Attachment Styles Explained: How Trauma Shapes Relationships and How to Heal
Attachment style refers to the type of bonds we were taught to form with key people in our lives. It starts when we are children, with our primary caregivers, and often shows up later in life in our adult relationships.
Building a Balanced Life: When Your Surroundings Support Your Healing
Environmental wellness encompasses both the natural world around us and the spaces we inhabit at home and work. It invites us to thoughtfully examine our environments, recognizing not only their benefits but also their drawbacks. Consider how your interactions with these spaces influence your overall well-being.
Building a Balanced Life: The Interconnected Nature of Physical Wellness
Holistic wellness. It isn’t just a buzzword in our society that you may have heard. Understanding and attending to your whole person - body, mind, and spirit - is vital to your overall wellbeing. Your body, mind, and spirit operate through an interconnectedness that we often do not consider when we go through the motions of daily life. Physical activity, nutrition, and sleep are all impactful on mental and emotional health. You are not isolated parts; you are one, whole, and beautiful system.
Building a Balanced Life: Nourishing Yourself through Social Connection
Social wellness refers to our ability to build, maintain, and engage in healthy relationships with family, friends, and our broader community. It also reflects our capacity for empathy, connection, and care for others. When we intentionally invest in our social wellness, we cultivate a sense of belonging, support our emotional well-being, and strengthen meaningful connections. Research shows that strong social ties can lower cortisol levels, enhance self-esteem, and help us feel more resilient when navigating life’s challenges.
The Empty Chair at the Table: Making Room for Grief and Love During the Holidays
As we grow up, we are taught that the holidays are a time of joy—meaningful gatherings spent with people we love, celebrating milestones, traditions, and togetherness. Yet, when you’ve lost someone dear to you, these same celebrations can feel hollow, painful, or isolating. The season’s reminders of love and connection can amplify absence and grief in ways that are both tender and heavy.
This pain can feel unbearable at times, and it’s normal to want to push it away or ignore it. But grief doesn’t disappear when avoided—it waits for acknowledgment. Getting to know your grief and understanding how it shows up in your life can help you move through it with more compassion and care.
Holding Space for Hope: Supporting a Loved One Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts
Hearing that a loved one is having thoughts of suicide can be frightening and overwhelming. You don’t want them to suffer, and you may not know what to say or do. But if your loved one has reached out to you, take heart—this is an important sign that they trust you and are open to help.
There are other signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, including but not limited to:
Talking about wanting to die or expressing hopelessness
Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order
Noticeable changes in mood, routine, energy, or personality
Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior
Trying to obtain access to weapons or large amounts of medication
If you notice any of these warning signs, reach out and talk with your loved one. Asking directly about suicide will not “give them the idea.” In fact, it can open a life-saving conversation. Try to stay calm, compassionate, and present—your steady support can make a world of difference.
Emotional Labor and the Myth of Holding it All Together
What Is Emotional Labor—and How Does It Lead to Overwhelm in Our Lives?
Think of emotional labor as your home’s thermostat. While it quietly keeps things running smoothly, its importance often goes unnoticed. Yet, it plays a vital role in maintaining balance and comfort for everyone inside.