I have always been a rather optimistic person. More times than not, I see the glass half full instead of half empty. But, being a generally positive person does not mean that following one's goals, dreams, or ideas always come easy. Like most of us, the little critic in my head kept me planted solidly – literally holding on for dear life -- in my comfort zone far too many times. I could always find a reason to believe that something would not succeed because of this, that or the other. It didn't matter. What I've come to know for sure is that I was afraid to say YES! Why? Because saying...

  "My heart aches." "It's too much to bear." "I don't know how I'll get through this." These are statements frequently made by someone grieving a loss or death. Maybe these ring true for you. Grief can bring on devastatingly painful emotions. So much so that you might wonder if you're "going crazy." No, you're not crazy – you're grieving. Grief is the normal response to the loss of anything or anyone important in your life. Understanding the feelings and symptoms of grief are important to healing. You can try to avoid the emotions associated with a loss but doing so does not make them go ...

Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a painful and lonely experience. You're flooded with intense emotions that can literally stop you in your tracks. Most people don't know how to mange grief in a way that is healing and transformative. You rely on things you've heard throughout your lifetime about death and grief to help you get through it. However, some of this information might work against you rather than help you. To help you sort through what's good and what's not so good, here are ten common myths about grief. Myth #1: At some point, grief will come to an end. Maybe you've heard som...

  We all know that one special day of love. There's barely a moment in passing before we see the discounted Christmas candy become easily replaced by the very same candy molded into heart shapes dressed in red foil. Oh the joys of Valentine's Day!! Where love seems endless and romance fills the air. Local restaurants await the flood of dinner reservations and consumers going through countless cards only to realize the perfect one cost a mere $7.99. Why does one day cause so much pressure and anxiety? How can one day make those that are single feel so unimportant in the department of love?...

  Your company's holiday party is coming up and you're dreading it. Your long-time friend has invited you to a dinner that will include people you don't know and the thought of it makes your stomach turn. If you can identify with these, chances are you're an introvert. According to Susan Cain's bestseller Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking , "…introversion is a preference for environments that are not overstimulating." This is not to be confused with being shy. She writes, "Shyness is the fear of social disapproval or humiliation." With the holidays come the...

Traditionally, holidays are spent with people that we love and cherish the most. We create memories and engage in traditions that are near and dear to who we are. Some take for granted that these things will carry on forever. That is, until someone you love dies. Dealing with the loss of this person might be hard. However, dealing with the loss of this person around the holidays can be especially painful – particularly the first year. Holidays tend to amplify the loss. The sadness, hurt, tears, and anger might intensify. Your desire to participate in celebratory activities might be low. Additi...

Stress. Many throw this word around lightheartedly without recognizing the impact it can have on your health. If not managed well, stress can wreak havoc on your life. As stressful as day-to-day activities and life situations can be, add to that the stress of the holidays and you have magnified your chances of feeling overwhelmed, weary, and exhausted. You can avoid this by paying attention to what's important. What's important? It's important that you get through the holidays feeling good and hopeful for what's to come. It's important that you protect yourself from the pressures of believing ...

Sleep is so essential to our overall well-being that there is a day dedicated to recognize its importance. March 13, 2017 is National Napping Day. The purpose of this day is to provide everyone with the opportunity to have a nap and catch up on the hour of sleep lost due to the spring forward time change. Hence, National Napping Day is recognized annually the Monday following the return of daylight savings time.

However, the truth of the matter is that many people will not be able to take advantage of National Nap Day primarily because they have a hard time sleeping no matter the time of day or time of year. People who experience sleep problems is rampant. In fact, one in four people experience sleep problems sometime in their lifetime. A surprising number of clients who come to me with psychological issues have sleep problems as well.