Life has thrown us all some unexpected turns recently with the rise of COVID-19. The question to ask yourself is how do you stay within your emotional window of tolerance? When you are in your window of tolerance you feel secure or safe. You feel that you can handle your emotions as they surface, and you can find your sense of direction. Your responses are congruent with the situation at hand and you feel open, curious, and present. Feelings of empathy remain intact and you are able to maintain healthy boundaries. However, a stressful event can lead to movement out of your window of tolerance.
Some years ago I noticed a higher number of cancellations due to the flu than other seasons. This year the Corona Virus is putting fear in many hearts. People are stockpiling toilet paper and essentials to have around the house and some offices are preparing to have their employees work from home. Vacation plans are being canceled as fear rises like the tide. Around 7 years ago I started on a quest for natural health
Once you’ve experienced the shock and euphoria that accompanies the news that you’re having a baby, your thoughts move on to the physical and financial preparations that need to be made. There’s a nursery to be assembled as well as equipment and supplies to be acquired so you’re ready to go when the big day arrives.
For parents who find they’re expecting a child with a physical or mental disability, the shock they experience is of a slightly different nature.
Tis the season for intensified feelings of grief, despair, and loneliness. The feelings of sadness of the loss of a loved one increases exponentially during the holidays. The memories of past holidays together can flood the mind and intensify the feelings of loss. When our lives aren’t perfect and we look around at everyone else’s seemingly perfect lives, despair sets in with feelings of inadequacy. The feelings can spin around in our minds like a tossed salad with too much dressing, “They have an intact family, they have money to go skiing, they don’t have financial problems, their kids have good grades…
I have learned that it takes around 3 years for a bamboo plant to be fully established once it is planted. It will have long periods in which the plant doesn’t appear to be making any growth progress. It is during this time that growth is occurring underground within the root system. The roots are actively growing and pushing water up to the plant above ground.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is defined by a commitment to change while also choosing to accept things the way they are. The idea follows the line of thinking that, “psychological suffering” is caused by our inner language or cognition. When we are inflexible psychologically we lose a healthy connection with the present moment.
What is the peace that surpasses understanding? Is it even possible to have peace when everything seems so upside down and topsy turvy? I read a lot of mainstream news and non-mainstream news, and to be honest with you there is a great deal of suffering in the world on a daily basis. My heart hurts to see it. I sometimes cry when I read the stories. I listen to the stories told in my office and know that life can be full of heart wrenching pain. Yet, there is a promise that we can have peace within our hearts that wouldn't otherwise be attained.
Hold onto the promise that...
Sometimes it feels like life is an uphill climb along a steep, cold mountainside with unforgiving inclines and steep turns. When will life get easier? Just when it looks like a breakthrough is near, another...
Think you could spot a Narcissist from a mile away? Don’t be so sure! Narcissists are very charismatic and can seem superbly warm and engaging. They can be the magnet of the party and they are able to get things done. They can have world class manners and a style that seems friendly and enjoyable. Narcissists can be the type that will help you out with anything… at least until you set a healthy boundary.
We all have our ups and downs. When we get down it can feel pretty overwhelming and it can be a long battle to overcome what got you there. Life beats us down, we neglect our health, we get tired...and depressed. Here are a few tips to battle the blues:
1. Probiotics- Did you know that there is a connection between poor gut health and depression? There are many ways to add probiotics to your diet; yogurt, Kefir (fermented yogurt drink), supplements. Make sure your brand is high quality. Not all brands are the same quality, you could be throwing your money out the window with no good health benefit. For example, low fat yogurts with
Guess where most of the nutrients of a carrot exist?
The skin or outer layer!
The power of a crunchy carrot with the skin on, is deliciousness with no guilt! A satisfying carrot crunch means powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, most of which exist along the outer portion of the carrot where most of us peel it off (collective gasp!).
Ever wonder why some diet programs say to avoid carrots? I think it is because most carrots have had many nutrients peeled off by the manufacturer, or you. Without the peel they are a sweeter variation of veggie. Those baby carrots are even known to be washed in a bleach solution to keep them fresh...ewe!!! So not only have they l
Mmm... mustard! I can hardly wait for the summer BBQ's! One of the best part of a good BBQ is a hamburger or hotdog slathered with delicious mustard!
I have been spending a lot of time studying nutrition these days. I realize how important it is to both physical and mental health. I love mustard, and can't wait to try different variations on this. I also think it would make a great gift (just add a ribbon to the top of the jar).
Here it is:
I definitely have down days as a mom. The contrast between ideal and real is all too evident sometimes. As mom's we can't help but have a vision for our kiddos that involves their success in school, sports, friendships. We want to walk around every day as people notice how amazing our kids are, to the point that they can't help but stop us and say, "Your kid is just so wonderful!" Then in response, you desire to remain humble so you say, "Oh you are too nice," then they
One of the most common issues my female clients face is guilt about taking care of themselves. When I get all up in her grill about self care, phrases such as, "I feel so selfish," "I can't because I feel guilty" start to surface.
I get really annoyed when I hear the phrase, "She let herself go," because I know that is not the case. The real issue is that she is putting you first and her family first, her house first, her friends first, meals first, laundry first, groceries first, the kids homework first. Anyone who asks for help comes first and she comes last (of course this is all done with a smile on her face). She cares so much about others that she cannot seem to get around to taking care of herself. She's last on the list and there are only so many hours in the day.
Have you ever thought you were on a long detour only to discover that it was all a part of preparing you for something meaningful later on? There have been times in my life I have wondered, "what the heck am I doing this for?" Then, years later I see that I needed that skill, or experience, for something God was preparing me to do.
We have choices in those situations;
Can you think of anything in your life that was preparing you for the future? Sometimes endurance is what is needed. We are so used to quick fixes and solutions. Shoot, you can microwave meals in 5 minutes, go to a drive-through for lunch, pick up ready made pizza. We sometimes forget that life's lessons don't come that way.
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other." Romans 15:5
May God bless you on your journey.
Gretchen
