Tag: health

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Passive-Aggressive People

Leadership written in blue and hand writing the word visible.

Passive-aggressive behavior can be frustrating and confusing. It often shows up as sarcasm, silent treatment, procrastination, or subtle digs that mask real emotions. Instead of expressing anger or disagreement openly, passive-aggressive individuals avoid direct conflict, which can make relationships and work situations feel tense and unclear.

Understanding Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Before responding, it helps to understand what drives passive-aggressive behavior. Often, it stems from a fear of conflict, insecurity, or a lack of assertive communication skills. These individuals may feel powerless or unheard, and use indirect methods to express their dissatisfaction. Recognizing these patterns without taking them personally is key to handling the situation calmly.

How to Communicate Effectively

When dealing with passive-aggressive people, clarity and calmness are essential. Avoid responding with similar behavior or sarcasm, which will only escalate tension. Instead, use assertive, respectful communication. For example, if a colleague “forgets” your request repeatedly, address it calmly: “I’ve noticed that the report hasn’t been turned in. Is there something preventing you from finishing it?”

Stick to the facts, not feelings. Focus on behaviors rather than accusing the person’s character. Use “I” statements to express how the behavior affects you: “I feel frustrated when deadlines are missed, because it impacts the whole team.”

If someone uses sarcasm or avoids a topic, gently bring the issue into the open. Say something like, “It sounds like you might be upset—do you want to talk about it?” This gives them space to share what’s really going on, without feeling attacked.

Getting Along at Work and in Life

In the workplace, maintaining professionalism is crucial. Set clear expectations, document important interactions, and follow up in writing when needed. If you’re in a leadership role, create an environment where open communication is encouraged and respected. When passive-aggressive behavior becomes disruptive, involve HR or a supervisor for support.

In personal relationships, set healthy boundaries and remain consistent. Avoid reacting emotionally or being drawn into guilt trips or manipulation. Sometimes, distance may be necessary if the behavior doesn’t improve despite honest communication.

Patience and empathy help too. Try to see the person behind the behavior—someone who may feel unheard, overwhelmed, or afraid of confrontation.

Dealing with passive-aggressive people isn’t easy, but it’s manageable with self-awareness, clear communication, and firm boundaries. By staying calm, calling out behavior respectfully, and encouraging openness, you can reduce tension and build healthier interactions at work and in life.

For more life and selfcare tips check: KathyHusserTempe.com

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#kathyhusser career Family Happiness Health kathyhusser Librarian & Entrepreneurship Travel

2026 Goals

Flying to my travel spot!
The window seat is the best view.

As we enter the last few weeks of 2026, your goals for next year should be reviewed. It’s the perfect time to reassess your accomplishments for 2025 and organize the new year ahead.

How did 2025 shake out?

I like to make a list (using last year’s focus) on what was achieved in your career this year.  Did your career targets meet your expectations?  What goals need revising or provide feedback for other career tracks, like a promotion or movement to a different area?  Get an assessment for where you’re at in your job and make a goal(s) for 2026.

Does your lifestyle fit you?

Again, ask yourself the questions about who you’re socializing with and why.  Does my “tribe” support my long- and short-term goals?  Am I getting the support I need to make my dreams a reality? Plus, remember lifestyle is everything from your budget on spending, where you live, and who you hang out with. These all need to align with who you truly are and where you’d like to end up.

Is your mindset supportive or hurting you?

Your frame of mind has a huge impact on your personal goals and their success. For example, if you’d like to try to learn a new language, hobby, or change careers you can!  You have to start, without having the mastery or confidence to be good at first.  We all start out as a student at some time in our lives. But, never starting that path toward change, will definitely hinder your progress toward learning and growth.

So, the old saying rings true, “If you think you can or cannot, you are always right!”  Having a positive mindset to achieve your goal is the first step toward success!

Keeping a record

Finally, keep a record of your yearly objectives with a timeline, benchmarks, and feedback for improvement. Keeping track of your progress makes you accountable especially if you share your goals with friends and family. You can change anything. If you really want something bad enough it is usually achievable with hard work, perseverance, and patience.

Create your 2026 goals to reflect your lifestyle and dreams and don’t ever give up! 

For more inspiration check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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#kathyhusser Family Happiness holidays kathyhusser

Holiday Traditions

Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash

As we approach the holidays, old and new traditions are bound to come up during your planning. Depending upon your family and friends, traditions seem to change as you expand your circle.

