-
Silencing Your Inner Critic
The words we tell ourselves are powerful. They shape how we show up in the world and what we believe we are capable of. After thousands of conversations I’ve had over the years, along with my own lived experience, I have come to realize we all have an internal world unseen by the people around us. One recurring theme that emerges is the undeniable power of the words we tell ourselves, and the profound impact it has on our mental well-being. Our inner dialogue, that constant stream of thoughts buzzing in our minds, plays a crucial role in shaping our emotions and behaviors. It’s like having a personal narrator, commenting…
-
The Significance of Self-Forgiveness for Mental Health
Forgiveness is a crucial act in moving forward for better mental health. It is about letting go, and a powerful journey towards personal transformation. It is through forgiveness that we find freedom from the weight of guilt, allowing us to grow and evolve into better versions of ourselves. Self- forgiveness provides us with an opportunity to grow, inner peace, and the ability to recognize our true value and self worth as human beings. Using the acronym FORGIVE, let’s look at the importance of self forgiveness for improved mental health. F: Freedom O: Opportunity R: Release G: Growth I: Inner Peace V: Value E: Empowerment Freedom: Releasing Guilt and Self Blame…
-
The Power of Our Words
Words are not merely a means of communication. They possess an extraordinary power that can shape our lives and the world around us. From the ancient wisdom of philosophers to the modern understanding of neuro-linguistic programming, the impact of our words has been recognized throughout history. In this blog, we will explore the profound influence our words have on ourselves and others. Also, we will explore how we can harness this power to create positive change. 1. Self-Talk: The Inner Dialogue The words we use in our internal conversations, also known as self-talk, have a profound impact on our self-perception and overall well-being. Positive self-talk can boost confidence, motivation, and…
-
Assertive Communication: 5 CLEAR Truths to Express Yourself with Confidence
Assertive communication is a powerful tool that allows individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear and respectful manner. By using “I” statements instead of blaming language, assertive communication promotes healthy relationships, helps avoid conflicts, and enables individuals to set boundaries effectively. Not everyone knows how, or has the confidence, to begin using assertive communication. Using the acronym CLEAR, I have identified 5 truths than can help you gain confidence and understanding that can lead to healthier communication. Clarity through “I” Statements: Assertive communication emphasizes expressing oneself using “I” statements rather than using accusatory language with the word “you.” For instance, instead of saying, “You never listen to…
-
Overcoming People-Pleasing Rooted in Mother-Daughter Relationships
Dear women, Do you find yourself constantly trying to please others (people-pleasing), even at the expense of your own happiness? Do you struggle with self-esteem and the idea of perfectionism? If so, you may have been impacted by the coldness and conditional love behaviors of your own mother. It is not uncommon for women to develop people-pleasing tendencies as a result of their upbringing. When a mother’s love is conditional, it can lead to a child feeling like they need to constantly earn love and approval. This can manifest in adulthood as a need to please others, even if it means sacrificing one’s own needs and desires. But the good…
-
Good Teachers Have Scary Thoughts
It was my first (and only) year teaching. Though my background was in mental health, I thought I would try my hand at education. Sure, it was an incredible learning curve to be a teacher, but, all things considered, I did pretty well. My classroom was one of clear and high expectations, kindness, creativity, mutual respect, and learning. I had great reviews from administration, fantastic results on evaluations, and my supervisors were encouraging me to continue the teaching path. But good teachers can have scary thoughts. What I would never let anyone know was that, while on the outside I seemed to have a pretty well-put together classroom, on the…
-
5 Key Points for Reduced Conflict in Communication:
PICASWhether we are communicating to a partner, friend, or family member, we are going to have moments where we are triggered. When those triggers turn into anger, they can cause serious problems in our relationships. Sometimes people shut down when they are angry, in fear that they will say the wrong thing and push their partner or loved one away. Sometimes they act out in anger. This can look obvious like yelling, blaming, and belittling. Or it can be subtle, such as closing doors a little harder than usual, stomping rather than walking, or just showing slightly more aggression in body language. Unfortunately, anger in some relationships can result in…
-
3 Ways to Feel Happier This Year
When I was younger I used to believe happiness was a byproduct of a perfect set of ideal conditions. Somehow if I met and married the right person, had a beautiful, big house, found the right job, and had 3 children and a dog then happiness would surely follow. If you’ve walked the earth long enough, you’ve probably come to realize life is no fairytale. The perfect set of conditions does not exist. My life never arrived at what I perceived would equal happiness. Yet, along the way I have learned what happier people tend to do more than those who feel happiness is like a long lost relative. And…
-
The Power of Presence
Have you ever gone to an event or celebration and by the end of it felt like you missed it? Shared a story with someone and thought the other person had no clue what you said? Went to dinner where it seemed your dinner dates were more interested in their phone than you? Or have you sat back in a crowded space and felt completely alone-like no one was paying attention? If you have, you are not alone. We are living a in time where many people, places, and things are competing for our focus and attention. Distractions are plenty. Staying focused is more challenging than ever. We long for…
-
Athletes and the Mental Game
Embracing a Mind-Body-Spirit Connection to Create Your Best Performance It was 4am. I had set my alarm early so I could eat breakfast, get dressed, and mentally prepare for my first triathlon race ever–which also happened to be a half IronMan: an intense day of pushing all physical limits, starting with a 1.2 mile swim, followed by a 56 mile bike ride, and finally a 13.1 mile run. Four months–and for the record, not enough–training for this epic event had brought me, exhilarated, to Memphis, Tennessee, ready to heroically attempt something I had not dared dream possible. The day before the race, I entered the park, looked across the water…
