Do you keep score in your relationships of all the times your loved one has disappointed you? This can create a negative atmosphere that is difficult to overcome. I often tell my clients, “Whatever you are looking for you will find.” What I mean is, if you expect someone to disappoint you, you will only focus on what he/she is doing wrong, to prove you are right. I know we do this to protect ourselves from getting our hopes up and being let down. The problem with this behavior is we miss-out on the good things our loved one is doing.
The Power of [Just] Listening Well
Recently I’ve seen countless examples of people who are hurting, struggling, confused or angry – and they feel completely alone. It seems like the cause for some of the isolation can be traced back to friends, family, or trusted confidants who have no idea how to just be present… how to just listen.
We’re busy. Our thoughts are going a million miles per hour. We’re used to having so much information flying at us, that to stop, press pause, focus, and just listen requires so much discipline.
Cracking the Code
Consciously or unconsciously, we each have a code we live by, a set of principles, beliefs, values, habits, and biases around which we make decisions and form opinions. In fact, the lack of either a cohesive code or a harmony between that code and subsequent behavior is a prominent source of anxiety. Equally stressful is trying to live by a code adopted through force or assimilation.
What to Expect in your Relationship When You’re Expecting
The relationship you share with your partner must be considered one of the most significant relationships in your lifetime. Although parenting is the most important job you will ever have, it’s temporary in a sense that your child will leave the home one day, but your partner is lifelong.
Conflict: should the goal be resolution?
Have you ever felt like you and your partner are having the same argument over and over and it never gets resolved? Do you ever think, couldn’t I just phone this one in? Are you worn out from the battles? Perhaps it’s time for a new approach to conflict.
New Years Resolutions: Dreams, goals and habits
The idea of new year’s resolutions goes all the way back to the ancient Babylonians. They would make promises to their gods at the beginning of their new year. And it seems like the idea has stuck. Four thousand years later, our promises and commitments of how we’re going to change still tends to dominate the conversation at parties this time of year.
However, does it work? How often do we stick with our new year’s resolutions? For most of us, its pretty hit and miss at best. Maybe this year, instead of focusing on a new year’s resolution, you can focus on dreams, goals and habits instead.
What You Should Know about Depression
Depression can come in different forms and can truly affect one’s life. Clinical depression (also known as major depressive disorder) is different from situational depression, which is more commonly considered as, “having the blues.” Clinical depression is the result of not having the right amount of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, and Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA).
Reduce Stress Just in Time for 2016
January is seen by many as a time to turn over a new leaf. People feel inspired by the blank slate of the new year to make resolutions they hope will bring them change and new chances for happiness. New Year’s resolutions usually focus on weight, feeling healthier, and growing bank accounts. While all of those are important, the new year can also be a perfect time to feel better by finding ways to reduce stress in your life.
Relationship Spark – Get Creative Together!
Is improving your romantic relationship high on your list priorities for 2016? One of the best things you can do for your relationship is to get creative and have fun together. We have an upcoming Spark! date night event to provide you with an opportunity to do just that. I’ll … Read More
Back to School: Dealing with the Anxieties of a New School Year
Is your child anxious about heading back to school? Here are a few ideas for helping them deal with those anxieties in a healthy way.