What do I take for granted that is a good thing in my life? I have just spent a week away… and some of it was wonderful. At times though, I was reminded of what I have at home: quiet, peace, warmth, a nice backyard. Even when it is snow covered, as this long winter, our backyard is still a …
The season of celebration amazed at all the ways Life reminds me to be positive and to look at what is good in my life instead of what is not. Yesterday I had a task to do that I was not looking forward to, that involved many hours of driving to meet briefly with someone I did not want to …
Recently I came upon some notes I took at a Psychology conference several years ago. Rereading my notes, one especially interesting seminar caught my attention, from the field of Neuropsychology. There is a body of research that supports what our hearts intuitively know, (what girlfriends have been doing/believing for millennia). People feel better when they: Talk about their feelings. Engage …
Whenever I complain about winter cold someone will say to me, “You need to get out more, enjoy the winter!”. Well yes, I say, “I would, if only it were not so darn COLD!” As much as I appreciate the beauty of a bright moon shadow on the snow or the soft snowfall on the spruces through my windows, I …
Last week my sister from the west coast of the U.S., sent my horoscope from her local paper. “Playing makes you feel lighter. Being overwhelmed with too much work and pressure makes you feel heavier. Knowing this, what can you throw over the edge of the boat to keep yourself buoyant?” We have been practicing this at our house in …
Replacing negative self-talk Getting rid of the constant play of negative self-talk in one’s head can go a long way in lessening anxiety. Many people have a well developed critic within who berates and accuses them, making it hard to thrive and relax into positivity. Distraction from the problem can open up solutions As you focus on something that feels …
Unloading the problem Just talking about what is troubling you with someone who is not family or part of the problem, can help. Your thoughts and feelings will be honoured and respected here. What are the feelings? Feelings have a short shelf-life if they are allowed to be… there are no wrong emotions. If you feel it, it is safe to …
Happy Appreciation Day February is here and the signs of it are everywhere: Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. I have nothing against this. In fact, I love cards, chocolates, romantic dinners and flowers. And, this year I would like to challenge you to celebrate in a slightly different way. What if you make a point to let the people …
My nephew recently asked his 4-year-old daughter what she had learned that day in preschool. She told him, “I learned about a bug and a wish.” “What does that mean?” her daddy asked. “I don’t know how to tell you,” she replied. So the next time he picked his daughter up at school, he asked the teacher, and this is …
The season of celebration is upon us once again. We all know the drill – so much to do, so many obligations, so much frenzy. Perhaps this year we can make room for the more basic human story behind the holiday season. In the northern hemisphere, December 21 (or thereabouts) is the time of the winter solstice. The apex of …