Lou Tice

Those of us who knew the 90's were a time of rapid change, and thought the new century would be no different, were right. The ability to quickly adapt is still a survival skill, one that has set the human species apart from most others.

One of the secrets to happiness in these changing times is the ability to be flexible - the power to adapt. Some people make themselves miserable by being very stubborn about their plans for the future. They choose a path and refuse to deviate from it, no matter what.

Now, persistence and tenacity are normally… >>>

Are optimists people who just don't see the pain and suffering in the world, or is something else going on? Let's talk about optimism in a less than perfect world. 

Do you know anyone who is a pessimist because they claim that it's just being "realistic?" They seem to feel that because the world contains murderers and molesters, and because war, famine and injustice are common, that the economy is in a mess, it is simpleminded to take an optimistic view. 

Now, I agree that it is simpleminded to try to live as if the world contained no pain or… >>>

Everyone feels frightened from time to time, especially young children. Let's face it, there are some pretty frightening images on television and in newspapers and magazines. Today, let's talk about how to handle the fears of the children in our lives, whether they be our children, grandchildren, godchildren, nieces, nephews - whatever. 

What should you do if your child becomes terrified of the water, or of going to the doctor, or shows fearful or aggressive behavior that you hadn't noticed before? First, don't panic. Fears surface normally during many stages of child development. 

Reassure your children patiently and affectionately about… >>>

For most of us, the greatest source of happiness in life is to love and be loved. Today I am going to tell you why love and optimism go hand in hand.

When I think of the strongly optimistic people I know, I am always struck by the depth and scope of their relationships. Optimists are great lovers! They love many things passionately - nature, sports, music, art, gardening - you name it. 

But most of all, they love people. They respond to children and old folks with enthusiasm. They are deeply connected to their families. They are usually involved… >>>

Are you using visualization to help ensure the results you want in the future? If not, you should be.

How good is your imagination? Now, when I ask that question, most people invariably say that they have an active imagination. If that's true for you, too, then you should certainly be using visualization techniques to help you get the results you want in the future. 

Why? Well, because if you do it right, it works. How do I know? From over 40 years of experience - personal and otherwise - for one thing. But don't take my word for it.… >>>

There is great comfort in the familiar, but there is also great danger, too.

Most of us feel secure in the belief that we can trust the familiar in our lives, and we feel that there is comfort and peace in the predictable. Actually, while this is true to some degree, it can also be a trap.

You see, it is the unfamiliar, the risk, and the unpredictable that liberates us from boredom, unleashes our creative spirit, and enlivens our relationships. And it is the unplanned and unknown occurrences that make our life rich in possibilities. 

Of course, some order,… >>>

With Valentine's Day coming up in a couple of weeks, I thought this would be a good time to address "love."  How do you say, "I love you" to someone you care about?  How do you express your feelings of love and affection to your spouse and other family members?  Florists would like us to believe that we should "say it with flowers," but I think there are better ways.

For instance: If you love me, compliment me often for jobs well done and don't downgrade me, but rather reassure me when I fail.

If you love me, listen to… >>>

People have trouble accepting criticism, but how about when it's time to accept a compliment? I'd like to talk a little about receiving compliments.

How well do you receive a compliment? People who have a healthy sense of self-esteem, and who are concerned about empowering themselves and others, know how to receive compliments that are well deserved and sincerely meant. 

They do it in a way that is gracious and that enhances their own self-image, as well as that of the giver of the compliment. All too often, I have seen people turn away compliments with comebacks that amount to… >>>

What makes a good relationship work? What makes a good relationship turn bad and fall apart? Let's talk about what it takes to build solid relationships.

Most people would never consider jumping off a cliff into the sea without some expertise in swimming, but almost all of us jump into relationships without a clue about how to make them work. 

We've never given much thought to what a really good relationship needs, or about what skills the people in the relationship should have, if they really want to get the most out of it. Nevertheless, we seem to expect some… >>>

We've all heard the saying "the truth hurts." But while lying to protect someone else's feelings may seem easier, it can be very damaging in the long run. Let's talk about truth in relationships.

Lying to someone you love can be devastating and can undermine their trust in you for a long, long time. How do you feel about lying? Would you prefer that those around you keep unpleasant truths from you? Or, would you prefer to know the truth, no matter what? 

How would you like the truth told to you? Brutally, with no regard for your feelings? Or… >>>