Soaring food costs in the U.S. and growing unrest — A strange phenomenon happened today at the grocery store checkout. I heard grumblings. Around me, there were several people complaining in strained voices about prices. The mutual moaning became a water cooler conversation of sorts. I nodded knowingly as I gazed into their near-tear-filled eyes. I’ve noticed that many of…

A strategy for addressing problems derived from severe mental health disorder treatment. — Our brain is naturally predisposed to solve problems. We live in a world filled with them. They often become quite personal, interpersonal, job-related, or relationship-based, and we feel powerless to overcome them. Eckhart Tolle often equates the brain to an old-fashioned typewriter. It functions as a survival tool, constantly clicking…

And romanticism is on life support. — God died a while ago. I didn’t write that one. I will write this one. Commitment is dead! Skeptical? Amused? Before I explain this, I have to provide some background. I’ve been in the therapy field for several years. I counsel people about dating, do couples therapy, and discuss relationships…

That will help you survive the coming economic depression. — I grew up poor. By poor, I don’t mean middle class. If you combined both of my parent’s incomes, they might have made $50,000 per year during the late eighties. My father was in the Navy before that, a lowly E3. Mom kept things going while he was on “PACs”…

and the result was surprising — Today was ripe for my history book for being a Dad and a son. Better than any Father’s Day, I’ll argue. Why? Because today was the day that I introduced my son (who is six) to the Techno Viking. He comes from a line of techno lovers. I admit I…

Part of my personal battle with online dating — In my daydreams, I meet with my ideal woman. This doesn’t happen very often. I’m able to conceptualize her; sometimes, I feel like I’ve met her already, and other times she’s an amalgamation. It’s like the female version of a princess fantasy, yet reversed for me as a man. She’s…

Loneliness and character development — His forlorn request could be heard across the elementary playground from the uncomfortable bench where I sat and watched my son. He sounded so sad. “Will someone play with me?” he pleaded several times, unanswered. Other kids played nearby, and I encouraged him, “You have to go over to the…

To my first 100 followers and fellow writers I’d write you all personal notes on quaint stationery if I could. One of the things I’ve enjoyed about Medium most is the feeling of acceptance and mutual regard I get from writing and reading here. …

That makes anti-gunners look like idiots* — Warning: Swear words ahead. I’ve been biting my tongue for a long time. Just because I’m a writer doesn’t mean I am stereotypical; none of us are. Yep, I’m a gun owner and a trainer. I’m not a parrot for the gun lobby, conservatives, or any other dogma-based system. …