Are you a people pleaser?

I sure was!

Growing up, I majored in pleasing others. I honestly believed as a child and young adult that if people didn’t need me, they wouldn’t want me. So I worked at being indispensable. My pleaser habit was so deeply rooted that I didn’t know I was giving up myself on a regular basis, in every relationship at home and work. And whoa!—the havoc it wrecked in my romantic relationships!

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Self-acceptance is the doorway to our authentic power. And when acceptance is lacking, it's one of the biggest stumbling blocks to a person’s solid sense of self and serenity. Without self-acceptance, there is no true freedom.

Mental chatter and the relentless monkey mind dismantle even the most disciplined focus. Aww... if we could only quiet the noise!

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes. Mastery—an ongoing journey.❣️

It happens every day: Someone talks to us about a challenge they’re facing. Perhaps a relative is sick, or their child got in trouble at school. Maybe their car needs an expensive repair, or they are lamenting about an argument they had with their spouse. Whatever the challenge, you might be at the receiving end. Do you know how to respond with empathy? And which is better: sympathy or empathy?

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Conflict within ourselves and in relationships is one of the biggest challenges for most people. Learning to appreciate another person's perspective and their differences contributes to better communication and greater understanding, but first, we must quiet the mixed feelings within ourselves! Self-awareness is an essential aspect of resolving conflicted feelings.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

“Look what you made me do!” Sound familiar?

How do you deal with someone who blames you... for everything!? Even if you contributed to a situation, blaming is a trap door in any relationship and outrages most people with a sense of injustice.

So, how do we respond when we find ourselves being blamed? How do we escape the blame game?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Do you ever think, “When is it going to be my turn?” Do your needs come last—after the needs of your spouse, your children, work, community service, in-laws, siblings, friends, and pets? My needs always used to come last. As a young adult, I remember rarely having time or energy for myself and what was important to me. It was very disheartening. And it took me years of conscious effort to replace my well-practiced compliance and pleasing with strong boundaries that supported my life and relationships.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes     Estimated time to master: a lifetime! 😊

You may have heard that smell is a powerful conduit for memory. However, did you know that when you're feeling down, you can uplift your mood with essential oils? It's true. And it's not just hear-say; there are scientific studies that support the positive effects of using scent to alter emotional states. 

For good or ill, scent can directly affect your mind and mood.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

We know that the brain plays a central and critical role in just about everything, from our thoughts to our emotions, to our behavior—for better or worse! Our brain is the engine. Research has also shown us that our brains have the incredible capacity to rewire themselves.

Sit quietly with that thought for a moment. The ability of the brain to rewire is revolutionary and life-changing. This knowledge puts us in the driver’s seat of our lives. And practicing mindfulness builds greater self-awareness and enhances our mental health.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes