Many of my clients come to me feeling dejected and down about the state of their lives, and they wonder why they can’t seem to achieve their personal and/or professional goals. Reshaping and reframing a better sense of self could lead to greater success in all areas of life, and one way to achieve that transformation is through developing Atomic Habits.
Many of my clients come to me feeling frustrated at the lack of balance in their lives. That common theme can affect any of us at different points in our lives, and it can feel completely overwhelming to devote equal time or energy to all areas of life. However, a realistic work-life balance is not about equal division of resources – it’s much more about taking a mindful approach to how you spend your time and where you invest your precious energy.
When we inevitably experience loss or disappointment in life, we of course feel the sting and pain of these moments. Unfortunately, living a full human life means learning to cope with challenges and loss. Growing from adversity, rather than focusing only on the pain, gives us an opportunity to develop an even more well-rounded existence.
Throughout the pandemic lockdown, people have been allowed to pursue outdoor recreation as part of their daily activities. Because of the many benefits of time outside, leaders have deemed it “essential” to Americans’ physical and mental health. In my area of Denver, I have noticed a marked increase in people biking, hiking, walking and enjoying water sports.
For the past several months, we have collectively experienced unprecedented changes and anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic. Many of us have worried about what’s next and how to plan for the future. In all stages of life, whether pandemic-related or otherwise, coping with uncertainty allows us to enjoy the here and now as we also move forward.
Many of the individuals who come to me for therapy express dismay and frustration with our society’s current climate of mistrust and use of attack language. That unhealthy pattern of dialogue can show up in various aspects of our lives: online, at work and in personal relationships. The good news is that many people have begun to seek a better way, and nonviolent communication offers one avenue for creating an atmosphere of trust and respect.
The word narcissism has roots in Greek mythology. Named after Narcissus, a handsome man who fell so much in love with his own reflection in a pool of water that not even a beautiful mountain nymph could capture his attention. Today, people use the term casually to describe egocentric and self-absorbed people, but the effects of narcissism extend far beyond vanity.
Before we dive into the importance of empathy and validation in intimate relationships, take a moment to recall the way you viewed your partner early in your relationship. Think beyond just the physical attraction you felt and try to remember the reasons you wanted to spend time with this new person in your life.
During times of high conflict, spouses sometimes turn to a third party – a family member, friend or even a child – as a means of alleviating tension. Known in therapy as triangulation, these relationship triangles can create a false sense of peace for one or both parties, but ultimately stand in the way of the couple addressing issues together in a healthy way.
Do the relationships in your life – with your partner, family, friends and coworkers – currently center around conflict and misunderstanding? While you cannot control the other people in your life, you can control how you respond during interactions.