World

glimmers on christmas

GLIMMERS on Christmas Day: When the Light Shows Up Anyway

By Sylvia Lafair | December 25, 2025 |

Glimmers on Christmas are small signals of safety, warmth, and meaning. Learn how noticing them supports resilience and emotional presence.

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hope can survive

Hope Can Survive During This Christmas Time (Even When It’s Complicated)

By Sylvia Lafair | December 23, 2025 |

When the holidays feel heavy, hope can survive. A compassionate reflection on loneliness, grief, divorce, and finding steady ground at Christmas.

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speak up

Speak Up Like a Leader: Your Responsibility Is to the Room, Not Just Your Ego

By Sylvia Lafair | December 18, 2025 |

Learn how to speak up in toxic leadership cultures, address bully bosses, and communicate truth with clarity, dignity, and real influence without fear or fallout.

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Lit memorial candles in warm colors symbolizing navigating grief after tragedy.

Navigating Grief: The Impact of the Texas Tragedy

By Sylvia Lafair | July 10, 2025 |

Summary: July 4, 2025, began with hopes of fireworks and fun. It ended in a nightmare. Within mere hours, relentless rains unleashed catastrophic flash floods. Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp, became a heartbreaking symbol of this trauma. Here are some thoughts on coping with grief following sudden tragedies. Dear Dr. Sylvia, I live far…

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a Cardinal and a women representing dynamics of power an d leadership.

Leadership and Power: The Hidden Parallels Between the Films Conclave and Anora

By Sylvia Lafair | March 10, 2025 |

Summary: At first glance, Conclave and Anora seem to belong to entirely different cinematic realms. One is a tense political-religious drama about the secretive election of a new pope. The other is a raw and darkly comedic exploration of a young woman navigating the unpredictable world of sex workers. However, beneath their disparate settings and…

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A group of people taking a selfie in the grass.

The Main Problems Facing Emerging Adults (18-25) in a Chaotic World

By Sylvia Lafair | August 25, 2024 |

Summary: Emerging adulthood, the phase between 18 and 25, is a period filled with both potential and pitfalls. As young adults navigate this transformative stage, there are numerous challenges exacerbated by the complexities of our chaotic modern world. Here’s a look at the main problems they encounter and how these challenges shape their journey into…

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A red and orange painting of an automatic rifle

The Enduring Echo: Tracing the Progression of Guns in Our Obsessed Culture

By Sylvia Lafair | February 21, 2024 |

Summary: When did we become so obsessed with guns? The relationship between society and firearms has become a topic of increasing concern and interest. Many of my clients have horrific stories about how guns have impacted their lives, often over generations. What is the answer to “why can’t we all get along?” Dear All, The…

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A colorful picture of a brain with lines coming out it.

The Multifaceted Nature of Intelligence “We are More than a Number!”

By Sylvia Lafair | January 29, 2024 |

Summary: Beyond the confines of IQ tests, Intelligence manifests in diverse ways, shaping our understanding of human capabilities. Do you wonder what your IQ would be if the intricacies and nuances that contribute to our cognitive landscape gave you a more reliable core score? Dear Dr Sylvia, My son is in the “slow” group for…

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A red umbrella with lights in the shape of an elephant.

Wired Connections: Drawing Parallels Between Power Grids in Electricity and Human Relationships

By Sylvia Lafair | January 18, 2024 |

Summary: Just as electricity powers our modern lives through intricate networks, human relationships form a dynamic grid that sustains our social fabric. Let’s explore the fascinating parallels between the power grid in electricity and the complex web of connections that bind us as humans. Dear Dr. Sylvia, The other day, we had a blackout in…

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A person with their hands up in the air.

The Psychology of Hope

By Sylvia Lafair | November 7, 2023 |

Summary: In a world rife with conflict and discord, the quest for peace and hope can seem impossible. Yet, history has shown that profound transformation is possible, and it often begins with the power of collective action and systems thinking. We explore this here. Dear Dr. Sylvia, Shocked and saddened last week. My 19-year-old daughter…

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