New Family

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

A new daughter in law this year gave us the opportunity to host Thanksgiving early. She enjoyed time with both families. The entire family was able to come together to celebrate on both sides and enjoy turkey twice! I feel this new tradition will stick. It was convenient, everyone provided a dish, and we were all happy!

Next year we will have a new baby to welcome to the family…YAY! So, the Christmas traditions will definitely change a bit too. I can’t wait to buy toys and make gingerbread houses again. Plus, children during the holidays is such a fun way to celebrate and create memories together.

Times Change

Photo by Melisa Nadin Kumas on Unsplash

As travel becomes easier between destinations and families relocate, the changing times create new traditions. Will we celebrate at my son’s home? Will Grandma be hosting this year? What about the new in-laws and their traditions? Many questions need to be navigated to help ease into a new family dynamic.

You should uphold traditions that are working and make new ones to meet your needs. Think about new family members, friends, and elderly parents that are not mobile. Consider altering times and holiday activities so everyone can enjoy their time together.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is easier said than done sometimes. Children and older adults usually have strict schedules. But, adapting to others’ needs is temporary during this time of year. For a couple of months, relax bedtimes, meals, and enjoy the season.

Have an extra cookie or cup of cocoa when enjoying the crisp winter season. This is the time of year for family and friends to come together and make your traditions a lasting memory.

For more family inspiration check out: KathyHusserTempe.com

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careertips Family Happiness Health kathyhusser work

Power of Organization

Have an agenda and your goals will be accomplished
Have a plan and keep refining for success.

Organization brings clarity and peace. On the other, hand living in a cluttered space can feel overwhelming and chaotic. Disorganization often leads to stress, distraction, and decreased productivity. Research shows clutter increases cortisol, the stress hormone, especially in women. A disorganized home sends constant visual reminders of unfinished tasks. This creates mental fatigue and makes it harder to focus or relax.

A clean, decluttered space helps you think more clearly and feel more in control. Studies have shown that people with tidy homes tend to be healthier overall. They also sleep better and report lower levels of anxiety. Organization promotes better time management and smoother daily routines.

Every object in your home should have a purpose and place. When things are scattered, time is wasted looking for them. A tidy space reduces distractions and helps your brain focus on what matters. Even small organizational habits can produce big improvements in mood and energy.

Decluttering

Decluttering is not just about throwing things away, but a habit to develop. It’s about making space for what truly supports your life. Start by sorting items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, and discard. Work room by room, focusing on one area at a time. Celebrate small wins to stay motivated and consistent.

Clutter can also carry emotional weight. Items tied to guilt or nostalgia can create mental roadblocks. Letting go of unneeded things helps you emotionally detach and feel lighter. It clears mental space along with physical space. Your home becomes a sanctuary instead of a source of stress.

Living with Less

Minimalism doesn’t mean living with nothing—it means living with intention. When your space supports your values, you feel more aligned and peaceful. Organized homes also help children learn responsibility and reduce family tension. Everyone benefits from a system that’s easy to follow.

Routine maintenance is key to staying organized. Your goal should be to take 10 minutes daily to reset your space. Return items to their place and resist the urge to accumulate. Before buying something new, ask yourself if it adds real value. Mindful purchasing reduces clutter and saves money long term.

Lifestyle Shift

Decluttering isn’t a one-time project—it’s a lifestyle shift. It requires regular reflection on what you really need and use. Organized homes encourage more intentional living and healthier habits. You’re more likely to cook, exercise, or meditate in a clean, open space. It becomes easier to welcome guests without shame or stress.

A decluttered home reflects a decluttered mind. It’s easier to find joy in your environment and stay motivated. You gain time, energy, and peace from a well-ordered space. Your home should be a retreat, not a source of chaos.

Start small, stay consistent, and build momentum. Organization brings freedom, not restriction. It empowers you to live a more focused, purposeful life. Make space for the life you want to live—one room, one drawer at a time.

For more living tips check: KathyHusserTempe.com

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#kathyhusser career careertips Happiness Health Library Jobs Library Leadership work

Career Education

Have an agenda and your goals will be accomplished
There is no agenda in life, just be flexible.

What I’ve learned over a 43-year career in education and public service is quite simple. And here’s my story to illustrate a few lessons from experience.

Rejection is Re-Direction

My very first interview was with Jack-in-the-Box, a fast food restaurant. I knew the Assistant Manager, a friend from high school, and thought I’d be great at the job. A job I needed to pay my way for a Student Council Conference in Nevada that summer. I didn’t get the job, despite my friend, Peter’s, recommendation. Disappointment set in, until a week later the supervisor for our public library called me for an interview!  In two weeks, I would be shelving books, in the air-conditioned comfort of my local library.  Thank you, Mary!

