The need to please others is one of the most important social skills for all human beings. Appropriately pleasing one another keeps us connected and helps us to survive and thrive together. The challenge comes when your pattern of habitual pleasing is your only response to life—it becomes an obsession rather than a choice. We […]
When you hit your breaking point, you may hurt the feelings of others and may say something you regret later, making a difficult situation even worse. When you reach that moment, chances are you justify what you said or did because that is part of what happens when you reach your breaking point. It is […]
Earlier this week, David was on a Zoom session with a group of individuals who have read The Power of TED*. During introductions, several participants shared that they want to take the TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)® work to youth and into schools. At the same time, many, many parents are faced with the reality of […]
Over the years, readers have shared their stories with us about how they are applying TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)® in their lives. This week we begin an exciting new feature to our weekly blog. We are capturing these stories on video and will be sharing them with you from time to time. In the brief […]
At the core of the TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)® work is love and appreciation for others. We first must see others as Creators, whether they act like it or not, before we can be in an empowering, drama-free relationship. Fear, however, is the emotion that drives all 3 roles of Victim, Rescuer, and Persecutor that […]
Growing up, we both heard these phrases from our parents: “Be nice, Donna, and get along.” David heard “you have to learn to share,” and “don’t fight” was a favorite. Our parents did the best they could, and what many of these phrases taught us was to be overly agreeable. We humans are drawn to […]
“Once I reach my goal, I will be happy,” is what most people say when they set a goal. What is problematic about this approach to life is the idea that your happiness is somewhere in the future and not available to you now. Goals, by their nature, fool you into thinking that outside circumstances […]
The month of July hosts several Independence Day celebrations around the world. July 1st was Canada’s Independence Day and the “4th of July” is recognized in the US as the day the states became free and independent from the tyranny of a foreign king. The current global disruption is showing the world that freedom exists, […]
“Power to the People” was an anthem song written by Beatle John Lennon in the early 1970s. Somewhat like today, it was a period of social unrest. But what is “power?” Merriam-Webster has two definitions that are particularly relevant to considering your relationship to power: Possession of control, authority, or influence over others; and The […]
When you think about it, your life unfolds one conversation at a time. Therefore, the quality of your conversations has a lot to do with the quality of your life. Everyone involved in better conversations has a good chance of receiving these benefits: Feeling heard, affirmed, and appreciated, which leads to more connection; Experiencing clearer […]