We know what a riptide is, right? A riptide is a strong ocean current that flows directly away from the shore. It is one of the...

Looking to make some changes, add some healthier habits, shifting the balance of your activities more towards “well” rather than just maintaining.  Often, especially this time of year, people start seriously considering or moving towards adding new habits, or changing behavior.  Well, listen, changing behavior is hard, my friend.  In all cases of success, there has to be a lot of determination, will, and the ability to resist temptation.  Effective change CAN happen, but it c

May you too find the peace that comes from self-awareness, serenity and introspection, and being content with what has — or has not — passed. At peace ~ Amado Nervo Very close to my sunset, I bless you, life,  because you never gave me false hope,  nor unjust work, nor undeserved pain; because I see at the end of my rough path  that I was the architect of my own destiny; That if I extracted honey or gall from things,  it was because I put gall or tasty honey into them:  when

One of the best things we can do for our relationships -- parental, sibling, marital, friendship -- is to feed them.  What, exactly does 'food' for a relationship look like?  A couple of suggestions.   Laugh together. A new study out showed that the relationships that endure are those wherein those involved laugh together.  Not just at funny shows, or books, but through genuine interest and joy found together.   Do things you are both/all interested in.  Yes, this means you

Here's what I know to be true: 1. Drink enough water. 2. Sleep as much as you can. 3. Eat leafy greens instead of things you can’t pronounce. 4. Move your body around as much as you can, preferably in nature. 5. Find some sort of faith in a force bigger than yourself. 6. Spend time with friends. Love your family. 7. Don’t work all the time. 8. Look for the best medical care you can manage. 9. Don’t monitor these things too obsessively, or you’re liable to go nuts. 10.  Stress

Please see below for episodes posted in the last few weeks.   194- SOBRIETY in the Foreign Service Life In our episode today, Emily shares her personal journey to sobriety, including her struggles with alcohol and the various resources and support systems she has utilized and continues to utilize throughout her recovery. She discusses her experiences as a sober Foreign Service employee, addressing challenges with medical clearance, navigating social situations, and building a

First in a series of podcasts about Foreign Service Kids and Applying to College.  We'll talk about what colleges are looking for, what kids should be looking for, finances, different types of schools, and more.  We welcome comments and questions!   Podcast # 1 -- What colleges are looking for in applications, and how parents can support their FS kids through the process? A chat with Hannah Engel-Rebitzer, an independent Educational Consultant with Peak College Consulting, a

Ah, yes, perfection. Who doesn't love the idea? Here's the thing: perfection -- the idea of it, seeking it, achieving it -- is actually o ne of the most toxic ideas that grips our minds. We expect it, we crave it, we wish to see it in our lives and relationships, but reality and the idea of perfection are in a constant state of friction. Reality is ever-changing. It is transformation combined with unpredictability. Perfection is the opposite. It is an attempt to control an

Join Susie Brown and Sex Education Expert Scotney Young talk sex ed: global sex education standard disparities, age appropriate sex/gender education, helping parents with difficult (and awkward!) discussions with their tweens/teens, empowering teens for gender equality, & what you can do to support child safety. Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2304981/episodes/18223385-sex-education-your-tween-teen-and-you Scotney Young: https://www.instagram.com/rootsandboundaries?ig

Do you feel as though you and your teen are from different planets, speaking different languages and your responses rarely if ever align?  Ever wonder why you can be ever-so-efficient and your child is oh-so-not?  Listen, it isn't you, and also there is nothing wrong with your teenager.  Most likely their bizarre-to-you response — or lack there of — is due to the completely normal and expected developmental processes of their executive function (read: brain development).   Le

My mornings begin the same. Get up, fix myself some coffee, gaze out the window at the birds at my feeders, watch the sun rise. Here, I know the rain will never fall, but other places I have lived, this has been an option. This is followed by quietly talking with my spouse, my kitties. All of these things root and center me so that no matter what chaos comes that day, it began in beauty. To step out of my house and be greeted by the smell of trees and flowers in bloom. My go

You did your best. You told your truth. You have your version of enough. You understand wealth -- freedom, people, purpose -- is more important than money. Slow down and let the extraordinary things emerge from the ordinary. To live content with small means. To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion. To be worthy not respectable, and wealthy not rich. To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars, birds, babes, an

Thoughts about designing (“designing”) an ideal life: From Alice in Wonderland “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where—” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. A truth: If you aren’t clear on where you want to go, any road will take you there. In an attempt to design an ideal life, ask yourself this: What do you actually want you

There comes a point where our foreign service journey ends, and we find ourselves leaving this space, this label, this persona for ... who knows what to expect?  Finding yourself facing this as your next move?  Listen to Sharoya share her wisdom, and Lisa shares some of her concerns and solutions.  Join us for the chat. Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2304981/episodes/18062301-moving-out-of-the-fs-heading-to-the-u-s

(ha! See what I did there? No? Read on, you'll get why that's funny!) You've all heard about osteoporosis.  Like almost all ailments...

New podcast: It used to be that employment with the government was a stable option. Now, it feels like we are in an in-between place, where job certainty is iffy and now, no paychecks thanks to the government shut-down. What to do? Angi and I talk about the situation, and offer empathy and support. I wish we could offer jobs and funds, too, but we are in the same boat as everyone else. Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2304981/episodes/18027629-unexpected-financial

Sharoya, Angi and I talk about different aspects of kids leaving the house, having fewer family members around, and what happens when they come back home?  Some great suggestions for keeping the peace, making the most out of the new additional space ... and making sure you have beds for everyone when/if they come back home! We all know that our kids are supposed to grow up, go to uni, and then go off on their own. This is our primary goal as parents: help foster independence

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your body is to rest. How many times have you just not been motivated to exercise? Or to move? ...

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting." ~ Joyce Meyer  "Adopt the pace of nature: her...

I do love a good run. Having been following this pattern since college days, it feels comfortable to fall into the rhythm that is...