ADVICE

By Stephanie Avery | ContributorJust three months after the coronavirus (COVID-19) began making headlines, the world is experiencing an emergency that is multi-layered and unprecedented. The pandemic is heavy on the hearts and minds of Americans, and many uncertainties still lie ahead.School districts throughout Texas have shut down indefinitely. Restaurants, theaters, gyms, and community centers have also closed. As self-quarantining becomes the new normal per the CDC’s request, community members are engaging in social distancing like never before.In the midst of all of this change, it is natural to feel increased stress, anxiety, and fear. But in the wise words found on Instagram:Conversations will not be canceled.Relationships will not be canceled.Love will not be canceled.Songs will no...

By Dr. Melanie Ross Mills | ContributorHow are we to stay positive during these trying times?Each day offers a new set of challenges whether it’s circumstantial, physical, emotional. We hear of people becoming deathly ill due to the Coronavirus. Our hearts hurt for those who’ve been laid off without time to prepare. We watch our economy flip onto its side in a matter of days. It’s easy to feel as if there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, but hearing all of this news is when we must dig deep and cling to hope more than any other time. It’s paramount because we must stay healthy physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for ourselves and for the lives around us.What can we do as we’re wrestling with fear, anxiety, and worry because of the current state of the world? We do what w...

I just finished reading A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. The story of one man’s odyssey through the tumultuous landscape of 20th-century Russia is filled with philosophical observations unfurled so eloquently you literally find yourself reading the passages aloud to yourself – and then to whoever else will listen. Towles’ main character endures a life-altering turn of events and finds his silver lining in friendship, history, fine wine and parenthood. My book club unanimously loved this beautifully crafted tale of honor, intellect and courage with just the right amount of humor sprinkled in to make it a delightfully captivating read. In one of my favorite passages, Towles writes, “our lives are steered by uncertainties, many of which are disruptive or even daunting; but that if we per...

By Dr. Dean Beckloff | ContributorWe want so much for our kids. We are enthralled with our little ones and are excited beyond belief for their first steps. Their first words. And on and on with all their firsts. From their first soccer game, their first entry into school (along with the Facebook pics), to ultimately moving into high school and college. We. Adore. Our. Kids. And there’s simply nothing wrong with that, and it is so right to love our kids deeply.But when does adoration and love turn into something not so right? When do our goals for them turn into the goals that they must not only share but pursue? When does helping our kids to pursue excellence turn into projecting our goals onto them—instead of helping them to be their best selves?We see parents who cross the line. The pare...