A Fulfilling and Meaningful Life: How Can a Positive Path Empower You?

All too often, we can lose sight of what we want most deeply from life. Packed schedules and other responsibilities fill our minds and crowd out space for deep reflection. Distractions scream at us from every corner.  But finding time to set big goals for what can make our life meaningful and fulfilling is ultimately so very worthwhile. One key element to keep in mind when doing this is the importance of choosing to be positive.  Far from being a cliché, choosing a positive path will lead to enormous dividends while you go through life. When you approach life from a positive place, you are empowered to build and maintain a life with deep meaning.

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What is Adult Grooming and Coercive Relationships?

Defining Grooming of Adults:

Manipulative grooming of an adult who has been targeted by a perpetrator for exploitation is defined by a pattern of controlling behaviors with an innate goal and clear intention to create an unequal power dynamic in an intimate relationship.  What initially occurs is when an authority figure breaks down a person’s defenses, making her/him feel special, perhaps praising the victim’s talents or spiritual gifts, or in another way, using his position as a leader to develop a close relationship and isolate him/her from others. The perpetrator co-opts medical/coaching/social/religious and spiritual language into an agenda designed to meet his/her personal needs only. It is a gradual and subtle process, and one that has extraordinary power, desensitizing the victim to increasingly inappropriate behavior.  The perpetrator speaks from a position of authority, and might say grandiose statements to manipulate their victim, such as, “I asked God for someone who can share my deepest thoughts, prayers, and needs, and He sent me you.”

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When Anxiety has Become Your Default Mode

Struggling with intense confusion, chronic tension and worry, intrusive thoughts, irrational fears, and doubts about your mental health, are classic concerns that describe an adult Anxiety Disorder. read more

Coping Strategies for Relating with a High Maintenance Parent

Some parents are overbearing, hypersensitive, needy and temperamental, in other words high maintenance. As a child, it should not have been your responsibility to manage the dysregulated emotions acted out by your parent. Now, as an adult, it’s essential to acknowledge that your parent is self-absorbed, and may also have a mental illness diagnosis, however, he/she is also a unique human being, with flaws and quirks like everyone else. read more

Changing the Narrative for Male Depression

Depression doesn’t know any gender. Nor does it discriminate. It can impact anyone. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of stereotypes and stigmas surrounding men’s mental health and male depression. While it’s socially acceptable for men to feel blue or down from time to time, that’s not the same as being depressed. read more

How to Get Off the “Pleasing Parent” Treadmill

If you’re like most parents, you want the best for your children and you strive to see that your children are well cared for and happy. A fine line exists, however, between doing what’s best for your child and giving into your child’s every whim. read more