Habits control our lives whether we recognize it or not. If you’ve ever tried to overcome a bad habit, you’ll relate to the power of habits.

From the moment you get up in the morning, your activities are on cruise control: brushing your teeth, showering, eating breakfast, exercising (or not), checking Facebook or your email inbox, rituals once you’re at work, etc. Whatever you repeat enough and do routinely, the brain will create a habit. Why? Because the brain is a superhighway of efficiency.

Estimated reading: 4 minutes

"Forgiveness" is a term used so often that few people question its intrinsic value. You'd probably agree that asking for and offering forgiveness has become common practice. Just like many others, I was taught growing up that when you hurt someone—even accidentally—the right thing to do is to say you're sorry and ask for forgiveness. Children quickly learn when adults expect an apology, even when a child may have lacked the skill to respond differently.

Have we erred and put too much emphasis on behavior and not enough attention on understanding the person and their needs?

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Whenever I teach emotional intelligence classes or facilitate women's groups, I am reminded how difficult it can be for people to allow themselves to feel. Yes, emotions can be overwhelming, especially the heavier feelings, but with practice, they can be a great resource for happiness. But first, we need to feel.

Give yourself permission to feel. But how?

Giving yourself permission is vital to be happy. But how? 

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Are you struggling to get motivated or unable to lose weight? Does it feel like you’ve tried everything with no results?! It is discouraging, isn't it!?

You’re not alone. It’s difficult for many people, including myself, to stay dedicated to a lifestyle that promotes health and fitness. Our schedules are crazy busy, and it takes discipline and consistency to develop healthy habits.

Or does it? Is that all that’s going on?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Let’s first get this out of the way—life in modern times is demanding, no matter where you are in your life and career. The escalating demands on our time and attention are astronomical, especially with so many forms of technology pulling on us.

If you thought that it was only you feeling frazzled, it’s not! All of us need to mindfully keep ourselves encouraged and learn to stay motivated in purposeful action, not just get busier. And procrastination is a real problem for many with the added challenge of chronic stress.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Recently, during a rough time, I struggled with higher-than-normal family conflict, work stress, sleep deprivation and dehydration. Nor did I eat nutritious food or exercise like I usually do.

I ran into a friend who is a mental health professional, and after I vented a bit, she said, “You need to do something for YOU today.”

“Hmmm, she was right! My self-care was not existent. And WHAT exactly did that even mean to me right now, right here, this moment?”

For many, stress continues to build until a hair-trigger is released by an unexpected letdown. Changes in plans or inconveniences are met with impatience and emotional over-reactions. Sometimes another's negative mood or criticism can ruin entire days.

The antidote to this inner turmoil is emotional resilience, an element of emotional intelligence that allows one to adapt to and recover from stress and negativity more easily. The good news is that you can actively improve your emotional resilience and noticeably increase your happiness.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Getting in touch with one’s feelings is not that easy for most of us. We have been taught to suppress and hide certain feelings. For instance, when we are feeling down and blue, we are often told to put on a “brave face” and smile, even though we know we are hurting inside. Over time, it can become more difficult to express what we are truly feeling.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Do you ever lash out in anger? Are you surprised when anger bubbles up and lashes out at a loved one unexpectedly?Everyone gets angry sometimes—and some have an anger problem. Anger is often considered a “negative” or “bad” emotion, which we have been taught to suppress and push aside. After all, if we let anger get the best of us, our reactions can lead to negative consequences or hurt ourselves or others. However, to control anger, you must understand it and learn not just to control angry outbursts but to emotionally regulate emotions so you can restrain yourself and express them in [...]