Keep Growing

This first high school job, turned into a promotion, raises, and life experience managing people. Working at the library, with our team and leadership during this time was the best learning experience to set me on my career path.  I earned a degree, moved across country and worked for two food companies expanding my people skills into another industry.

I learned from other people different from me. I grew in my career (with more promotions) when young women were just starting to venture out independently in their careers. For example, I was one of the first women to wear pants in my company. I didn’t know I “shouldn’t” in the early 90’s, and I started a “trend” for the female staff.

Take a Break

Taking a break from your career is also a personal decision, my family made when I had children. There was no option to work remotely, and women were still the main caretakers during those years.  This “re-direction” worked out, because when my youngest was 5, I started working again at my public library. And this is the Universe providing the opportunity I needed, at the right time in my career.

I had the best boss, since the manager that hired me left two weeks into my tenure. But, he told me, “You’re ‘good people’ Kathy, and you’ll do well even after I’ve retired.”  After 25 years, that compliment and the break he provided me was the start of something even better.

Good Habits Equal Success

Back at the library, I learned every aspect of City government and managing large and smaller teams. My growth was due to volunteering for opportunities and always helping others which strengthen my people skills. Over time these work habits, plus self-awareness, and my solid reputation enabled me to reach my ultimate goal of Director. The one thing I didn’t do, was applaud my own success. (Women tend not to “toot their own horn,” even today…. but we’re getting better!)

Over time with more rejection and redirection, I’ve discovered your career is not linear. Your career will take detours for many reasons. At times, you have no control over your path. But my innate character qualities, strong habits, and work ethic allowed me to succeed in other roles.

Roles that gave me more learning opportunities and success beyond my dreams.  I even returned to work for an organization that got me started early in my career. They knew me, my work, and my kind-heartedness. Match made in heaven!

For more career inspiration check out: KathyHusserTempe.com

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#kathyhusser Family Happiness Health

Healthy Cooking

Sunflower from my garden this spring.
A bright sunflower growing in my front yard garden.

Healthy Home Cooking

As we age, we need to be more aware of the foods we put into our bodies. These simple tips will help you cook at home, be more healthy, and save time.

Here’s a simple list to help for a longer, better life:

  1. Control Your Ingredients
    Home cooking lets you manage salt, sugar, and fat.
  2. Add More Veggies
    Fresh produce boosts nutrients and overall wellness.
  3. Avoid Processed Foods
    Cooked meals cut harmful additives and preservatives.
  4. Support Heart and Brain Health
    Balanced meals improve long-term body and mind function.
  5. Lower Disease Risk
    Reduce obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure naturally.

Stronger Habits

  1. Strengthen Family Bonds
    Sharing meals brings emotional connection and joy.
  2. Build Lifelong Habits
    Regular cooking encourages healthy, lasting routines.
  3. Live Longer
    Studies link frequent home cooking to longevity.
  4. Boost Immunity
    Whole foods help your body fight illness.

Be Mindful

  1. Save Money
    Meal planning and home prep lower grocery bills.
  2. Waste Less
    Cooking at home means smarter, cleaner food use.
  3. Practice Mindful Eating
    Focused meals support better digestion and satisfaction.
  4. Relieve Stress
    Cooking offers creative, calming benefits.
  5. Teach Healthy Habits
    Kids who cook eat better as adults.
  6. Enjoy Simple, Tasty Meals
    Home food can be quick, fun, and nourishing.
  7. Create Routine and Rhythm
    Meal time brings structure to busy days.
  8. Boost Energy Naturally
    Nutrient-rich food fuels your body better.
  9. Try New Things
    Explore flavors, cultures, and skills in your kitchen.
  10. Feel More Balanced
    Cooking brings intention and presence to everyday life.
  11. Start Small, Stay Consistent
    Healthy home meals lead to a longer, richer life.

