I was in line one day at the airport when a woman arrived late and wasn’t permitted to board. She screamed obscenities at the West Jet representative, startling everyone within earshot. It’s rare to see this kind of verbal attack in public and between strangers; it usually happens at home and with people we love. Continue reading “How to Survive a Verbal Attack”
Month: October 2017
Trust Yourself and Heal from Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is the fear of being judged by other people; but it’s not other people’s judgment we fear, it’s our own. If we can handle criticism and rejection without becoming devastated, we don’t fear social situations. Continue reading “Trust Yourself and Heal from Social Anxiety”
3 Easy Steps to Self Acceptance
For over thirty years self-esteem has been a top priority for educators and therapists. Despite efforts to improve self-esteem, it remains elusive.
Researchers now say we’re pursuing the wrong thing. We need to pursue self-acceptance, not self-esteem, if we want to feel better about ourselves. Continue reading “3 Easy Steps to Self Acceptance”
Does Someone You Know Lack Empathy and Insight?
Empathy and insight are vital to all social relationships and critical to our survival as a species. So why is it so hard to get compassion and understanding from some people?
Continue reading “Does Someone You Know Lack Empathy and Insight?”
Pain is Inevitable but Suffering is Optional
When I was eight years old I called a girl a bad name. She told me I was gonna be sorry, and I believed her. For the next three years I lived in dread; even after she moved away. Continue reading “Pain is Inevitable but Suffering is Optional”
Does Your Directness Get You in Trouble?
Sometimes a person comes for counselling, not because they want to, but because someone else insists they improve their communication skills. Continue reading “Does Your Directness Get You in Trouble?”
Direct and Indirect Communication Styles
Differences in communication styles creates misunderstandings between people. It breaks up marriages, causes conflict at work, and ends friendships. Direct and indirect people are often at odds with each other. Continue reading “Direct and Indirect Communication Styles”
Give your Mind a Needed Break
We all need a break from our thoughts from time to time. Sometimes we take breaks through excessive drinking, eating, drugging, gambling, or gaming. While these activities give us a temporary break, they can also disconnect us from our emotions. Continue reading “Give your Mind a Needed Break”
When Mistakes feel Shaming
I can still remember the shame I felt at 16 when I didn’t pass my driver’s test the first time. Failing confirmed every negative thought I had about myself. The shame was so intense that I didn’t attempt to drive again for three years. Continue reading “When Mistakes feel Shaming”