Conversation Starters for Bored People

Talking with people is one of the best ways to bond with others – I can hear some wives say to their husbands, “I told you so.”  Talking can also be one of the most damaging things in a relationship – I can hear some husbands saying… nothing; they’re more likely thinking “And that’s why I like to avoid talking,” as they get scolded for smiling at my comment. 

This is why as a therapist (and super genius… I can dream) I actually recommend double date nights instead of date nights.  Besides the alone time in the car together, most couples don’t have anything else to really talk about and meeting up with another couple naturally creates fresh conversations.   

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How to Survive Being at Home (Dealing with the threat of COVID-19)

We are facing a situation this generation has never had to face: staying at home for long periods of time with family – terrifying.  At Christmas, as soon as the holiday is over the malls and theatres are jammed with people trying to find something to do besides be alone with each other.  Now, over the next month families are being forced to spend more time with each other at home than ever before since all outings are encouraged to be kept to a minimal.  

This means we will be spending the next month in close quarters with the very people who have a gift for getting on each others’ nerves.  Hospitals might be filling up for reasons other than the virus: (child looking at brother) “I don’t think his leg should be bent that way… maybe I shouldn’t have pushed him down the stairs.”

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Women’s Day Blog

Women’s day is a day that is set aside to celebrate over 50% of the world’s population. Woman play many different roles in our lives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends, coworkers, etc. 

In these relationships with find acceptance, peace, help and much more.  One of the consistent concerns expressed by woman that I see in my practise is a lack of time and energy to take care of themselves “self care”.

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Job Loss After 40, This Was Not Supposed To Happen

Yes, these are apparent and random thoughts that may arise when individuals, in the middle mark of life, find out that they have lost their job.

Some would say, “What’s the big deal?   Shrug it off and start retirement early.”   Hold on a second.  The famous developmental stage theorist, Erik Erikson, indicated that, between 40-65, the basic virtue is care, and the subsequent psychosocial crisis is Generativity vs. Stagnation. 

Generativity carries with it the idea that adults at this stage of life want to create something so impactful, that it will outlast the inventors.

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10 Tips to Survive Christmas with Family

I love Christmas.  I love the decorations.  I love the music… minus “Feliz Navidad,” which is arguably the worrrrst song of all time.

Christmas music is heartwarming.  Unfortunately, not everything is great about Christmas, especially if you’re not a fan of your extended family whether yours or your partner’s.  Below is a list of ways to help you survive Christmas with family this year, but first let’s consider five positives of having to visit people we don’t want to see:

1. It’s good to be pushed outside of our comfort zone from time to time.

2. It’s a great chance to practice boundaries. I’ve worked with clients where being with family pushed them to know  when to stand up for themselves in a loving way (aka being assertive) as well as addressing the gift giving rules to reduce waste and potential hurt.

3. It’s a chance to practice our conversation skills, and to know how and when to purposely change the conversation to something more comfortable for us.

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THRIVING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS

If the now upon us holiday season doesn’t have you jumping for joy … you’re not alone. Here are some tips & tricks to manage the holidays on your terms.  Take some of that power back and power through with self love and compassion.

🎄 Don’t go into debt trying to show people how much you love them.

🎄 Don’t go visit your family if it compromises your mental health.

🎄 You don’t have to attend any events that might trigger you.

🎄 Just because you’ve always done it that way (tradition) doesn’t mean you have to do it that way (new traditions).

🎄 It’s ok to not be ok.

🎄 It’s ok to feel sad & not feel like celebrating.

🎄 It’s ok to feel like celebrating!

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