Our Garden

In 2012 I brought “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” seminars to the NYPD. My team and I taught monthly two days sessions until I retired in 2018. Sunday night a friend sent me a screenshot of an NYPD notification which went to all commands naming the 25 people who would attend this month’s…

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Honoring Sandy Hook Pilot Captain Timothy M. Murray

A tragedy happened the other day just a few miles off the shore of Rockaway. Sandy Hook Pilot Captain Timothy M. Murray died while climbing a ladder to board a cargo ship at the entrance to the Ambrose Channel. (Please see link) Those who have been on the beach at Rockaway may have noticed the…

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The American Dream?

During the last few weeks, our country has experienced unprecedented violence and discord in many of our cities, where many demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd turned violent, with large scale looting and violent attacks on Police Officers. As the violence continues sadly, elected officials are silent, both Democrats and Republicans. In fact, many engaged in…

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Do the Things That Otherwise Bring You Joy

These last several months I have been doing daily self-care excursions, getting myself to beautiful places, even if for an hour or so and even when the weather is not so good. As soon as I get into my car, I feel such relief, and then an almost euphoric feeling comes over me when I…

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Thoughts: Emotional Wellness During the Covid-19 Crisis

Since this crisis began I have been trying to put out messages of support, encouragement and hope. I thank each of you for your part in that and for your constant encouragement. I have also been having a number of private conversations with people who have had the confidence to share their challenges with me…

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Reflection of my 11 1/2 years as the Chief of Brooklyn South, NYPD

Good afternoon everyone. Today is my 20 year anniversary becoming the Chief of Brooklyn South. Thank you Commissioner Howard Safir for having the faith to put me there. I loved working with all of the communities and I cherish the friendships I still have with so many. I’m so appreciative of all of the members…

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Which “Zone” Are You In Now?

See the three zones that this visual suggests we may find ourselves in throughout this crisis; “Fear Zone” – anxiety, dread, anger, the “Learning Zone” – self-awareness, some acceptance, and the “Growth Zone” – empathy, giving, adaptive, self-caring. I would like to emphasize, as we go through this crisis, it’s not easy to get into…

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Bigger Than We Are?

A flashlight, darkened room, and my adorable granddaughter Lia! My thoughts on this photo? Aren’t we all so much “bigger” than we think we are? Isn’t our impact more than we know? Just take for example how Lia – and all of the children in our lives – don’t really even know what “making an…

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Reflections During My Covid-19 Infection

Greetings everyone. I was infected with the Covid-19 virus in early March. I have of course experienced all of the stress and the isolation that everyone of us have been dealing with, as well as the disease itself. I consider myself very fortunate because I did not require hospitalization. Some days were a bit worse…

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