Category: Dr. Anderson
Articles written by Dr Kent W Anderson
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Attitude of Gratitude
Recent Road Trip A few months ago, I took a rare solo road trip to visit an old friend. I’ve always loved long drives—they offer uninterrupted time to reflect, free from life’s distractions. As a teen, I asked my mom for a Farrah Faucett poster. But instead, she gave me one with an Irish Proverb:… Read more
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The Power of Positive Thinking-Revisited
Introduction Adolescence is often a time for building self-esteem through relationships, sports, academics, etc. My path was different. I spent my teens devouring self-help books and audiotapes, contemplating the teachings of many great minds. These authors were essentially my mentors. I believed that grounding my life in the principles and attitudes of success would lay… Read more
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ADHD
How Common is ADHD? I recently met a man wearing a t-shirt that read: “AD⚡️HD: Highway To…Hey Look, A Squirrel!”. While humorous, living with ADHD is no joke. It’s a daily struggle in a world demanding the ability to focus and stay calm, while having a mind that simply can’t. Several new people come to… Read more
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Death, Mortality, & the Meaning of Life
Introduction My first graduate school professor, a seasoned private practitioner with a strong resemblance to Sigmund Freud, began with, “You cannot fully appreciate life until you fully come to peace with your own mortality”. We sat in silence, absorbing the weight of his words. Jean-Paul Sartre stated that once we fully grasp our mortality, any… Read more
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Curveballs & Character
Phases of Life Life unfolds in distinct chapters. Childhood is a time of discovery and adventure. Adolescence centers on social life. Late teens and early adulthood involve planning and pursuing dreams. At midlife, we assess how those dreams have been realized. In our sunset years, we reflect on the unique curveballs life hurled at us… Read more
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Crayola Way of Life
What ‘Color’ Are You? By ‘color’ I mean your unique identity- not your skin shade. Many people are trying to discover who they are, what they stand for, and their priorities, values, likes, dislikes, interests, hobbies, and goals. Understanding yourself and how you fit in with others is a significant challenge. What Makes Your Color… Read more
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Forgiveness, Shame & Resentment
The Interplay of Shame & Resentment I recently worked with a woman in her 70’s who had struggled with shame and self-hatred for decades. Her harsh self-loathing significantly damaged her self-esteem. Equally entrenched was an unwillingness to forgive others for past wrongs. Despite being a delightful person, she was trapped by past shame and resentment.… Read more
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On Humility, Confidence, Arrogance & Narcissism
The Quest for Healthy Self-Confidence Striving for authentic self-assurance while embracing humility is commendable. Combining these qualities allows for positive relationships and personal growth, avoiding arrogance. Our self-confidence is shaped by internal reflections and external feedback. Balancing various perceptions others hold of us–some viewing us as humble, others as confident, and some as arrogant- can… Read more
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PANIC ATTACKS: WHERE’S THE BEAR?
The Panic Attack Experience Suddenly a wave of anxiety engulfs you, catching you completely off guard. Your heart races, breath quickens, and your body trembles uncontrollably. Chaotic thoughts swirl. An overwhelming urge to flee takes hold, yet there’s no escape from the intense grip of anxiety. Terrified that something is seriously wrong with your body… Read more
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Time is the Equal Opportunity Commodity
Equal or Unique? In the Declaration of Independence, the notion that all are created equal with the inalienable right to pursue happiness is affirmed. However, the reality is more complex. We each possess unique abilities, circumstances, and life experiences. So, what does equality truly entail? Understanding Equality Equality signifies that everyone should have the same… Read more