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Viewpoints

A Provoking Thought: We All Have a Choice

It is scientifically proven that positive words light up the front part of the brain which help people think clearly, solve problems, and make good choices. Whereas negative words put up a wall of defensiveness triggering a chemical response in the brain which impairs logical reasoning. This brings to question, why would we think we can reason and/or change the viewpoints of others through negativity, which according to science impairs logical thinking? Simply put, we can’t, which is evident throughout our current society. The Bible says, show me your faith without works and I ...

The marauding creatures of the night

They are thieves. The bigger ones are bandits. What’s more surprising is that they are assisting our housekeeping efforts. I’m talking about the fact that we seem to be hosting a mini traffic jam on our deck in the middle of the night. They are eaters, but so far, the good kind. Two nights ago, as darkness set, Dear Richard was heading inside from our dinner on the deck. Since we had chomped down two luscious cobs of corn each, he was carrying the butter dish along with his dishes. Somehow, between the table and the living room door, he tipped the butter dish and the ...

Move Over Bemus! Lakewood has “The Ave” and live summer concerts

Bemus, you know we love you, but here’s a vote to start calling Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood “The Ave.” It’s a natural shortening that catches on when one avenue becomes the cultural heart of a community. I’ve been truly enamored with the transformation of storefronts, new businesses, and the diversity of services. If you haven’t walked The Ave lately, I highly recommend you do—on a Saturday, say, around lunchtime. And if you haven’t sat on our hill at one of the Rock the Lake concerts in Hartley Park, well, you can’t really call it summer anymore. Take a walk with ...

From full house to echo chamber

There came a time when, one by one, our kids grew up and left the nest to make their own way and begin their futures in whatever fields and endeavors they chose. Some people may be facing the same situation soon, as their graduates head to college, or the military, or a trade school, or to begin their lives, after High School/College/Training, and the homes they leave will seem/feel a bit (a lot?) emptier. Growing up, before leaving the nest, Chasy and Chrissy had to listen to my cautions of the outside world. They had to put up with the sugarless breakfast cereals, my reservations ...

Therapy session prompts reflection

Editor's note: This column by Marshall Greenstein will appear occasionally in The Post-Journal. A man named Leo contacted me for an appointment. His neighbor friend, Butch, gave him my name. He came without an agenda. Leo is retired, having worked as a rural route mailman for twenty-eight years. He and his neighbor spent their time playing games. He’s not clear what discussions they shared that resulted in Leo seeking counseling. Much to learn, he’s married and his wife is employed. As a couple, they reportedly socialize with Butch and his wife. They have three children and five ...

The art of letting go

Most often, when friends or family call to vent, it has to do with someone they feel has wronged them—a “You’re not going to believe what so-and-so said,” or “what so-and-so did.” Our biggest wounds are often about our disappointments in other people—some of which we will never ...