Most people go through something terribly hard in their lives A study from the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that out of over 1000 people in the US, almost 70% had experienced some type of traumatic experience. These events can include things like traumatic death, sexual assault, and domestic assault. Rates are similar […]
We have known for a long time that there is a relationship between our thoughts, our feelings, and what we do. Cognitive behavioral therapists often refer to this as the cognitive triangle (pictured below). For example, if we tell ourselves, “This is going to be hard,” we often feel overwhelmed or scared, and our hearts […]
“Having hope in the face of despair, doesn’t mean we’ve extinguished fear or whatever else we’re feeling. It means that we choose to go on in the face of it; we can feel discomfort while also being in touch with other parts of ourselves and our experiences. We don’t let despair, anger, whatever it is, define our entire world.”
…..Sharon Salzberg
We all could use some recognition for the things that we contribute, for our hard work, for our time. Get that process started by noticing and recognizing it in others.
Last week in Iowa City, there was a community experience of violence. Episodes of horrible violence also happened in other places, such as South Carolina. Community violence is something that many of us will experience. Recent research suggests that 39-94% of children will witness an episode of violence in their community at some point in their childhood.
“Each of us is a flower growing in life’s garden. Each of us is a flower. We need the sun and rain.” The above song has been sung by both my children in elementary school. As I attended my youngest son’s music performance this week, I listened to the words. I found myself wondering if […]
Stop the avoidance
Many parents have appropriately question whether there is anything they can do to keep their children safe, strong, and healthy. Many parents, even myself at times, avoid thinking about all the hard things their children may face. Sometimes, this avoidance feels easier than contemplating a future that seems so scary or uncontrollable. However, by avoiding thoughts of fear or tough things in the world, we also evade making healthier changes in our lives, and our children’s lives.
At one time or another, we have all tried something new. It could be a new job, a new task, or a new hobby. But, for some reason, we took a chance and did something differently. Whenever we do something new, there is uncertainty and risk. We may fail. But, even more likely is the […]
When the news earlier this week came about the tornado in Moore, Okla., my husband Mike and I looked at each other wide-eyed. “I didn’t think living through that other tornado bothered me, but I still have nightmares about it,” Mike told me. On May 3, 1999, Mike and I were living in Stillwater, Okla., […]
At one time or another, we have all tried something new. It could be a new job, a new task, or a new hobby. But, for some reason, we took a chance and did something differently.
