ArcaMax

Dear Annie: I am an 85-year-old widow living alone. I have three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In years past, when I was still driving, I would visit regularly and made it a point to stay involved. I helped pay for camps, lessons, pageants, tutors and even household expenses. I have always tried to be generous with...Read more

There's a word we should live again. I would like to be whelmed and not overwhelmed. Not underwhelmed and just whelmed. It's the state of being fully present in the flood of life, not drowning in it but not standing on dry land either.

That's where I want to live most days, especially on days with one-on-one meetings, but from flow to overflow ...Read more

The first step in rehab for a workaholic is to say out loud: "I am a workaholic. I've been using my work to hide from issues in my life." Believe it or not, this seemingly simple statement has enormous transformative power; it's a clear beginning. Next, get out your appointment book and a red pen and do the following:

1) On every page of your ...Read more

The city in which I serve as a councilor is not a sanctuary city; however, it adopted a welcoming city solution back in 2017. It affirmed us as an immigrant-friendly city and made clear that our police should not detain or arrest people based on their nationality or ethnicity, nor seek proof of a person's citizenship status, and should not ...Read more

When career becomes life and there are virtually no boundaries between them, work stops being the connection it can -- and should -- be. When does that happen? Well, for one thing, when there is nothing it can connect you to. Think about that, please. In the same way an alcoholic hides behind a bottle, you could be using your job to protect ...Read more

There is always a moment after tragedy when the public is told to summon empathy, usually for the person who caused the tragedy. But this week the ask for empathy was for someone who many felt didn't deserve it and who wouldn't have offered in return. Many people bristled, asking why they should care about someone who actively promoted damage in...Read more

DEAR SUSAN: This is my response to your recent column about single women dating married men. You tell us that when the man's wife learns of the affair and gives her consent, single women seem to lose all interest in continuing it. Well, Susan, I disagree mightily.

In the past, I happened to be the other woman, and I desperately wanted him to ...Read more

A TikTok video I saw the other day suggested that I should reclaim my attention to the present. Mid-scroll, the app that makes money off my distracted brain suddenly wanted me to log off and be present. That's like the bartender telling you to quit drinking while he pours the next shot.

Be present, as if the present is some enchanted meadow we'...Read more

DEAR READERS: Do you think being me is easy? Do you think being behind a computer much of the day -- pounding out advice meant to be helpful -- is all fun and games? Well, think again. Just recently, some pretty strong stuff came my way from online readers (creators.com) who were simply delighted to have a chance to vent. Their reactions follow....Read more

My daughter and her best friend started their own business. They made business cards and put the QR code to their Red Cross babysitting certification on the back. Their first client was a neighbor with a toddler who came to our house, where I could watch all three of them, and be a business respite program. I overheard one of them lament after ...Read more