Healing through Pain

Often, we autopilot life and take care of the "should's" "have to's" and "supposed to's". Might there be more to life? If we don't disrupt that autopilot, perhaps we miss out on some big opportunities.

When we demand "safety" and elevate it to the highest value, several things are sacrificed including basic skills and an ability to handle truth. We need to reconsider our emphasis on safety - and perhaps even get finicky about what that even means.

There is no such thing as a pain-free life. But, there are choices as pain points and painful seasons show up. Take a listen.

It's personal, yet it's clinical. As a therapist, I sit inside of so many family systems and other relationships where one or two voices are trying to be agents of change in their family stories, in their friendships, in their workplaces, in their churches and beyond. Perhaps leaving isn't the most ideal option. What if getting well and influencing change might be the better move? Take a quick lis...

Often, we want to undo years of unhealth in a few short months. Being realistic about change can help us commit to the process and persevere - it is hard; but managing expectations helps.

This is not about victim blaming. This is about pushing back against the troubling statistics of revictimization. Take a listen. Share with someone who needs to hear this!

This one question can help disrupt a lot of self rejection. It may take some time, it will definitely that some intentionality, but it can be a great launching point for health and healing. Take a quick listen. Share with a friend who might need to hear this too.

One of the most painful pieces that can show up is being let down by the adults in our lives. Yet, while our pain makes sense because of our stories, perhaps their pain and perceived shortcomings also makes sense when we dive into their history but also our collective history. Take a listen for an encouraging word about cultural and generational humility.

It is easy to create story and over-personalization is a common cognitive distortion. But, how do we disrupt it? And how can we invite others to speak accurately.

Unresolved issues can show up with intensity in times grief. Perhaps we can proactively sort through things so grief can be just grief.

It starts with one word. Life can pivot in monumental ways when we begin to commit. Take a listen

This strategy is key to adopting best practices in our own lives, fostering healthy relationships, and allowing us to influence our worlds in positive and healthful ways. Begin with a post-mortem.

Can you weep with those who weep? How about weeping with those who have "brought it on themselves"? How about with those who are on the receiving end of unrecognized losses? This is an area many of us could probably grow in. Take a listen.

We do not get to decide all that life throws our way. But, we do select our priorities and we do select the rhythms with which we navigate each season.

We can forgo intentionality for the sake of quick changes. However, when we are committed to thorough life shifts, it will be a time-staking process. Take a listen as to why!

Being accepted means we have relief. We have belonging. We have approval. But, we can become OK with not being accepted too. It is not as necessary as our fears might lead us to think.

The inner monologue will tell us what is off limits. It's right that change and new things are scary. But, that does not make them off limits. Take a quick listen to a reframe of imposter syndrome and how to keep showing up in new spaces.

We can be both healed and still have hard moments happen that emotionally affect us. It's about the both/and. Being healed and still being affected by life.

It might sound like a simple word tweak, but it has pretty significant implications in how we navigate our worlds.

It is a great step to walk towards dismantling sickness. However, the absence of disease does not mean the presence of health. It is an important distinction.

Perfectionism is a simplistic solution created in the mind of a young, scared child. Let's look at its roots and what it looks like to help it loosen its foothold. It is an insidious lie that can wreak havoc. Take a listen.

As much as keeping the peace can seem laudable and even best at times, rarely does it lead to the meaningful outcomes we tend to want. Take a quick listen.

As it relates to moving into new life stages and opportunities, asking for support is a primary need. Take a listen

Let's talk though a next step of mental wellness, forming identity, and growing in skills and confidence. This one matters so much!

A next step in relational and personal wellness. Take a quick listen. This is for you. This is for you engaging with the ones you love. This is for you engaging with new people. It is a good next step towards wellness.