Growing Bolder Community

It is like a storm, that all of sudden takes us by surprise. The rain keeps pouring, and we reach for an umbrella to dry ourselves from the rain. Sometimes life can feel like this, the rain keeps coming – it is a torrential downpour. However, it is how we deal with the storms that make all the difference. The rains can bring new growth, can cultivate new beginnings, and bloom new life....

Nobody said I'd be speaking!Just yesterday I was standing on a dais at Chicago's Union League Club, picking up the "Silver Feather Award" from the Illinois Woman's Press Association for kicking butt in the group's annual communications contest. I'd won this award once before, in 2008, which is when I first joined the organization. I expected the routine would be the same--a handshake and a hug,...

“What does it take to win at work?” People have asked me that question dozens of times after a keynote speech or radio talk show. They wanted to know the action to take to build a successful life instead of being trapped in long term failure. It's a great question, but since every person faces different challenges there isn't a 100% specific answer that works for every...

Managing stressful moods attached to money By Dwight Bain When you are one paycheck away from financial disaster it doesn’t take much to trip and fall over into the abyss of despair. News of foreclosures, downsizing and soaring bankruptcy levels only make it worse for terrified and stressed out families who often feel stuck in what I call “Survival Mode”. When a family feels stuck in...

The day I crossed the street. Today one of the women told me she’d take me across the street to the store to get money orders so I could pay my monthly fee at the Shelter. It turned out I saw her back go out the door leaving with someone else, and figured, Okay Rose, now you need to do it alone. I went to the bathroom, feeling anxious and lightheaded. I sat on the toilet and said, ‘okay...

Do you have Post Election Stress Syndrome? By Dwight Bain, Nationally Certified Counselor A major election always leads to major change- psychological change that is. No matter who wins an election, the unexpected emotional letdown or explosive reaction after the ballots are counted can be overwhelming to many, especially the aged or over-involved who can be set up for crushing amounts of what I...