Honesty: The First Step To Happiness
Honesty is the first and most basic step to being happiy and healthy. It is not a surprise that it is teh first step in the 12-steps as well. The 12-steps are not just for addicts or people who believe in God. As a clinician I have developed an appreciation for how simply enacting the spiritual principles of the 12-Steps can drastically improve anxiety, depression, anger and addiction. Spirituality is more than just religion, it is a way of life. These principles are present …
How To Feed The Hungry Heart
Most of us live our lives hungry, hungry for love, attention, praise, success. But no matter how much we take in, it’s hard to be satisfied and feel full. We may get what we need momentarily, but then before long we’re craving more. It is easy to spend each day waiting for tomorrow when we will get what we dream of. Most think that tomorrow they will arrive arrive at their goal, find a new job, have good weather, or finally, magically, meet the love of their life.
But when…
Love Addiction, Approval Addiction
In my experience as a counselor for 40 years, I have found that love addiction and approval addiction are far more prevalent than any other substance or process addictions. We live in a love-addicted, approval-addicted society.
What does it mean to be love/approval addicted? Below is a checklist for you to see if you are addicted to love and/or approval. Believing any of these may indicate love or approval addiction.
I believe that:
* My happiness and wellbeing are d…
The Best Way To Handle Post Traumatic Stress: How To Handle Sudden Shock And Loss
What Causes Post Traumatic Syndrome On
We all feel that the world is stable and secure, that sudden change and loss will not happen, at least not to those or us we know. When the world as we know it suddenly changes and the impossible happens, not only can we experience shock and trauma, but our normal anchors can disappear. Confusion arises, numbness and sometimes a sense of helplessness.
We may fear for our continuing safety and the safety of those we love, and not kn…
Zen Steps For Calming Down Easily
It’s easy to calm down quickly. No matter what is happening around us, we never have to become trapped in stress or anxiety. It’s important to learn how to calm down quickly this as negative emotions can easily become addictive. The longer we hold onto them, the harder it can be to let go. Zen offers many pathways to becoming free of negativity. This article is based upon Zen principles and value-centered counseling. It offers enjoyable and effective steps to calming down, fe…
From Anger to Peace of Mind
Anger has many faces. It appears in various forms and camouflages itself, causing serious consequences. Today anger is a problem for one out of every five Americans and growing. This article shows what anger is, when it appears, and how it affects all aspects of your life. The article, based upon The Anger Diet, by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna, also shows some of the 24 forms of anger and gives specific steps to dissolve them. You will be surprised how simle it can be.
How To Stay Calm When Life Isn’t
No matter what is happening in the world around us, we can always remain calm, balanced and positive. We are not victims of the world we see, but can take certain steps to remained centered and constructive. This article, based upon Living by Zen, offers specific steps to achieving well being and balance under all conditions.
Recovery From Addictions: Part 1
This is the first of a 5-part series on recovery from addictions. This first part defines substance and process addictions and describes the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions.
When Change Happens (Dealing with Loss and Grief)
The time after loss and change is volatile and confusing. However, crisis means opportunity. When we understand the dynamics of change and the process of grief is properly handled, it’s possible for an individual to grow a great deal during this time of life. We can turn a time of loss and grief into one of strength and hope.
Bouncing Back From Difficult Times
Life happens. It doesn’t matter how positive an attitude you have or how balanced and centered you are, there are going to be times when you are knocked down. Ties when your carefully organized life is turned upside down and you get knocked on your rear end. Life happens.
You will no doubt experience serious illness in either yourself or someone close to you. You may be challenged with the loss of a loved one, a divorce or perhaps the loss of a job or any number of situati…