personal growth

Unknowingly Guilty of Magical Thinking

I have been blessed with a very lucky life. I was born into a middle-class family in a modern, developed country. My children and my loved ones have all been healthy. Medical attention has been available to us. I have never suffered from financial hardship. I have always had friends. I’ve enjoyed the work and interests I… Read more »

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Creating a Life of Meaning and Compassion: Part 2

My last blog addressed the challenge of maintaining enthusiasm for life at a time when our lives are being altered and restricted by a pandemic. Admittedly, during these months of uncertainty, it is difficult to be inspired to take an interest in ourselves.  The fear and challenges of today throw us into survival mode and… Read more »

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I see you. I hear you. It is so: The powerful tool of acknowledgment in achieving self actualization

Have you ever worked hard to complete a task, and your efforts seemed to go unnoticed? Have you ever been the one who was guilty of not being cognizant? As the receiver, it can feel incredibly frustrating and dehumanizing not to enjoy the privilege of receiving acknowledgment. According to Abraham Maslow (1943), our psychological health… Read more »

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The Paradox of Life During Coronavirus

In the time of COVID-19, life has changed. Many of us feel simultaneously overwhelmed and bored. I commonly hear how tired folks are when in fact, their lives are being lived in a smaller footprint. Time drags on and melts away as days all blend together, going fast and slow at the same time. It… Read more »

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Experts at Home: Dr. Kristin Neff on Self-Compassion

In this Experts at Home conversation, Dr. Lisa Firestone talks with researcher Dr. Kristin Neff about the importance of practicing Self-Compassion, especially during challenging times such as this global pandemic. Watch Now: Subscribe to PsychAlive (it’s free!) to see more Experts at Home.  

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Experts at Home: Dr. Michael Mantz on Holistic Psychiatry and Mental Wellness

In this Experts at Home conversation, Dr. Lisa Firestone talks with psychiatrist Dr. Michael Mantz about holistic psychiatry and mental wellness. The conversation is rich with practical advice on developing healthy habits to enhance mental health. Watch Now: Subscribe to PsychAlive (it’s free!) to see more Experts at Home.  

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The Importance of Accepting Compliments

Receiving compliments may be one of the areas we all have room to stretch and grow!   Whether compliments are from someone we know and love or a complete stranger, we can struggle to accept the kind words of others. However, this struggle goes deeper than manners or cultural norms, it shows that the recipient is… Read more »

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How Meditation Is Linked to Better Mental Health

Meditation and practicing mindfulness have gained increasing momentum in the western world in the past several decades. By paying attention to what happens in each moment, people can practice being present and more aware of everyday life.  Research shows that meditation not only relieves stress but has significant impacts on an individual’s sleep, coping mechanisms,… Read more »

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Changing the Way You See the World

We’ve all experienced those major shifts in our outlook that drag our mood in new directions. One minute, we’re in a groove at the office, believing in ourselves, and excited about the outcome of whatever we’re working on. The next minute we’re full of doubt, insecure, and ready to toss anything we come up with… Read more »

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What is Pulling Your Strings?

How often have you asked yourself, “Why am I acting this way?”  It is not uncommon to notice that, as we look around at others in the same circumstance that we respond differently; whether it is our response to our child’s backtalk, meltdown or lying.  We can understand and accept that we may not have… Read more »

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