7 GIFTS YOU GIVE TO YOURSELF WHILE GIVING TO ANOTHER
Opening vividly-wrapped packages of varying sizes and shapes can be exhilarating and festive. That is typically what gift-giving is like for most of us. But there are gifts that you can receive while you are giving usually without the pretty wrapping. The following are some that would fit in an envelope: Theater tickets for … [Read more...]
HOLIDAY DE-STRESSING AND BLUES-REDUCING (MAKING HOLIDAYS MORE LIKE THE FANTASY ONES YOU THINK OTHERS HAVE!)
MYTH OF THE HOLIDAYS --- Everyone else has the perfect, warm, loving family with whom they share great cheerfulness. TRUTH --- some families have ideal holidays but most people have disappointing ones at best --- dreadful for many. For more pleasant ones that minimize disappointment you might want to try the following suggestions. 10 … [Read more...]
WHY ARE HOLIDAYS SO DIFFICULT FOR SO MANY PEOPLE?
The two main reasons are: 1) Past holidays were unpleasant (especially while we were growing up) so each one reminds us of past ones. This is often based on Hollywood glamorizing family life making us think we are missing that perfect happy family who hugs, kisses, talks gayly and caringly with each other and gives thoughtful, beautifully … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Thoughts
By Terry Hefter, LCPC The first thing we think about is the turkey, right? Or, maybe the family togetherness? For some it’s the historical value that makes this day special. For many the essential feature of this holiday is the spiritual overtone. These people give thanks for the food on the table --- not only for the turkey, sweet potatoes … [Read more...]
SLEEP PROBLEMS? A PROVEN WAY TO FALL ASLEEP!
Holistic doctor Andrew Weil says the following will put you to sleep IN ONE MINUTE!!! It's called the "4-7-8-" technique and is derived from yoga. Inhale for 4 seconds; hold your breath for 7 seconds; and exhale FORCEFULLY for 8 Repeat 3 times. With practice, Weil says, you'll be asleep! … [Read more...]
You (Or Someone You Know) Can Learn To Develop Optimism To Address Depression In Part
Do you worry a lot? Do you catastrophize --- expect worst results of a situation when it usually turns out to not be the case --- like I'll never find a job, or so-and-so will get into an auto accident if she drives in the snow, or "You know, it always happens to me that I get cheated"? Yes, sometimes the worst case scenario comes to pass. … [Read more...]
Resolving Division Of Labor Disagreements For Couples Who Live Together
First, address ways each partner can understand self and other as it relates to this topic: 1. Each make a list of who did these tasks in family-of-origin (or maybe someone was hired to do them): a. laundry b. grocery-shopping c. loading and unloading the dishwasher (or washing the dishes by hand) d. making the bed e. cleaning the … [Read more...]
Mother’s Day Thoughts
What most mothers want from their children is a showing of affection. A nice extra is an expression of appreciation. But most children take their mothers for granted. It’s just expected by them that parents supply needs and wants to their children. So all that immense time, effort, money, and sacrifice is something a mother rarely gets a ‘thank … [Read more...]
Suggestions For Couple Disagreements
Communication between couples vs arguments If you and/or your partner feel your frustration rising request a “time out” by saying something like, “I need to take 5 minutes off (or 10 minutes, if you prefer) so we can calm down” During the “time out” both should take a few deep, slow breaths, letting them out completely. While apart attempt … [Read more...]
Perfectionism — Sometimes a Problem for You or Someone Else You Know?
Do you, and maybe others, consider you a perfectionist, and does it sometimes cause you difficulties? Maybe someone else’s perfectionism is a problem for you (and, perhaps for themselves)? If you’re a brain surgeon please keep being perfectionistic about your work! But, some of us have had experiences where this trait has stood in the way of … [Read more...]