Self-protecting is a natural human instinct. We are created with this drive for safety- and it serves a good purpose. It keeps us alive and unscathed. It’s a necessary instinct that prevents us from doing something dangerous, stupid, or thoughtless like the cliché jumping off of … [Read more...] about A Word to the Self-Protectors | The Risk, Cost, and Reward of Meaningfulness
Anxiety/Depression
How to Define Trauma
In recent years, the concept of trauma has become normative in our daily vernacular. What I mean by that is culture is talking about trauma in ways that we have never seen before. In so many ways, this is progress! But like so many concepts, there is a spectrum of … [Read more...] about How to Define Trauma
Dealing With Disappointment
I’ve been dealing with an outbreak of disappointment lately, and I know I’m not alone. Things that I was convinced would go a certain way never did, and often went in the opposite direction. Unmet expectations can be confusing at best and crushing at worst. I’ve heard myself … [Read more...] about Dealing With Disappointment
The Cost of Avoidance and How to Stop Sabotaging Yourself
Avoidance is common and yet it is one of the worst habits or coping styles we use. It offers the promise of temporary peace but ultimately makes our future that much harder. Short-term gain for inevitable long-term pain. Why is this such a common problem? There are many reasons … [Read more...] about The Cost of Avoidance and How to Stop Sabotaging Yourself
When Counseling Is Not What You Thought
I went to counseling this week. (Yes, counselors have counselors, too.) I’ve had a longstanding relationship with my therapist, scheduling appointments off and on when I’ve needed some extra help navigating seasons of life for the last eight years or so. Sometimes that’s meant … [Read more...] about When Counseling Is Not What You Thought
How Could I Have Let My Guard Down?
We can’t let our guard down. Too much is at stake. We are rounding out a year with this pandemic. Everyone is exhausted. Some people have never worried and just openly embraced getting the virus and getting it over with. Others lock themselves away hoping they can … [Read more...] about How Could I Have Let My Guard Down?
