Our Blog
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Crayola Way of Life
What ‘Color’ Are You? By ‘color’ I mean your unique identity- not your skin shade. Many people are trying to discover who they are, what they stand for, and their priorities, values, likes, dislikes, interests, hobbies, and goals. Understanding yourself and how you fit in with others is a significant challenge. What Makes Your Color…
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Forgiveness, Shame & Resentment
The Interplay of Shame & Resentment I recently worked with a woman in her 70’s who had struggled with shame and self-hatred for decades. Her harsh self-loathing significantly damaged her self-esteem. Equally entrenched was an unwillingness to forgive others for past wrongs. Despite being a delightful person, she was trapped by past shame and resentment.…
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Filling the Void
Free-fall into Commotion My first true panic attack changed my life. For months I lived in constant fear of the next one. I was scared of lights, sounds, passing cars, music, scary TV scenes, big crowds, basically all forms of daily life. I believe many of us get to a point in life when we…
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On Humility, Confidence, Arrogance & Narcissism
The Quest for Healthy Self-Confidence Striving for authentic self-assurance while embracing humility is commendable. Combining these qualities allows for positive relationships and personal growth, avoiding arrogance. Our self-confidence is shaped by internal reflections and external feedback. Balancing various perceptions others hold of us–some viewing us as humble, others as confident, and some as arrogant- can…
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Grieving the Loss of an Estranged Parent
My Father My father, a beloved writer in religious circles and a pillar of his community, tragically perished in a fire explosion over a year ago. As a child, he filled my days with wheelbarrow rides and captivating tales of adventure. I loved my daddy. But as I grew, our relationship became strained due to…
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PANIC ATTACKS: WHERE’S THE BEAR?
The Panic Attack Experience Suddenly a wave of anxiety engulfs you, catching you completely off guard. Your heart races, breath quickens, and your body trembles uncontrollably. Chaotic thoughts swirl. An overwhelming urge to flee takes hold, yet there’s no escape from the intense grip of anxiety. Terrified that something is seriously wrong with your body…
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Proud to Be a Highly Sensitive Person
On Being Highly Sensitive One of my favorite quotes by Antoine de St. Exupery, the author of The Little Prince, states: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eyes”. What Being Highly Sensitive Feels Like A phrase that I loathe is “You are just…
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Embracing the Turbulence: A Story of Faith, Family, and Resilience
The Joys & Trials along Life’s Journey In this meandering journey of life, where joy and sorrow intertwine, my experience has been marked by trials both expected and alarming. As my partner and I navigated parenthood, we faced numerous challenges, from teenage turmoil to a faith crisis, alongside struggles with substance abuse, self-harm, eating disorders,…
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Time is the Equal Opportunity Commodity
Equal or Unique? In the Declaration of Independence, the notion that all are created equal with the inalienable right to pursue happiness is affirmed. However, the reality is more complex. We each possess unique abilities, circumstances, and life experiences. So, what does equality truly entail? Understanding Equality Equality signifies that everyone should have the same…
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Anxiety as the Future Emotion
Anxiety as the Future Emotion Anxiety is a complex emotion that often differs from other emotions in its temporal orientation. While emotions like boredom, anger, or loneliness are typically triggered by the present moment, anxiety tends to focus on what might go wrong in the future. The Nature of Anxiety At its core anxiety causes…