Author Archives: Monica

When an Agreeable Chameleon Turns on You – Kindness Gone Wrong

Posted on July 26, 2021 by Monica

I once had a supervisor who had a very outgoing, super friendly, and outwardly kind demeanor. But she could and would turn on you in an instant. I was taken in initially by her outward appearance. I saw the kindness … Continue reading →

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Devising a Fool-proof Plan to Deal with Difficult People – 3 Essential Components

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Monica

Reciprocal relationships are the ideal. The give-and-take that allows for equitable contribution and advantages promotes healthy growth for both parties. At the heart of a healthy relationship is a base of empathy and authenticity in both parties. In a perfect … Continue reading →

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Living with SPARK in My Life

Posted on July 12, 2021 by Monica

We all need a personal mission statement. Most of us do have a code within us that we follow, consciously or unconsciously. Our values and ethics, what’s important to us, and where we find meaning makes its way into our … Continue reading →

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Three Positive Aspects of Regret and How to Attain Them

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Monica

Regret is considered a negative emotion. It is defined as great sorrow or disappointment because of something that has happened, usually resulting in loss or missed opportunity. The mind distress that accompanies regret, if left unattended, can grow and fester. … Continue reading →

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Three Empathic Traits to Assist You in Spotting a Fake Smile

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Monica

The smile is a universal means of nonverbal communication. Authentic, it conveys warmth, a positive and harmonious image, and openness/vulnerability. All welcoming traits. But it can also be used as a weapon of deception by manipulators. Science has studied smiles … Continue reading →

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Five Reasons Why You Should Do Right when You’ve Been Wronged

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Monica

The very human response to someone when they’ve wronged you is to fight back. In some way, to get even, to vindicate yourself, to make yourself look better, to save your pride. There are a multitude of reasons. But is … Continue reading →

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To Be or Not to Be — Agreeable?

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Monica

From our earliest experiences, most of us learn that to thrive in any work environment, we must be pleasant to be around. No one wants to be around a grump. Or a jerk. We must be compliant, complacent, altruistic, and … Continue reading →

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Biological Alarm Bells – Three Steps to Defy Fear in Everyday Life

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Monica

In my memoir, I wrote about an incident that frightened me so badly that I experienced a freeze reaction. It took place during the summer after I graduated from high school. Alone in the house, I lay on my bed … Continue reading →

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The Absolute Need for Purpose in Your Life and Three Steps to Achieve It

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Monica

Life. It’s free. But priceless. You can’t buy it. You have no assurance of how long it will last. So, it’s best to make the most of it. How do you use this precious gift? Most people amble through life … Continue reading →

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When Your Best Isn’t Good Enough

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Monica

We are surrounded by advice and expectation that all we have to do to succeed at any goal is to “do our best.” Follow a certain formula or step-by-step process and do it with your full attention and intention, and … Continue reading →

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