We’ve all been there – someone treats us poorly, and our first instinct is to take it personally. We wonder what we did wrong, or why they seem to have such an issue with us.
However, most of the time, it has absolutely nothing to do with us at all.
We are complex beings, dealing with their own baggage, their own fears and insecurities. The way they treat others is often just a reflection of the battles they’re fighting within themselves. […]
Challenges
Does Time Heal All Wounds?
Do you think time heals all wounds? The ox asked the rabbit.
The rabbit shook her head and replied, I don’t think it’s time that heals. It’s what you do with time that makes us better or worse.
Time can definitely help us gain some perspective and distance from painful experiences. But I don’t think it’s just the passage of time itself that really does the healing.
It’s what we actively do with that time that makes the biggest difference. […]
Do not Shoot the Second Arrow
Have you ever heard the Buddhist story of The Second Arrow? It’s a powerful metaphor. It teaches us a lot about how we deal with pain and suffering in our lives.
The story goes like this: Imagine you’re out walking in the forest, and suddenly, you get struck by an arrow. Ouch! That first arrow represents the inevitable pain and difficulties we all face in life – physical pain, emotional heartbreak, loss, struggle and so on. […]
Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for our well-being. They define where we end and others begin. They protect our sense of self, and create a safe space for us to live our lives. Without proper boundaries, we risk feeling overwhelmed, used, or depleted. Setting limits is an act of self-care & self-love, and they help us maintain a healthy sense of self.
When we don’t set clear limits, we risk losing our identity and individuality as we try to please others. […]
How to Approach Personal Disagreements
This article was published last week in Brainz Magazine under the title 6 Tips To Approach Personal Disagreements.
All of us will encounter challenging conversations at some point in our lives. In a time where there is such a variety of views regarding politics, social norms, climate, religion, wellness and even nutrition, opportunities for discrepancies abound.
Having successful relationships make a big difference in the quality of our experience. In order to do that, […]
Ten Must – Read Books –
These 10 Must-Read Books will Change
your Perspective on Life Complexities
Certain publications have been extraordinary signposts on my journey toward wellbeing and those of my clients.
Though we’re all aware of fundamental good health practices like diet, exercise, sleep, and handling pressure, putting them into action can be tough.
Here are 10 books that guide us on how we can create our best lives. The knowledge gained from them can help us tackle challenges and be amazing motivations to become the best version of ourselves. […]
How to Navigate Life’s Turbulent Waters
No matter how calm the seas may seem at times, life will always bring its share of storms. Some come as rip currents, pulling us under for a moment before we find our footing again.
Others roll in as full-fledged hurricanes, threatening to upend everything in their path. But with the right skills and mindset, we can weather any storm that comes our way.
How we weather these storms and emerge from them, determines not just our short-term wellbeing, […]
Acceptance
Resistance to what IS breeds dissatisfaction. Much of our pain comes from wanting things to be different than they are. Yet reality is as it is, and fighting against it is futile and only brings more struggle. Acceptance is crucial to stop suffering.
When we accept things as they are in this present moment, a deep feeling of peace can arise within us. Suddenly, there is no longer friction between our desires and reality. […]
Setting Boundaries in Conversations
Have you ever found yourself stuck in conversation at a family gathering?
Maybe you have a nosy aunt who loves asking you super personal questions you don’t want to answer. Or a cousin who manages to dump all their problems on you at every party. Feeling like you’re stuck in a conversation you can’t seem to get out of is the worst!
If this is an experience you have with close family it can speak to a deeper boundary dysfunction. […]
How to Respond to the Heartbreaking News
So much happens around us every day that tugs at our heartstrings and evokes strong emotions.
We see heartbreaking stories of suffering, injustice and tragedy in the news, on social media and in our communities. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of pain out there.
Yet we must find a way to keep our emotional balance. Being overwhelmed with outrage and sorrow helps no one, least of all those who are suffering. […]