We live in a time when, in our pocket, we carry a mini-computer that defies imagination. Everything we think we could possibly need or want is available with just a few clicks — or so we’re led to believe. But what happens when that magical distraction machine obscures our instinctual ingenuity and vision? Too often, we lose focus, sacrifice inspiration, and delegate creativity. Sure, our devices have many useful applications but they should never, ever [...]
Plenty of things break. You could break one of your belongings. Or one of your bones. But your self-love should not break. Emotionally speaking, you may also feel broken at times. Someone may hurt your feelings or worse, they might neglect or abuse you. You may grieve a lost love or career or your health and feel shattered. Sometimes a sense of brokenness is the result of sudden, life-altering events far beyond your control…global pandemic, anyone? [...]
Living with bipolar disorder can be a serious challenge. The swings from depression to mania and back again can become exhausting. Part of you struggles to maintain a positive attitude but another part implores you to withdraw and wallow. Bipolar disorder requires help from a trained professional. Hand in hand with that help goes your personal self-care and self-love regimen. The coping mechanisms you develop can be a major component of your recovery plan. Bipolar [...]
To the best of our knowledge, infants do not experience shame. However, studies and observation demonstrate the presence of this emotion by the time those infants grow into toddlers. In an ideal sense, this is a good thing. Caretakers can use a protective version of shame to teach young children about safe and appropriate behavior. In a healthy setting, this dynamic can empower the child to regulate their own behavior. If the child is at-risk, [...]
There is no shortage of self-empowerment memes. Each day, we are subject to dozens — if not hundreds — of digital messages encouraging us to live life according to our values. This is a classic case of “easier said than done.” While it is certainly a noble and important goal …what does it mean? To live by our values, we must first be able to identify them. Even when that task is completed, we must [...]
Trauma does not always fit neatly into a box or category. Many times, it is best comprehended through the eye of the beholder. While society may often agree on what constitutes a traumatic experience — e.g. death of a loved one, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), natural disaster, etc. — there is so much more to consider. Miscarriage and infertility, for example, are often taboo topics. The experience of an early loss, however, is almost universally [...]
When someone we love undergoes a crisis, our instant response is usually rooted in compassion. We step up in any way we can to let them know that we are there for them. In the process, we not only help a person in need but we enrich our own lives. A related paradox exists, however. Far too often, we seem unable to muster the same kind of treatment for ourselves, but it is crucial, especially [...]
Take a look in the mirror. Do you see you or do you see the stories you tell yourself? It’s not an easy question to answer. Our stories can appear as real as our flesh and blood bodies. They are our autobiography — at least, for now. You see, stories aren’t always true. They may begin as truth but eventually grow outdated. Unfortunately, we often hang on to these tales long after they’ve passed their expiration [...]
Grief is one of the most complex yet misunderstood emotions. Being that it grows out of loss, it is often uncomfortable to explore or discuss, especially when it is the result of infertility. For some, it’s too private. Others fear they will look weak if they engage in prolonged mourning. For almost all of us, grief is almost exclusively associated with the death of a loved one. All of these connotations can serve to complicate our [...]
It’s a dynamic we all recognize. Yet somehow, the lessons we learn about compassion, particularly self-compassion, don’t always stick. Think back to the last time someone you love came to you with a problem. It might a friend, partner, family member — anyone with whom you share respect, trust, and love. This person tells you about a mess they’ve gotten into or some emotional pain they are experiencing. They could really use a compassionate ear. You [...]
