In this series, we are taking a look at some of the most common ways our thought process can become distorted, causing us to feel depressed, bad about ourselves, negative or hopeless. One of the most common patterns is All or Nothing (Black and White) thinking. One way this often … Read More
Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children Part 2: Practical Ways to Help Your Children Become More Emotionally Intelligent
In part one of the blog Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children, we defined emotional intelligence and explored its importance. Some children are naturally more emotionally intelligent than others. It is important to nurture emotional intelligence in children to help them adjust well to the challenges life brings. Now that we know … Read More
Making Your Twenties Count: Part 2
In the previous blog, we discussed why the 20’s are a critical decade. In this blog, we are going to focus on one of Meg Jay’s key points, which is exploration. Society has said that exploration is one of the most important factors in a person’s 20’s. So what is … Read More
Identity: Who Are You?
Personal identity is a tricky thing. We are always growing, always changing individuals, and just as soon as you think you’ve got yourself all figured out, a new situation or life stage begins and you have to get to know yourself all over again. Our identities are often difficult to … Read More
Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children Part 1: What Does Emotional Intelligence Mean?
Children experience the same emotions as adults. They can feel everything from happiness to sadness to anger to nervousness to even stress. However unlike adults, many children do not understand how to effectively deal with the range of emotions they experience. Just like other life skills parents pass onto their … Read More
Thoughts: Friend or Foe?
Our minds are tricky things. We have the capability to think through complex problems, feel empathy for our friends and family, and be amused by a ridiculous YouTube video all within the space of an hour. We have a huge capacity to learn, to explore new ideas and viewpoints, and … Read More
What is the big deal about mindfulness?
It’s graced the pages of the Wall Street Journal. It’s taught in classes at Google. It’s even shown up in an episode of Parks and Recreation. But what exactly is mindfulness anyway? And why is it becoming such a big deal? According to one leading psychiatrist, mindfulness is simply the … Read More
The Science Behind “Flipping Our Lids”
Have you ever gotten really upset about something only to look back on it a day or two later and realize it wasn’t that big of deal after all? Most of us have had a similar experience. We find ourselves apologizing to a partner, child or co-worker for something that … Read More
Cognitive Neuroscience Part 3: Scientific Proof that People Can Change
Can people change? It’s a loaded question. If affects our views on philosophy, religion, psychology, sociology and biology – just to name a few. What if I told you there was scientific research that strongly suggests that the answer is yes? Think about that for a second. Think about the … Read More
Reacting or Responding?
As I was reading recently, I came across a quote in Melody Beattie’s book Codependent No More that really spoke to me. “We jump into the first feeling that comes our way and then wallow in it…we are reacting without thinking. When we react we forfeit our personal, God-given power … Read More