From the Ashes: Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse
The author of this article would like to be known by her first name, Susan. It’s her story of hope, survival and recovery from narcissistic abuse. My attraction to him was intense. I am sure there was family history on both of our sides that we were playing out. Trying to put the pieces together and make a form of wholeness from both of our parents shattered pasts. Whatever the reason was for meeting Jarlen, our relationship...
When Letting Go Hurts Too Much: 13 Ways to Let Go of the Pain
Nothing prepares you for the anguish of having to let go. If you are struggling with the pain of a broken heart, or if you are still grieving the loss of a loved one and can’t let go, please read on. The following tips may help you get back on your feet: Embrace your feelings. A common myth is that “If you ignore the pain, it will go away”. The pain is like the monster in the closet, waiting for the moment to strike...
In the Eye of the Storm: 9 Easy Tips to Help You Overcome Stress in the Workplace
Layoffs. Workforce readjustment. Budget cuts. Downsizing. We hear these infamous words repeated every day in the news and at work. You might feel that you are in the eye of the storm, or maybe afraid that your life will devolve into desperation and ruin. You might even find yourself wondering, “Will I be laid off?”. Other workplace stressors can also include difficulty getting along with co-workers, workplace bullying,...
Through the Eyes of Mystery and Wonder: Requiem for the Homeless
One morning, as the heat of the day began to unfold, I took the necessary steps to get ready for work. My morning routine was about to get interrupted. Midway through downtown Tampa, cars were slowly grinding to a halt. I was eventually stuck in a massive traffic jam with no visible cause for it. No problem, I thought, and initiated the GPS on my cell phone. Without hesitation, I was directed to take a detour at the next exit. It...
I Am a Good Person. I Am Not a Good Person. Understanding Addictive Behaviors
Most Americans have at least one type of addictive behavior at some point in their lives. Many of these addictions start as daily habits that people enjoy, such as shopping or using Facebook, and help alleviate daily stress. If these behaviors become too habitual they can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Addictive behaviors can be just as devastating as drug or alcohol abuse, and can lead to significant...
I Just Want to Know If You Will Be There | Helping a Friend in Crisis
It is hard to know how to help friends when they hit rock bottom. People in the midst of a crisis often feel that everything they worked so hard for is disappearing before their eyes. These emotions can be so overwhelming and intense that they make it hard to move forward. Many kinds of events can cause an emotional crisis, such as a job loss, foreclosure, divorce or a betrayal. If a friend, or relative, is going through a...