Overcoming Childhood Trauma Often Starts with Escaping the Fight or Flight Response George and Betty’s doors were buttoned up tightly the day I stood on the side of my house metamorphosing into a twelve-year-old hustler. But smoke billowed from my neighbors’ chimney, so I knew they were home. They were my best option for getting…
The days before a big holiday can feel overwhelming. We’re rushing around shopping, fighting traffic, and cooking—all while trying to be socially safe. Add to that, the cleaning and prepping and the family drama that usually ensues. To keep things at a happier, more peaceful vibe this Thanksgiving, here are a few dos and don’ts….
Do all your relationships have a common theme? Maybe you give too much? Maybe you’re insecure? Maybe you don’t really trust and give yourself completely? Do you feel like in all your romantic relationships you’re dating the same person over and over again? No matter who you’re with, you’re having the same arguments and are…
Loving ourselves throughout our lifetime is a wonderful but challenging endeavor. And the big question is––how do we continue to love ourselves through everything, especially the big emotions of self-doubt, fear, and anxiety? It’s so difficult, isn’t it? I’ve experienced this many times in my life, especially lately when the world is serving up so…
Sometimes loving ourselves is difficult. While we show compassion and understanding to others, we rarely show it to ourselves. We pay compliments to others but hardly to ourselves. We long to be with others and show our love, but don’t show love for ourselves. Why? A lot of it comes from how we were raised….
Oh, it’s that time again. When the mud is slinging, and people are berating and talking over each other. And if you watched the first presidential debate, you probably, like the rest of us, went to bed with a headache and woke up with a hangover caused by confusion and disbelief. Every four years we…
We all have that voice in our head. You know the one I’m talking about––the mean, critical one that makes us feel unworthy and less-than. And for many of us, unfortunately, that mean voice is our default setting. Whether this negative self-talk is due to childhood trauma, stress, or dysfunctional relationships, it’s difficult to break…
We’re wrapping up our fight or flight adventure this week and I want to leave you with a few ideas and products that have helped me shift out of fight or flight, calm my nervous system, and stay at peace. (If you missed any of the last blog posts and want a primer on shifting…
Animals are special creatures. Like us, they are sources of spiritual power that both absorb and reflect the energy that surrounds them. For many of us, animals are an outlet of joy and happiness. A little girl gets her first dog and the two become inseparable, spending time playing and swimming. A young man living…
More than a few years ago while lying poolside and staring at the Costa Rican mountains, I worried why I was so tired. Was I sick? Was I getting sick? What was wrong with me? The hypochondriac in me rolled over and said to my husband David, “I’m so tired. I must be sick.” He…
Are you overwhelmed? Have you lost your va va voom? Are everyday tasks bringing you down flat? It’s easy to fall into the unhappy lull of go go go and do do do. Even during the days of coronavirus, when we’re supposedly slowing down and staying home, feeling overwhelmed is a real thing. Add to…