Tucked into bed for the night, I was just trying to wind my mind down when the phone rang. I grabbed the phone next to my bed worried something was wrong only to find my next door neighbor at the other end. Tammy, also a good friend, who is normally calm and serene, quickly told me in no uncertain terms that I had better get back up and tell her what happened. I thought I would have a night to think on my blind date adventure, but she was having none of it. Still not certain if it was a blind date success or blind date horror story, I knew I had better dish on the details. [Read more…]
4 Honest Reasons Why You Don’t Have Friends
Most of us would say that we want friends. We want, even hunger, for those deep connections. Friendships are part of an emotionally healthy life. Friendships allow us to laugh, to keep perspective on life, and to be encouraged to grow. So what is going on if as adults we don’t have any of those relationships? Here are 4 honest reasons why you don’t have friends. [Read more…]
How to Write an Encouraging Letter to a Friend
When we begin to cultivate an emotionally vibrant life amazing things begin to happen. One of the wonderful consequences to creating an emotionally healthy life is that we has some great friendships. We have relationships where we laugh and share together and ones where we encourage and offer some advice. One great way to build upon those friendships is to send a hand-written letter of encouragement. There is something special, especially in this digital age, about receiving a personal letter that is meant to lift a friend’s spirits or share in their happiness. Here are some elements on how to write an encouraging letter to a friend. [Read more…]
Overcoming Trust Issues in Friendships
Though I remember the pain of a bad break-up, it is the betrayal or rejection of a friend that still seems to hold a sting. Why is that? Do we allow friends into a space in our hearts that we rarely permit others? I’m not certain. But I do know that it can take effort to risk being open to new friendships. But as healthy friendships are pivotal to a vibrant life, we want to learn how to safely move forward and be responsive to budding friendships. So here are 5 secrets to overcoming trust issues in friendships. [Read more…]
7 Steps to Completely Make Over Your Life
I was stunned at where I found myself. This was so NOT where I imagined, dreamed or ever planned I would be. In my twenties, I found myself a single mom. And I had no solid plan on how I was going to truly care for myself and my child. My life felt like it had spiraled out of control. Sometimes our lives need a tweak or the ability to reframe our thinking. But sometimes we need a whole reboot. I knew that if I wanted my life to become a life I was proud, structured around my values, and full of peace and joy then I needed a complete overall. So what do we do when our life needs a do over? Here are 7 steps to completely make over your life. [Read more…]
3 Types of Relationships For Healthy Personal Growth
Who did you spend time with for the last get together or holiday? If you need advice, who do you ask? These are some of the questions I have started asking parents in the groups I teach. It is interesting to reflect on who we spend our time with throughout the week. Today, I would like us to examine 3 types of relationships for healthy personal growth. And I am going to share with you the one relationship type you can’t live without! [Read more…]
A Secret to a Happier Marriage
Remember when you got married? You were so in love! You saw only the best in your man. But somewhere along the way during married life it became harder to see the finest in one another. Do we just give up on what we want? Do we try to change our husband? What if instead of settling or driving ourselves nuts trying to change our man, we discovered his secret strength. Want to know a secret to a happier marriage? When you see and release the hero in your husband. So put on those rose-colored glasses girl! Because you are about to be amazed at the prize you won when you married YOUR man! [Read more…]
4 Crucial Steps to Happiness Through Healthy Boundaries
I have a love/ hate relationship with boundaries. I love when I can see my boundaries working and allowing my life to run smoothly. I cherish those sweet moments when it all connects. I rise above my feelings to see the bigger picture and move forward emotionally. Growth is wonderful. Well it’s wonderful when we are at the end of a growth period and can see the finish line! And we can say, “Yes, I made it! I’m awesome!” It’s amazing when we conquer these 4 crucial steps to happiness through healthy boundaries! [Read more…]
6 Survival Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress
Snow, the smell of cookies baking and twinkling lights are all things that may remind us of the holidays. So does arguments, stress and busyness. For some the holiday season represents a positive time spent with family, cooking and shopping. While others struggle with anxiety at the thought of being around relatives, the expectations of trying to be happy and all the preparation required as the holidays draw near. Most people land somewhere in the middle. So how can we mentally and emotionally prepare ourselves this year? We want to enjoy and create some joyous holiday memories while still being realistic about our time and what is out of our control? Let’s lean into this question together to develop 6 survival tips to reduce holiday stress. [Read more…]
