Out of My Mind

The Fantasy Is Not the Fact

Too often, we mistake fantasy for fact, believing what we imagine will translate into how we act.

The Pain Gain

In order to feel good, it sometimes helps to first do something that feels bad.

Lawn Slaves

The lawn care industry tells us that our lawns should be perfect, meaning entirely devoid of so-called weeds and insects. Their version of “perfect” yields a little ecosystem with about as much biodiversity as a parking lot.

The Strangers We Know

Instantaneous recognition occurs when you feel an emotional or spiritual connection with someone you have never met. What's this all about?

Flowers Die, People Suffer

Arguments around euthanasia and assisted suicide are heated and complex, as one person's experience makes abundantly clear.

Talk to Yourself . . . Out Loud

Talking to yourself out loud pushes against an ingrained bias in our culture, one that views this behavior as a symptom of “mental problems." To the contrary, it can be an incredibly healthy exercise.

About Experts

Nobody is an expert on you except . . . well, you. 

Your Brain on Heat

If this past week’s torrid weather left you cranky, irritable or otherwise mentally off kilter, there’s a good chance you can blame it on the heat.

Looking Stupid

Making a fool of oneself is an almost universal experience. Why do we give ourselves so much grief about it?

Fathers Matter . . . a Lot

Social science suggests father have an oversized impact on the psychological development of their children.