Link of the day: Martha Beck

I recently came across an archive of articles written by Martha Beck (who makes her living as a "life coach.") She writes a column with Oprah Magazine. Before you think "ick, touch-feely women stuff", I just want to say that her thoughts are very insightful and her writing is quite witty.

Here are some of the articles I enjoyed:

• "Putting the fun in dysfunctional" - how to deal with annoying relatives
  
• "I love you just the way you were" - how to deal with people who can't see past the old you
  
• "To be alone or not to be alone" - how to find your balance between solitary and social behavior
  
• "Have a heart - exercises to improve your empathy
  
• "Help! Mayday! SOS!" - how to ask for help without hurting relationships
  
• "Oh, this old thing?" - avoiding envy pre-emption
  
• "Overhelpers anonymous - how not to get carried away with helping people
  
• "The joy diet" - make yourself happy everyday (but no equation feasts)
  
• "The lonely season" - how to deal with different types of loneliness
  
• "The sponge people" - protecting yourself if you're very sensitive
  
• "Wait. Are you implying that I need to read this article?" - dealing with highly defensive people (think reptile)
  
• "Why it's harder to receive than to give" - how to become gracious about receiving
  
• "Why are people mean?" - how to deal with mean people
  
• "Your body whisperer" - how to be one with your body
  
• "Always apologize, always explain" - art of an effective apology
  
• "True confessions" - how, when, why to confess