it made me wonder if this type of comment really made the friend feel better—or worse? I can recall a few times in life when I had someone there for me to offer support or to bounce ideas off of and bring me back into focus. I think of my parents, siblings and closest friends who've been…

I was eating lunch at Creme de la Crepe in Riviera Village when I overheard a conversation between a couple. They were wondering whether should move forward with an opportunity. Was the timing right? How would they know if they are making the right choice? Were they only excited because this was a new opportunity for the new year? There something refreshing about a brand new year and the exciting opportunities it brings! Do you act on opportunities? Life often tosses us opportunities with a window of time to act—or not. Nobody ever feels 100 percent ready when an opportunity arises. Because …

As I was walking out of South Bay Galleria, I overheard a child discussing a school project with his mother. He was explaining how much he admired Martin Luther King Jr. because he carried out his plan—even when the going got tough. Many of us have an appreciation for Dr. King, and we know that if he were here today, he would encourage us to persevere as he did over a generation ago. Last week, we looked at how assumptions can sometimes cause misunderstandings, confusion and undue stress—which can make us feel discouraged and keep us from reaching our goals or strengthening relationships. It …

As I got situated in the Redondo Beach Main Library one day, I began going through my text messages and noticed I hadn't heard back from my dad in several days. This is unusual; we text nearly every day. I assumed he was receiving all my updates via my text messages to my mom. Meanwhile, my dad could not figure out why I was not responding to his text messages. It was during my visit for the holidays that we finally figured it out: the last digit in my phone number had been deleted from his phone—which made it impossible to receive his text messages for several weeks. Both of us were …

Is it just me, or does the week between Christmas and New Years hold a unique, special feeling of more time to unwind? It is as if there is a little more quiet in some areas in life, more time to catch up with friends, more time with family, more time to organize your office files, more time get out in nature. The rushing too and fro is over, at least for a little bit. My grandma once told me that the Christmas season really begins on Christmas Eve, for that is the first day that family gathers, the rushing around is done and the focus is on family, friends and spending quality time together…

As we were walking out of Regal Cinemas in Palos Verdes, a friend and I were discussing the local traditional festivities. Perhaps you enjoy Christmas movies, the holiday stroll through Riviera Village, the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and menorah in Redondo Beach or the King Harbor Boat Parade. Cherished customs allow us to delightfully create happy memories with our family and friends. Rituals keep us grounded and bring us reassurance, comfort and joy. Have you ever noticed when you hear an old carol, see a treasured tree ornament or smell gingerbread cookies baking, your mind …

I've always loved Christmastime for a few reasons. I've noticed how the season is filled with the infectious excitement of positive energy and the joy that comes from sharing it with people I am close to. I also have noticed how the holiday season inspires people to focus on everything that's important in life. I find great fulfillment in giving meaningful gifts—really thoughtful gifts that are actually useful and appreciated. Perhaps you have received or given some meaningful gifts that have cost little to nothing. I know I have. But sometimes, after years of mutual gift giving, your …

I was sipping my coffee at the Yellow Vase in Malaga Cove Plaza when I happened to overhear a conversation next to me. A woman told to her friend how she wanted to make a special dish and take it to a neighbor who was recovering from a lengthy illness. She was adamant about cooking this special dish that same day—otherwise it would get put off and may not happen. Have you ever found yourself thinking of doing a kind act for someone and even going a little out of your way to offer a thoughtful gesture, yet you don't? The thought was there—but that is as far as your good intention went. Perhaps…

I found several holiday cards at Arico's Gold Crown Hallmark in Redondo Beach the other day that not only offer warm holiday wishes—they also deeply express my gratitude for a few important people in my life. The holidays offer the perfect time to tell someone how much you appreciate him or her. We often show our appreciation for others through cards or gifts. Nevertheless, holidays do not have to be the only time we show our appreciation with others. Look for opportunities to acknowledge others each day. Think of all the people in our lives who help enhance your world. Perhaps we are …

While shopping at Williams-Sonoma at the Promenade on the Peninsula, I was surrounded by Thanksgiving ideas for recipes, place settings and candles. Naturally, I started to remember the various ways I have given and donated to others, as well as all that I was deeply thankful for this past year. I could think of a few challenging situations I encountered, but being the optimist that I am, I quickly remembered the blessing that followed—although it wasn't always obvious at the time. Many of us would admit that it is easy to remember all the negative things that happened in our lives this year…

