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. […]
Relationships
Holding Space for Someone
What is to hold space for someone?
Holding space for someone simply means being present for them without judgment. It means allowing someone the time and freedom to feel, process and work through their emotions and experiences in their own way so they can heal.
When you hold space for someone, you listen openly and actively, offer empathy and understanding. You provide a safe container for them to be vulnerable.
You give them the freedom to feel, […]
Self-Care Rituals to Show us Self-Love
The most important relationship you will ever have is the relationships with yourself. That relationship will set the foundation for the rest of the relationships you will build in your life.
I invite you to embrace who you are with flaws and all, and if you have not already, to consider falling in love with yourself.
Unfortunately, many of us have been taught to put ourselves last, that thinking of ourselves is selfish, but nothing is further from the truth. […]
Honing our Communication Skills with S.E.W.
There is no question that communication skills is one of the most important abilities we can possess. The ability to effectively exchange information, ideas and feelings with others is key to building strong relationships, connection and understanding both at a personal and professional level.
By sharing information and viewpoints, we learn from others and help them learn from us. Effective communication fosters an environment of openness where people feel comfortable sharing ideas, feelings and knowledge, […]
Gaslighting
The term gaslighting is thrown around everywhere today because our communication skills are so underdeveloped, that we believe disagreement is a threat. Gaslighting involves intentional deception and it is a real and serious problem. It can drive a person insane.
Gaslighting is psychological abuse and, unfortunately, very common in relationships, and also a form of social and political manipulation. That’s why it is so important in this realm to research multiply forms of information, […]
Caring for Each Other
We are social creatures, designed to rely on and support each other. Yet in today’s fast-paced, individualistic society, we often lose sight of this.
Taking care of one another starts with basic human compassion. When we see someone struggling, reaching out a helping hand, offering a kind word, or just listening without judgment can make all the difference. Small acts of kindness, done regularly, build up community resilience and wellbeing.
We also must realize that we are all in this together. […]
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. […]
Be Aware of what you Say to Her
Be aware of what you say to her…
She listens.
She watches. She takes it all in.
She thinks you are beautiful.
Stop telling her you are on a diet.
She listens when you say you are fat, ugly or when things are wrong..
She listens as you cry, swear, step on the scale every single day and maybe several times a day and speak badly about yourself.
Because in her eyes, she will one day remember.. […]
How to Approach Personal Disagreements
Dealing with differences of opinion with people we care about can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to ruin relationships if we go about it the right way.
One of the most important things is to become curious about the person’s viewpoint and to listen without judgment. Resistance only strengthens defensiveness. When someone else is talking, really focus on understanding their perspective instead of just waiting for your turn to respond.
Ask clarifying questions so you know where they’re coming from. […]
Energy Givers & Takers in Relationships
When it comes to relationships, some people are energy givers while others are energy takers.
When there is a “giver” and a “taker,” the relationship is unbalanced and both partners will eventually suffer. Usually the “giver” ends up feeling exhausted and resentful, and the “taker” is the one to leave. That’s why we have to learn to balance the energy within our relationships to achieve harmony and happiness.
Energy givers tend to be positive, […]