I am a firm believer that we teach other people how to treat us.The way people treat us generally has its roots in the way we treat ourselves as well as how we decide to show up in the world. Are we assertive and clear with our boundaries, or do we allow other people to push us around? Do we practice healthy self-care, even while we may be caregivers to family members? Is our self-respect non-negotiable, even when we are experiencing difficulties in our lives?Or—do we allow anxiety and fear to … [Read more...] about Are You the Loved One of an Addict? Saying NO to Manipulation
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The Truth about Bullying – And What We Can Do about It
Pink Shirt Day will soon be upon us. On February 25th, we are being encouraged to wear something pink to unite us in working together to prevent bullying in our schools, in our communities, and online. I’m very glad to know that we, as a society, are continuing to take this issue seriously—it affects more people every day than we could ever know.Bullying has likely been around since the beginning of time. It has always been an integral part of the concept of survival of the fittest in the animal … [Read more...] about The Truth about Bullying – And What We Can Do about It
Addiction and Relapse: A “Normal, Expected” Part of Recovery?
Have you ever noticed that the same issue sometimes bombards us from all angles for a while? It’s funny how life seems to come in themes. Lately I’ve been receiving a number of articles into my inbox, talking about addicts who relapse after they come out of treatment—or even after many years of sobriety. Most of these writers are telling me that relapse is a ‘normal part of recovery’ from addiction. Some are even trying to differentiate between a lapse and a relapse, as if that jargon matters … [Read more...] about Addiction and Relapse: A “Normal, Expected” Part of Recovery?
Lassana Bathily – A True Hero
Just like everyone else in the free world, I’ve been increasingly disturbed about what’s going on. I, too, feel worried and apprehensive, with so many questions and very few answers. Mostly I wonder about how these atrocities could have gone on for so long now, with no one putting a stop to them. I’m wondering how much longer our politicians and world leader believe they can continue to assuage us with what now feel like empty words, such as, “We will catch them and make them pay.”“Pay”? What … [Read more...] about Lassana Bathily – A True Hero
How to Enjoy the Holidays When You or Your Loved One Has an Addiction
Another year has gone by and “The Holidays” are fast approaching – although if you’re anything like me, you’re still wondering where September went! The time has come when we are once again seeing commercials on TV and in magazines about how wonderful the Christmas season is, that it is better to give than to receive, and how warm and loving families are, especially at this time of year. … [Read more...] about How to Enjoy the Holidays When You or Your Loved One Has an Addiction