For health-related tips check out KathyHusserTempe.com

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#kathyhusser Family Happiness Health kathyhusser

Older People

Nature is rejuvenating
Wishing you calm and happiness this season

Here are some thoughtful and practical tips to help you engage more meaningfully with older people, whether they’re family members or part of your community:

  1. Be Present and Patient
  • Slow down and give your full attention.
  • Let conversations unfold naturally—don’t rush or interrupt.
  • Many older adults appreciate the chance to share stories without feeling hurried.
  1. Ask About Their Life Experiences
  • Invite them to tell stories about their childhood, career, or past adventures.
  • Ask open-ended questions like, “What was your favorite memory growing up?” or “What was life like when you were my age?”
  • These stories often reveal valuable life lessons and create deep emotional bonds.
  1. Share Your Life, Too
  • Talk about your own life, even the small things.
  • Older adults often enjoy hearing about current trends, technology, or what’s going on in your world.
  • Sharing creates mutual interest and keeps the connection two-sided.
  1. Participate in Activities Together
  • Cook a meal, take a walk, do a puzzle, or look through old photos.
  • Simple shared activities foster connection and give space for natural conversation.
  • Choose things that match their energy level and interests.
  1. Show Respect for Their Wisdom
  • Acknowledge their experiences and knowledge, even when you don’t agree.
  • Avoid dismissing their views as “outdated.” Instead, listen and ask why they feel the way they do.
  • This builds trust and honors their role as a valued part of your life
  1. Use Technology to Stay in Touch
  • If you’re far away, teach them how to use video calls or messaging apps.
  • Send pictures, updates, or even voice notes to keep them involved in your life.
  • A little effort goes a long way in reducing feelings of isolation
  1. Be Consistent
  • Regular check-ins, whether weekly calls or occasional visits, show you care.
  • Consistency builds a lasting relationship and helps older adults feel seen and valued.
  1. Involve Them in Family or Community Events
  • Invite them to birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or school events.
  • Their presence enriches the experience for everyone and strengthens family or community bonds.

Meaningful connection with older adults isn’t complicated—it just takes time, attention, and a little intention.

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Family Happiness Health holidays kathyhusser

Importance of Grandparents

Nature is rejuvenating
Wishing you calm and happiness this season

In today’s fast-moving world, the wisdom and importance of grandparents can sometimes be overlooked. Yet, spending time with older adults offers countless benefits—for individuals, families, and society as a whole. These connections enrich our lives emotionally, mentally, and socially, offering valuable perspective, unconditional support, and a sense of continuity.

Wisdom, Life Lessons, and Perspective

Older adults carry with them a wealth of experience. Grandparents, for instance, have lived through decades of social, cultural, and technological changes. They’ve weathered challenges, celebrated triumphs, and developed a deep understanding of what really matters in life. When younger people take the time to listen, they gain access to stories, advice, and lessons. Many of which can’t be found in books or online.

Conversations with older generations often provide perspective in times of stress or confusion. Their insight can help reframe problems, offering calm, time-tested guidance. Learning about how they navigated hardship. Whether it was raising a family during economic difficulty or adapting to unexpected loss, can be a reminder of human resilience.

Emotional Support

For many, grandparents are a source of unconditional love. They offer a different kind of support than parents or peers—often more patient, forgiving, and reassuring. Their presence can be particularly grounding for children and teenagers, offering a stable emotional foundation.

Spending time with older adults also helps reduce loneliness for both sides. Many seniors face isolation, especially if they live alone or in care facilities. Regular interaction with younger people can boost their mood, mental alertness, and sense of purpose. In turn, young people gain emotional security and a stronger sense of identity by understanding their family and cultural roots.

Breaking Stereotypes

Socializing with seniors help break down age-related stereotypes. When younger generations see seniors as vibrant, active, and wise, they’re more likely to treat them with respect and compassion. This mutual understanding fosters empathy, combats ageism, and encourages more inclusive, connected communities.

Engaging with older people also helps younger individuals practice patience, better communication, and listening skills. It teaches them to value different perspectives and appreciate the pace and wisdom that often come with age.

Stronger Families and Communities

In families, grandparents often act as anchors—passing down traditions, sharing family history, and helping create lasting memories. In communities, older adults can serve as mentors, volunteers, or storytellers, contributing meaningfully to the lives of others.

Socializing with older generations is not just beneficial—it’s vital. Whether it’s a grandparent or a senior neighbor, these relationships offer connection, wisdom, and joy. In a world that often values speed and novelty, slowing down to listen to and learn from older voices is one of the most rewarding things we can do.

For more living well, tips check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Read Fiction

Graphic with the words Libraries are for Everyone

Fiction Is Good for Your Health

In a fast-paced world filled with stress, screens, and constant stimulation, reading fiction offers a powerful escape—and much more. Beyond entertainment, fiction has been shown to benefit mental, emotional, and even physical health in lasting ways. Picking up a novel might be one of the simplest, most enjoyable steps you can take for your well-being.

Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation

Reading fiction can quickly calm the mind. Studies show that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 60%, even more than listening to music or taking a walk. Immersing yourself in a story slows your breathing, lowers heart rate, and quiets anxious thoughts. The act of focusing on a narrative provides a break from daily worries and overthinking.

Strengthens Empathy

When you read fiction, especially character-driven stories, you step into someone else’s shoes. You experience their thoughts, struggles, and growth. This practice strengthens empathy and helps you understand others’ emotions and perspectives. Research has found that people who read literary fiction regularly score higher on tests measuring emotional intelligence and social awareness. These skills are essential for healthy relationships and emotional resilience.

Boosts Brain Function and Creativity

Fiction engages multiple parts of the brain—language processing, memory, imagination, and problem-solving. It also helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and concentration. The mental imagery involved in following a plot or imagining a fictional world stimulates creativity. Unlike passive forms of entertainment, reading requires active mental participation, which helps keep the brain sharp and engaged over time.

Supports Mental Health

Fiction often explores universal human themes like love, loss, growth, and resilience. Reading about characters who face and overcome challenges can be comforting and inspiring, especially during tough times. Many people find that certain stories help them process their own emotions or see their experiences in a new light. Fiction can offer validation, hope, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Encourages Mindful Escape

Finally, reading fiction offers a healthy way to unplug. Unlike social media or television, reading requires your full attention, helping you stay present in the moment. This mindful escape can reduce burnout and provide much-needed balance in your daily routine.

Reading fiction is more than a hobby—it’s a wellness tool. From stress relief to emotional growth, a good book has the power to nourish your mind and spirit. So next time you need a break, pick up a novel—you’re doing your health a favor.

These stories provide comfort, warmth, and a gentle reminder of human kindness.

  1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
  2. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
  3. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  4. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
  5. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Read more at KathyHusserTempe.com

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careertips Family Happiness Health kathyhusser Library Leadership

Kindness Equals Wellness

"Be wary of Negative People..."

In today’s fast-paced world, the concepts of wellness and kindness are often treated as luxuries, secondary to ambition or success. However, scientific research tells a different story: both wellness and kindness are essential for a fulfilling, healthy life. They are not just feel-good buzzwords. They are backed by scientific evidence showing their power to enhance mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

Physical Connection

Wellness is generally defined as a holistic combination of physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Research has revealed that practices like mindfulness, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep directly influence brain function and emotional regulation.

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce the activity of the brain’s stress center. This while strengthening connections which directs your rational thinking and emotional control. A 2011 Harvard study found that just eight weeks of mindfulness training increased gray matter in areas of the brain associated with memory, empathy, and stress regulation.

Similarly, physical exercise boosts endorphin levels, natural mood lifters. —increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein linked to improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety. Sleep, too, plays a vital role: studies show that chronic sleep deprivation impairs judgment, increases irritability, and weakens the immune system.

The Science of Kindness

Equally convincing is the research on kindness. Acts of kindness—whether helping a stranger, volunteering, or simply expressing gratitude—have profound effects on the brain and body. Engaging in kind behavior triggers the release of oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin reduces blood pressure, strengthens social bonds, and improves overall heart health.

An Oxford research study showed that people who performed acts of kindness for seven days experienced a significant boost in happiness. Even witnessing kindness, rather than directly participating in it, can elevate mood and foster a sense of connection.

Moreover, kindness is linked to lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Lower cortisol means less inflammation, better sleep, and improved immune function. In essence, kindness not only feels good—it literally does good.

Kindness and Wellness

What makes these findings especially powerful is how wellness and kindness reinforce each other. When people take care of their own well-being, they are more likely to be empathetic, patient, and kind. Conversely, engaging in kind behavior boosts self-esteem and emotional resilience, making it easier to maintain wellness practices.

This interplay creates a positive feedback loop: wellness promotes kindness, and kindness enhances wellness. It’s a virtuous cycle that benefits not only individuals but communities as well. Schools that use social-emotional learning programs, which emphasize empathy and mindfulness, report reduced bullying and better academic outcomes. Workplaces that encourage employee well-being and compassion see higher job satisfaction and lower turnover.

The message from science is clear: wellness and kindness are deeply connected and mutually reinforcing. They are not fringe ideals but essential elements of a healthy, thriving life. By taking small steps—meditating, exercising, sleeping well, or showing compassion—we harness the power of both wellness and kindness. These can transform not only ourselves but the world around us.

For more living well tips check out: KathyHusserTempe.com