Judy Ringer

In a recent workshop with a highly-respected engineering firm, the HR director asked if I had any suggestions about defusing employees who come to her “hot under the collar.” This is what I suggested…

Until you notice you’ve been hooked, you can’t do anything about it. You will unconsciously act out the emotion the same way each time because you aren’t there. But! When you can see yourself, even after the fact …. Ah! Everything is different. Because now you have awareness.

When I choose a new emotional response and repeat it often enough — no, I won’t scream, I’ll breathe and center instead — I form a new habit. I move from impulsive to intelligent behavior.

When I begin something new—like a new project, a new creation, or a new year—I think about these things. What am I doing here? Why am I doing it? What impulse drives me forward? How will I find my way when (inevitably) I get lost, lose energy, or run up against a worthy obstacle?

Not long ago, as a staff nurse in a direct care facility, I was faced with an unsafe work situation.

In the coming weeks, as you seek to find the perfect gifts for those you love, consider that what they might really want from you are not presents, but Presence—the true gift of Christmas.

If you’re contemplating confronting a coworker, friend, family member, or even someone you don’t know very well, this 7-step checklist will help you address the issue respectfully and take care of yourself in the bargain.

You sit down to Thanksgiving dinner with the best of intentions. You want to savor the stuffing and delight in the pumpkin pie. You know you have a long list of blessings to count. But then it happens . . . your mom treats you like a child, your uncle insults your political beliefs, and your brother, whom you haven’t seen in months, asks if you’ve put on a few pounds.

I am given many dance partners in life. Whether the dance is easy or difficult is influenced at least in part by me.

I received a hopeful inquiry from a visitor to my Website recently.