Posts

Toxic Positivity and Gaslighting? Really, What is That?

Image
Let's start first with t oxic positivity…seems like an oxymoron?   How can being positive possibly be a bad thing?    Perhaps there can be too much of anything GOOD or BAD.   Perhaps being positive has to a point a moment of negativity.    Where does the term toxic positivity come from?    Is this a word that has existed and has surfaced since the pandemic?    Perhaps as with the pandemic, wounds surface and the microscope has uncovered the band aids that we use for comfort.   Positivity to a point where it becomes toxic is one of those aids. Toxic positivity is a form of communication that can be harmful as it can cause shame, feelings of guilt, and the prevention of human emotional growth. We all need reassurances in our lives, but it makes sense that too much can undermine how someone is really feeling at the moment.   It is perfectly okay and natural to be SAD, FRUSTRATED UPSET and ANGRY at times.   Feelings, all of them, are valid.   We shouldn't dismiss them when

What We Lose in a Fire...

Image
What we lose in a fire...... There was a fire recently in the Fairmount Area of Philadelphia the other day.   The fire was in a row home and there were 12 souls taken at the time (adults and children).   I have been reading about this story for the last few days and it has literally tugged at my heart.   I watched on as did the neighbors that lived in proximity while standing across the street wrapped in blankets peering in disbelief.   Tears were in the eyes of everyone looking on and frustration was found on the face of every rescue worker on the scene. Later days passed however I recently had a dream about the fire.    This time it was now my family home that was engulfed in flames and my husband and daughter were still in the home trying to escape.     I was at the front door trying to get to them however a thick black wall of smoke held me back from entering the house.    I do not remember all the details however I was able to get them out somehow…. eventually.     When I woke
Image
  IT COULD BE WORSE! I sat down to write a blog today and then my computer was hacked.   My personal information was compromised, and I was exposed….vulnerability as my world was turned upside down.  I wish I were making this up.  And here I am with pen in hand…what do I write in my blog this week. And here it is, right in my lap.   Life has a way of placing on the table what needs to be the forefront of conversation.   How to manage the unexpected, those obstacles that roll in front of us out of nowhere. Have you ever driven by a car accident just after it has happened?   I am referring to a fender bender to which there is substantial damage. I am not speaking of one to which there might be fatalities. As an onlooker how many of us come to a   slow crawl as we pass by, not just for safety but for curiosity.   Voyeurism is a thing and to which many of us fall prey and I don’t know about you, but I immediately think as well…… ·                  Ho w did that happen?            

What are the HOLIDAYS, really.

Image
  DEFINITION OF HOLIDAY - a  time  when someone does not go to  work  or  school  but is  free  to do what they  want , such as  travel  or  relax . The truth is the holidays can be painful. Even though statistics say that depression rates DO NOT rise during the holidays, it still does not discount the fact that they are prevalent.   We tell ourselves that giving is a way of giving back to ourselves, to perhaps fill our own voids.   Sometimes that works.   We know there is a therapeutic component to giving and that does help with watering our own spiritual garden however sometimes it can a struggle and that is reality.    Some of us might feel this pressure…the need to give, let’s face it…it can be exhausting. Particularly when we are in so much in need ourselves who doesn’t want to be selfish at times?    WHAT ABOUT ME? This spirit of giving that is thrust upon is coupled with stressors. We contemplate how are we are going to make do with all of the obligations, right?   Who

Why You Never Have Enough Time and How to Overcome It

Image
  Why You Never Have Enough Time and How to Overcome It Are you always wishing you had more time available to you? The truth is, you probably have plenty of time. You’re just not focused, and you’re not using your time wisely. Everyone receives 24 hours each day. There’s a reason why some people are accomplishing much more than you are and are still able to be on time for all of their commitments.   These reasons could be why you never have enough time:   You fail to prioritize. What’s the most important activity you must do in order for you to accomplish your objective? If you’re not asking yourself this question regularly, you’re not getting the most bang for your time and effort. It’s easy to stay very busy but fail to accomplish much. ●      Ask yourself, “What is the most important thing I need to accomplish?” ●      Then ask yourself, “What is the best way for me to accomplish that?” You waste time. This could be due

Living Courageously

Image
  Living Courageously! You, me, all of us - we all have courage within. This trait can be simply defined as the ability to overcome adversity. But do you make the most of your courage? Read on to discover how you can use this gift to lead a happier, more fulfilled life.   See Things as They Really Are   Those who are courageous are not afraid to face their demons. They're seldom in a state of denial. They know their good side and their dark side, since each of us has both.   Are you willing to acknowledge your faults? Or do you make excuses for your behavior and blame others or circumstances?   To help see yourself clearly, try sitting quietly in a place you won't be disturbed and write in your journal. Do this every day, or at least once a week.   Write about your feelings during the day and what triggered them. How did you react? Where did these reactions come from - from your compassionate, loving side or from your dark side?   Even though it take

9 Benefits of Knowing Your Life's Purpose

Image
  9 Benefits of Knowing Your Life's Purpose Do you know your life’s purpose? Most people don’t. In fact, few people have even considered it. That’s a shame, because knowing your life’s purpose makes life more exciting and satisfying.   Imagine being excited to live each day! Most people dread getting up and spend the week waiting for the weekend.   Determining your life’s purpose is worthy of your time and consideration!   Consider these ideas: It’s easier to plan your day. Most people spend their day trying to figure out what to do. When you don’t have a clear objective and purpose, it’s easy to become lost. What are you attempting to achieve each day? It’s easier to resist distractions. Your life’s purpose is something that’s compelling to you. Distractions are hard to resist when your life feels meaningless, or you feel bored. Your ability to focus is enhanced when you know your purpose. It’s easier to make d