We convince ourselves that we’re not capable, don’t deserve to be rewarded for our good work, or that we’re inadequate in some other way. We tell ourselves that we are bad people, poor parents, inadequate friends. That we’re not truly successful at anything. We’re hard on ourselves when we make mistakes, diminish the credit we […]
Positive affirmations are often the target of ridicule. Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers may remember a particular regular segment on Saturday Night Live that featured a character named Stuart. Stuart attempted to convince himself of his worthiness by chanting positive statements into the mirror. A whole collection of “catch phrases” came out of that series. One […]
Depression can overcome us unexpectedly and without explanation. Other times, we feel it coming for hours, days or weeks. We brace ourselves for the tangible sensation of the heavy curtain descending, blocking out the light. It feels as though we are fumbling in a dark room, looking for the light switch. We find it, only to […]
Many of us share a strange combination of feelings right now. These feelings have ebbed and flowed for many of us for much of the last five years. During COVID, we were nearly obsessed with hearing the latest news, desperate to learn some new ‘known’ in the vast sea of uncertainty that surrounded us. Ever […]
For years, I thought it was happiness I was after. I thought happy people smiled often, experienced joy, and that they were also imbued with a sense of serenity and calm. Recently, I’ve come to realize that the graceful, steady state of being I’ve aspired to is not actually happiness. It is more aptly described […]
Forgiveness can help reshape our perceptions, heal deep wounds, and foster personal and collective peace. It also has the potential to dissolve resentment, break down barriers, and pave the way for authentic reconciliation. Today, we are focused on the implications of forgiveness, both on an individual level and within the broader context of societal and […]
Welcome to How to Find Happiness, Lesson 7: Healthy Relationships. “Our relationship with ourselves sets the tone for every other relationship in our lives.” – Robert Holden This quote says it all! What a perfect way for us to start off this post. Truly, the nature of our relationship with ourselves is a great predictor […]
Intimacy is a deeply profound and often misunderstood aspect of human connection. It goes beyond the physical, encompassing emotional, psychological, and spiritual elements that form the foundation of healthy relationships. Though other thoughts often come to mind when we hear the word ‘intimacy’ what an intimate relationship is really all about being comfortable enough to […]
Emotions shape our interactions, decisions, and perceptions of the world around us. Yet, navigating the realm of emotions can be a complex and perplexing endeavor, marked by the challenge of understanding not only our own emotions but also deciphering the emotional landscapes of others. What is the nature of emotions, and how do they influence […]
Trust is the essential but delicate thread that permeates the fabric of healthy relationships, binding individuals together as they experience understanding, vulnerability, and connection. When trust is broken or compromised, it casts a shadow of doubt and insecurity. The impact of broken trust and resulting “trust issues” can reverberate to the very core of a […]
