Myth: Being Successful in Relationships is Natural

It’s normal to experience struggle, conflict and disappointment in relationships. Part of our human experience comes through interacting, working through and solving conflict with each other. What is less normal is investing time, research and planning into relationships. Today I want to connect with the idea that we all are not always instinctively good at … Continue reading Myth: Being Successful in Relationships is Natural →

The Gift of Engagement

My last post was on fighting depression through deep connections and relationships. In following that post, I think it’s important to talk about a principle within deep connection, engagement. In contrast, to many surface and monotonous relationships, deep relationships connect with our being. Engagement connects with the idea of intentionally hearing and understanding those around … Continue reading The Gift of Engagement →

Fall Help: Depression

Ah!, I hate the transition from beach apparel to winter boots. Truly, I am grieving the vitamin D, being poolside with my baby and non-winter clothing. Moving beyond my summer grieving, in this transition to fall and winter, I am reminded of a common fall and winter problem, depression. This season may be an important … Continue reading Fall Help: Depression →

Releasing Regret

Releasing Regret Far too often I come across conversation, soaked in past regret. For example, a friend shares about bad choices, missed opportunities and wishful ideals from the past. I for one, have regrets, awkward high school memories and many things I wish I did differently. I am definitely not above throwing a pity party … Continue reading Releasing Regret →

Home, Work, and Play

Ever wonder how people really are? Are they really the same person you see? I do. I’m sure I am not alone in this. This idea is labeled congruence in the counseling field. Perhaps you remember this math concept: Congruence in counseling describes an individual’s harmony with themselves. For today, let’s focus on three areas: … Continue reading Home, Work, and Play →

Anxiety, Part 8: Solutions to Self-Talk

We have come to the last part in the series, I hope you have enjoyed it. Today we are going to end with solutions to self-talk. Similar to last week, I am going to be very practical. Self-talk. Self-talk is often located here on the anxiety cycle: If you didn't catch the first part on … Continue reading Anxiety, Part 8: Solutions to Self-Talk →

Anxiety, Part 7: Solutions to Physical Symptoms

Good morning. Today we are going to take a look at some potential solutions for physical symptoms of anxiety. If you would like to see the first post on physical symptoms, see it here: Anxiety, Part 3: Physical Symptoms. This list is only a sampling of common physical anxiety symptoms: Upset Stomach Sweating Increased heart … Continue reading Anxiety, Part 7: Solutions to Physical Symptoms →

Anxiety, Part 6: Solutions to Triggers

Good Morning! We now come to everyone’s favorite part, the fixing! As we work through some potential solutions to managing your anxiety, be sure to manage your own expectations. If you have been struggling with anxiety for years, please do not expect overnight change, that would be unrealistic. What you can expect is some realistic change. … Continue reading Anxiety, Part 6: Solutions to Triggers →

Anxiety, Part 5: Putting it Together

Anxiety, Part 5: Putting the cycle together Now that we have looked at each part of the cycle in regards to awareness, let’s begin putting the big picture together. We talked about triggers, physical symptoms and self-talk. Start with the following example to see how the cycle can work together: Let’s say you experience anxiety when … Continue reading Anxiety, Part 5: Putting it Together →

Anxiety, Part 4: Self-talk

Just a quick detour from the anxiety cycle: This week I am reminded of the importance of monitoring expectations. Our expectations of ourselves and others are connected to our emotional health. In times of high stress and lots of change, please allow yourself the gift of lowered expectations. This past weekend my family and … Continue reading Anxiety, Part 4: Self-talk →