by Yvette Erasmus | Aug 16, 2016 | Communication, Self-sabotage, Compassion, NVC
Recently my 18-year old step-daughter shared a compelling piece of wisdom with me that I want to pass on to you!You know those situations where someone does something unexpected or surprising and you really don’t like it?Perhaps your feelings get hurt, or you think...
by Yvette Erasmus | Jul 22, 2016 | Empathy, Empowerment, Revenge, Self-sabotage, Suffering, Violence, Kindness
Walking the dog this morning, I noticed my mind playing out a revenge fantasy that I have been harboring. Have you noticed how when people hurt us in deeply enduring and life-altering ways, we sometimes feel like the only way out of our pain and suffering is to hand...
by Yvette Erasmus | Jul 5, 2016 | Communication, Interdependence, Empowerment, NVC
On this Fourth of July weekend, I found myself listening to this song. (Yup. And now it will loop in your head too. You are welcome.) Relational independence is celebrated and revered: “If I never loved, I never would have died. I have my books and my poetry to...
by Yvette Erasmus | Jun 21, 2016 | Empathy, Mourning
I know when a break-down is brewing. I start getting short and curt with people.I am irritable about things that normally don’t bother me.I can’t remember what I did a few hours ago.I stop returning emails and phone calls.I make decisions based on what other people...
by Yvette Erasmus | Jun 14, 2016 | Connection, presence, Slowing Down
Yesterday I dropped off my daughter at summer tennis lessons, went to pay the fee, and found out that I would be charged a $45 surcharge each month because I wasn’t a resident of this particular suburb. I impulsively blurted out with irritation, “Oh Shit, you must be...
