Why Is It So Hard To Say Good-bye?

We love our stuff! And when it no longer fits in our garage or basement, we rent out a climate-controlled space to keep it in. Rather than letting go of what we no longer need, we would rather pay a monthly fee to store our extra belongings “in case we need them.” The Self-Storage Association reports that the space available in this country for self-storage is approximately three times the size of Manhattan. This concept doesn’t just apply to our material possessions. We desperately hold onto other stuff as well…whether it’s relationships, jobs, or our youth. Often,

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Your Window of Opportunity

My final manuscript for TalkRx heads to the publisher shortly, so thanks for your emails and support along the way. I’m back in the real world again and excited to regularly communicate with you!

I just returned from Kripalu Retreat Center on the East Coast where I led a weekend workshop previewing communication tools from my upcoming book. The close-knit community, authentic connection and powerful insights from participants gave me a glimpse of what’s to come.

Fifteen years ago, as a medical resident, I never imagined that the trajectory of my career would have taken such an exciting turn.

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Come Away With Me…!

For those of you who began this journey with me many blogs ago, you might recall that my steps to becoming an author have been challenging, to say the least. I had always thought of myself as a physician, corporate consultant and speaker, but not a writer. I began my blog with “I’m not writing a book. This book is rewriting me.” And it did.

On Feb. 17, the day I left on a family vacation to Goa (India), I turned in the first full draft of my manuscript. What a massive sigh of relief!

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Is LOVE Taking You For a Ride?

With V-Day upon us, it’s the perfect time to take inventory of the many kinds of love in our lives. Whether you’re a parent or a partner, a sibling or a soul sister—whatever the relationship, there’s always a give and take. While sometimes unspoken, each person brings their own hopes and dreams to the relationship and a unique way of supporting the other. But if the waves of love throw your relationship off balance, what do you do next?

Tune in as Max learns to navigate the ebb and flow of love and finds what anchors his heart.

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The Secret To Getting What You Want

Everyone feels misunderstood at times—even those on the world stage. I’d like to introduce you to a dear friend and change-maker who is courageous enough to share her journey.

This twenty-five-year-old is working to reduce violence and gender discrimination while empowering women in Pakistan. Her parents are proud but they are concerned about her safety. Yet her life calling constantly puts her in the face of danger. It’s not surprising that she often finds herself misunderstood and torn between her roles of daughter and activist.

Ever feel that unspoken tension between the various roles you play?

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Who Knew All I Needed Was A Little Security?

Two weeks out, you’d think I’d have noticed that it was strange to get a direct flight from JFK to San Francisco for $167. Instead, I remember thinking, Wow, it’s my lucky day.

At 5:45 a.m., Dad made me chai and then we drove to the airport with no traffic in sight. We pulled up to Terminal 4. There were no lines. It struck me as a little odd, but I had been away from home for three weeks and was looking forward to flying my favorite airline, Virgin America, so I didn’t pay attention.

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Who Puts The Love In Your Lunch?

Tracking a lead on a great restaurant is as vital to my survival as locating the nearest herd of bison must have been to a caveman. I’m lucky, because San Francisco has mastered the art of providing delicious daily grub – even take out. After 12 years of living in the Bay Area, I’ve come to expect courteous wait staff and organic, fresh food. What I didn’t expect is that how I ordered my food also mattered. Who knew that it could not only fill my stomach, but also nourish my soul?

I remember the day I discovered Cafe Gratitude,

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Do You Say Yes When You Really Mean No?

Janet, a 44-year-old executive at a consulting firm, came to me complaining of headaches, insomnia, and a constant nagging in her stomach. She said her gut felt like it was tied in knots. At work Janet was a high performer and was rewarded with a promotion for always saying yes. She found herself awake at 3 a.m. worrying about how she would accomplish all she had committed herself to. Her physician had told her that although she was under an enormous amount of stress, there was “nothing medically wrong with her.” He prescribed her pain, sleep and antacid medications for her symptoms.

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Your Body is Talking. Are You Listening?

Over the last decade working in hospitals, I was surprised by the number of times learning the skills to communicate helped alleviate my patients’ physical symptoms and even helped them get rid of a dependence on certain medications.

Research shows that communicating effectively helps us better cope with stress, nurtures our relationships, and enhances our health and self esteem. Those who have solid relationships where they can share their emotions and feel supported tend to live longer. Those who feel misunderstood report a higher rate of depression, which weakens the immune system and makes them more vulnerable to disease.

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Have You Ever Been Flaked On?

…you know, when you make plans with someone and they’re a no-show.

Are you the one who takes commitment seriously and often find yourself disappointed and hurt when others cancel at the last minute?

Do you make commitments with others and reserve the right to CHANGE YOUR MIND depending on how you feel in the moment?

Depending on who you’re dealing with, chances are, at some point, you have been either the FLAKE or the FLAKEE! Regardless, flaking causes HUGE STRESS in relationships and over time takes a toll on your health.

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