The Quiet Bravery of Everyday Life
When it comes to courage and being courageous we often picture dramatic rescues, daring adventures, and acts of conspicuous valour. However, an often-overlooked form of courage exists in the quieter corners of our daily lives, manifested in acts that may seem insignificant to the unknowing eye but demand immense bravery from those who undertake them. This type of courage is rarely celebrated but is crucial for many, and it deserves our acknowledgement and appreciation.
Unshackling the Chains of Tomorrow's
When it comes to living our life "I will be happy when..." often holds us captive, casting shadows on the joy available in the present moment. This cyclic journey, where happiness is seemingly tied to the resolution of specific conditions, can feel like an endless chase. But what if we could break free from this relentless cycle and find contentment now?
Imagine a mental landscape where the promise of happiness is tied to tomorrow's triumphs. The journey typically begins with the belief that certain conditions must be met for the grand celebration of joy to commence—be it a dream career, a perfect relationship, or financial success. Yet, as one hurdle is conquered, another swiftly takes its place, perpetuating the illusion that happiness is just out of reach.
Embracing Healing: Letting Go of the Urge for Revenge
When it comes to self-healing, one profound thread we often encounter is the yearning for revenge against those who've inflicted pain and suffering upon us. In my work in mental health, therapy, and coaching in my own life and the lives of my clients, I've traversed this, often, tumultuous terrain and emerged and gained a newfound perspective on forgiveness and self-compassio
How the hell do I stop my negative self-talk?!
Negative self-talk can be a real bummer to your mental well-being and self-esteem. We're all guilty of it from time to time but we don't have to just put up with it. It will take a bit of time and effort but, fortunately, there are various strategies you can implement to reduce your negative self-talk and build your self-confidence. Here are some effective techniques you may like to try some of the following:
Why should I make taking care of my mental health a higher priority?
It can be easy to put off taking greater care of your mental health and your mind can come up with all sorts of reasons, excuses, and justifications not to do so:
I'm tired
I don't have time
It's too much effort
It takes too long
I have other more urgent things to do
I would have to sacrifice XXXX
Other things feel more important and essential
etc etc...
To overcome all that avoidance thinking….
Making self kindness a daily priority
We learn how kindly to speak to and treat ourselves by how kindly we were spoken to and treated as we grew up.
If there was little or no kindness directed at you during those formative years they can end up forming a template and foundation for how you treat yourself through life.
It can be a really hard habit to break.
Why I make my mental wellness a high priority
There was a time when I would have given in to those messages and the urge to skip a day. I would tell myself "oh just one day won't hurt".
It's absolutely true. Missing one day won't actually hurt me. But what it can end up doing it starting a downward spiral that I have no desire to explore again.
Take your hand off the stove!
I recently heard a metaphor that I really love and encapsulates for me so well what’s required when we find ourselves judging, sabotaging, and generally being unkind to ourselves.
Can you recall a time when you touched something really hot and your immediate response was to stop touching it and move your hand away? You wouldn’t keep your hand on the hot stove because you know a) it will hurt, and b) it will cause damage. Ultimately, if you keep your hand on the pot for too long the damage could be quite significant and life changing.