A friend called me as she was leaving Spectrum Club in Palos Verdes the other day to tell me what an amazing workout she just had. She said she was happy to be back into her exercise routine after recovering from an injury. Quick check-in—have you ever noticed how your emotions reflect your actions? When we are feeling fulfilled in life, our emotions and actions are in alignment—we are living our values. At times, however, certain situations in life will cause our priorities to shift. This is OK for a period of time. Then, it is time to get back on track so we actually feel in alignment with …

Time is precious to me, and I am sure it is to you, too. Did you know that although we usually think of time as chronos—like a clock or chronological—the most important and beloved events and occurrences in our world exist only in another sort of time? The Greeks have spoken of kairos, which might be roughly translated as “the right moment.” And though kairos cannot be planned or mapped, many times we wish it could be. Perhaps you may have tried desperately to force kairos into the chronos world. Finding a balance of the two and feeling comfortable with both is key. Perhaps you have a …

I was walking past Ribbons Boutique, Village Runner and Salon Riviera in Redondo Beach when it occurred to me that during the days before Halloween, you feel this mysterious energy in the air. This magical, mysterious feeling often brings out a hidden side in us—a side often seen in our choice of costume. Halloween is a fun time when we may attend costume parties, decorate a scary front yard or visit homes on All Hollow's Eve and get a bit spooked. Halloween is also a great time to try out a new character. Our new identity can even protect us from judgment and criticism. Let's face it, many …

Think of all the first meetings you've ever had—a future employer, new friend, teacher, principal, attorney, even the owner of one of the beach city shops. Maybe you are in sales, in business for yourself or are just someone who finds it pleasant to connect with those in your community. Let's face it—life is more fulfilling when we can make a good impression and make encounters more meaningful, significant and memorable. First meetings offer so much to learn about someone new and what opportunity this new connection could lead to. No matter the type of first meeting, be it for business or …

As I relaxed and enjoyed my smoothie at St. Honore Bistro Caffe in Lunada Bay Plaza, I reflected on how the fall season can be so enlightening. Ever notice how the trees do not seem to hang on to their leaves but embrace the cycle of change? It is as if the trees know that newer leaves can only come about if they are first willing to let go of the old leaves. Trees simply grow; they go through one cycle after another without any resistance. When we're in a happy situation and life is going along smoothly, it is important to appreciate that time of joy. While we shouldn't live in anxiety, …

I often catch myself saying, "Don't forget to..." Recently, I am practicing saying, "Remember to..." instead—as in, "Remember to pick up eggs on the way home." The positive reinforcement helps my memory. Speaking of memory, many of us keep a to-do list, which can be a great help—but what about those times when we want to recall someone's name next time our paths cross? I recently saw an acquaintance at Ralphs in Rancho Palos Verdes. It had been quite some time since we had seen each other. She remembered my name, but even though I rarely forget a name, I couldn't remember hers. As we stood in…

I was searching for the perfect birthday card for my 93-year-old grandma at Card De A in Redondo Beach, and it reminded me of what's become an annual tradition. Each year I ask her what words of wisdom she acquired from the year before. This year, the focus was on maintaining her level of happiness through humor. She makes fun of her memory lapses. Her inner strength takes my breath away, especially when I notice her small, frail frame. I'm grateful that my loving and supportive parents surround her. Optimism, laughter, being around supportive family members and positive emotions can …

As we left Marmalade Cafe in Rolling Hills Estates, my friend said she was recently reminded of a quote by Napoleon Hill: "Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought." This quote fully resonated within me. Something resonates when it reflects back upon us—a certain feeling or emotion arises or a past situation or experience is remembered. For example, many of us have a favorite song that we've listened to for many months and many years, and often, the song reminds us of a memory connected with it. Music has a repetitive pattern, and if a song resonates …

Each day offers an opportunity for you to learn something new about yourself. Reflecting on what new thing you’ve learned each day creates more awareness about yourself, someone close to you, your environment or your community. Learning deepens our character and makes us more intriguing to those around us. We become more confident. Learning provides an understanding of the historical, social and natural processes that impact and limit our lives. Each day you can ask yourself if there was new information you learned. Perhaps there was a lesson you learned about yourself or someone else?  We …

We all use our imagination, whether consciously or unconsciously. We use our imagination whenever we plan a home improvement project, a vacation or a project at work. Have you noticed how you use your imagination when you describe an event, give directions, write or cook? Everything that has been achieved has been brought into existence is the result of the human imagination. Imagination is much more than simple daydreaming; in fact, it can be of great value in our lives. A developed imagination does not make you a daydreamer or procrastinator. A strong imagination strengthens your creative …