Anyone get this message growing up: “Think of yourself first!”? What, nobody? In fact, most of us learned the very opposite – “How selfish to put yourself before others! Put others’ needs first.” Isn’t putting others before ourselves a selfless act? It seems to make sense, but here’s the problem: When we give before we [...]

Having made a PACT to Practice Attitudes and Characteristics using serenity-building Techniques, let’s consider Characteristics. Previously on Insanely Serene we explored the personal traits that determine our ability to change ourselves, Do You Have What it Takes to Change? Check the 10 Personal Traits. These are important elements in creating peace of mind on a [...]

Special Notice: This post was originally published  in The Infopreneur. Since it is no longer available there, I republish it here for your reading enjoyment. denial [dinī′əl] Etymology: L, denegare, to negate 1. refusal or restriction of something requested, claimed, or needed, often causing physical or emotional deficiency. 2. an unconscious defense mechanism in which emotional [...]

Special Notice: This post was originally published  in December 2010 at The Daily Brainstorm, a blogazine compiling the best blog posts on topics including personal growth, simplicity, health, cooking, science and medicine, art, productivity, fitness, blogging, travel, and more. Since the blog archives only the current year, this post on relationships is not available at the site. I republish [...]

Have you ever hit a wall in life and felt like it was time to change because what you’re doing just isn’t working? Have you been nursing a secret hope or dream and feel ready to pursue it? Or maybe you just want to feel better about yourself. If you’re at the point of being [...]

This week I’ve come across several inspiring ideas that have fueled the inner fire. It’s the last week of unofficial summer with Labor Day just ahead, and time for the school year and the season to pick up speed. In honor of the day we celebrate work by resting, I thought I’d pause…and share some [...]

When someone in your life has an addiction, the focus is usually on that person. Addictions take many forms, from substance abuse to workaholism and overeating, and the effects on that person are often very obvious. Chaos, conflict, lost jobs, unpaid bills, arrests, jail, hospitalization, institutionalization, even death. Less obvious are the effects on the [...]

For those of us who regularly beat ourselves up for our flaws, I have news: Hidden in every flaw is a precious gem – a piece of self-knowledge that can lead to transforming that apparent defect into a personal advantage Flaws are just aspects of our characters that have been exaggerated to help us cope [...]

Putting ourselves first is the best thing we can do to help others. Wait you say, isn’t that just selfishness? It certainly seems to run counter to what we learn growing up. We’re taught to think of others, consider their feelings, and take care of them, while simultaneously discouraged from doing the same for ourselves. [...]

What? Someone doesn’t like me? ME? I’m so nice, I’m so sweet, I wouldn’t hurt a soul, everyone on earth should like meeeee! How can I survive in this world knowing someone does not like me?! Sounds a bit silly, but this is how many of us really think. I used to have a huge [...]