When you are in a relationship with someone you love it can be difficult to figure out whether the conflicts in your relationship are abusive or not. If you notice any of the following “red flags” in your relationship, there is a possibility that your relationship could be controlling or abusive. Extreme jealousy — one…
The Woman, The Bear And The River
There once was a woman who lived in the forest near a large river. She loved to walk in the forest and along the riverbank. Sometimes she enjoyed taking a swim in the cool, clear water. One day, the woman was walking by the river when she heard a loud growl. She turned around and…
The Stresses Of Parenting
Parenting is an extremely stressful job. And I think parents are the only ones who fully get that. Parenting is so stressful that it makes sense that you might let your kid run around a restaurant because she’s been running around all day and at least you know she won’t get hurt and maybe you…
To Do: Live Your Life
From time to time it is important to look at the places in our lives that are dead or dying and bring new life to them. Do you feel fully alive most of the time? Or do you sometimes feel sluggish and paralyzed, unable to move towards your goals, unable to really connect with other…
Are You “Too Fat”?
Do you think you are too fat? Really? Too fat for what? People of all sizes are happy. People of all sizes are depressed. People of all sizes feel good about their bodies. People of all sizes feel bad about their bodies. You are not too fat to love or be loved. You are not…
What Is Your Communication Style?
I think of good communication as having two qualities: honesty and kindness. If we are able to communicate honestly about our needs while still being kind, we take care of ourselves and build our relationships with others at the same time. Let’s take an everyday1 example of communication. Your partner, who hasn’t done much housework…
How To Survive A Family Visit
People say that time travel isn’t possible. But every time we visit our families, it’s like stepping into a time machine. We are whisked back in time to our childhood in the blink of an eye (or, perhaps more aptly, the roll of an eye). All of a sudden, the fact that we have full-time…
What Brings You Joy?
I think a lot of us go through our daily lives just trying to keep up and not feel bad. We spend so much energy trying to ward off the negative feelings, the sense of failure, the anxiety, and the pain. It’s understandable that we want to avoid pain, even if it isn’t possible. Instead…