Ms. Selak, As I read your column (and I admit I am reading it in the context of many similar voices from older ‘spirit of Vatican II’ Catholics, so I apologize if I misunderstand), you want the Church to change to embrace the moral relativism of the modern age, while retaining those elements of her teaching that fit in with modern sensibilities and serve social justice concerns focussed on life in this world (rather than the next). My question to... Read more
There’s a particular kind of heartbreak that comes from being exposed to the all-too-human failings of a man of God. I don’t think there are many believers – of any stripe – who are not familiar with the intense betrayal that comes when someone you look to as a spiritual guide and counselor disappoints you with their pride, or foolishness, or weakness. And so it is not uncommon to hear stories of leaving the Church that begin with a tale... Read more
Imagine that you’re short. (Maybe you don’t have to imagine, maybe you’ve always been a bit vertically disadvantaged.) Mostly you get along just fine, but every once in a while you come face to face with the reality that everything around you was designed with someone a bit taller in mind. You crank your driver’s seat forward and (if it will let you) higher, you get really good at hemming pant legs, and when someone asks you to fetch something... Read more
Chickadee perching on my mitten. Hi there! Read more
Cracked’s David Wong wants you to know that every interpersonal conflict you have is about uneven power dynamics. It would take too long to go into all the reasons this irritates me, but the short version is that, while it is good to be sensitive to others and try to understand their point of view, it’s ultimately a pretty dour view of the world and of people. Every situation he mentions could be improved, not by analyzing your place in... Read more
I was asked to write a bit about Behavior Modification and ADHD. I can’t say I know a ton about behavioral modification in children, and I only had a few sessions with a therapist myself. As an adult, I have the advantage of some perspective and years of reflection on what my weaknesses are. On the other hand, as an adult I also have three decades of compensating behaviors some of which are helpful and many of which cause their own problems! So, for me,... Read more
Perhaps somewhat ironically, I’m reposting a post about not reposting. Confused yet? From ‘Rambling Lal’, a rant about emotionally manipulative Facebook posts. Her last two points are particularly cogent. Go – read! Read more
It’s all your fault, Julie Davis, if I stay up all night tonight reading the archives at Letters of Note. Why do you link such fascinating stuff? Between the links and the book recommendations – oh, and all the movies and tv shows you quote on your sidebar…you’d think you were some kind of pop culture evangelist. And then there’s your book, to keep the flow of cool stuff and thoughtful reflections coming even if my internet is down. Thank you…I... Read more
I have attention deficit disorder. I was diagnosed last year, in the spring, after I had been meeting with a psychologist for a couple of months. I had the thought that I might have ADHD in the back of my mind when I met with her – I can’t tell you how many online screening questionnaires I have filled out over the last 4 years since my older brother was diagnosed. But I’m very aware that intelligent people can unconsciously... Read more
And a few thoughts fit to share. Things I am thankful for, in no particular order, plus one random query: 1. My children and I are all healthy at the moment. This was a somewhat rare state of affairs during 2012, due to the advent of school attendance and subsequent germ-spreading. Pascal has an inhaler now for his ‘reactive lungs’ but has not actually needed it since it was prescribed. 2. I’m reading the Thursday Next series. It’s like Dr.... Read more
Peace and Pekoe
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