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

Have you ever felt like your emotions are in the way of true happiness? Do the daily hassles, frustrations, and disappointments seem to crowd out joy? Perhaps, anger thwarts meaningful connections with your teen or spouse. Hmm.

Maybe you're passionate about growing your business, but your fear and insecurity derail productivity and essential actions. Hmm.

Or are you stressed out and struggling with anxiety?

There is a remedy that will make a huge difference in all of the above challenges—one gateway to inner peace. 

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Have you ever wondered why some people have knee-jerk reactions while others chill and think before they act? Do you get stressed and overwhelmed by too many demands with too little time? Or emotionally deflated for days when receiving disappointing news?

One of the best remedies for stress is resilience!

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

You were probably reminded to say “thank you” from a very young age. It's part of social etiquette. Gratitude is a long-standing ritual.

Those two words have become so commonplace that their meaning is often lost. “Thank you” can become a mindless, rote response. That is especially ironic considering the word "thank" can be traced way back to the Old English word for “to think” or “thought.”

The power of gratitude is all about the mind and being mindfully grateful.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes