Depression is a serious and, unfortunately, very common occurrence for women today. This condition is so common that nearly one in ten women in the United States report that they experience major signs of depression every year.

One reason for this challenge has to do with the psychological and physical makeup of women, making them more likely to be diagnosed with mental health illnesses than men. While these statistics might be alarming to some, they are a valuable reminder about the importance of understanding and practicing self-care habits. Women's mental health must be taken seriously!

[...]

In a time of prolific scams and deepfakes, we've become suspicious as an unfortunate fallout. But what about your personal and professional relationships? Have you ever felt that knot in your stomach when you suspect someone isn't being honest with you? The experience is often wrapped in lots of discomfort and uncertainty.

Confronting a person you suspect of lying—whether it's your teenager dodging responsibility, your spouse lying by omission, or a friend who didn't show up as promised—can feel like walking a minefield…. blindfolded! No one knows how the person will react, and how you [...]

Do you ever feel lost in a whirlwind of emotions? Are you unsure what triggers your reactions? Do you sometimes struggle to connect with others on a deeper level—even your spouse?

If so, emotional intelligence (or EQ for emotional quotient) might seem out of reach or feel daunting. However, emotional literacy is the first step to understanding your feelings, and the Wheel of Emotions is a simple tool that can help you get acquainted with your feelings and guide you to a calmer self.

Estimated reading: 7 minutes

Do you ever lose sight of what truly matters for your well-being and fulfillment? Feel out of whack?

Understanding how to prioritize our needs and goals is essential since they often compete with endless demands on our time. In both our personal and professional lives, the challenge of managing our commitments can feel overwhelming. As a solo-entrepreneur, I’ve found that being intentional helps with work-life balance and carving time for what truly matters.

EQ tools, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, can be an indispensable guide. They help us spot those times when we’ve let self-care [...]

When I was growing up, my mom bought Wonder Bread (white as the snow in Montana mountain ranges!). She purchased it cheap at an outlet, and I remember peeling off the crust and forming the bread into a ball instead of eating it.

Dating a people pleaser can feel like a relationship with Wonder Bread. They are very likeable, pliable, fresh and gooey, yet their constant agreement is bland and tasteless. And even though initially everything seems wonderful, the nutrients for a healthy relationship are missing.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Have you ever paused to consider the small moments that bring a smile to your face?

Can savoring these joyful moments be a key to a more fulfilling and happy life?

You bet!

Practicing gratitude is a magic bullet.

Estimated reading: 5 minutes

While driving home over the Bozeman Pass the other night, I spotted a snowplow lit up like a Christmas tree. For good reason, snowplows want to be seen—too many related accidents. It certainly got my attention in the abyss of a cold, dark night.

People light up, too. Sometimes with joy, other times with anger. People rev up with excitement or shut down with depression. Emotions move us—for better or worse! We can clear the impediments to happy relationships—just like a snowplow moves the snow.

Whether you want to learn to connect deeper with yourself or be more present to your partner, [...]

Have you ever tried to share your feelings with a friend, partner, or family member only to feel dismissed or misunderstood? It can be confusing, and even hurt. Perhaps you struggle to connect emotionally yourself. And it's not uncommon for men who lack empathy to struggle in relationships. Every person who feels unheard and every couple who argues needs empathy.

Whether you want to learn to connect deeper with yourself or be more present to your partner, this emotional intelligence skill needs to be in the front row of every communication.

Estimated reading: 6 minutes