Family gatherings can often be far more uncomfortable than we’d hope. Our families are the ones who mold and raise us, so we naturally come to the table with certain baggage. It’s all too easy to jump in with heavy expectations and find yourself disappointed at every turn. Conversely, if our expectations are too low, […]

In my previous article, Why the Creativity Cycle is Like an Outstanding Cup of Coffee, I discussed the necessary ingredients of the creative process, such as the importance of protected time, a culture that supports creativity, constraint within the creative process, and not taking the process too personally. In this article, I’ll explore the cycle of creativity […]

If you’re like most people, your standard cup of “morning joe” is okay. It serves a function by helping you go from barely functional to getting you through your routine each morning. However, the standard cup of coffee is very different from a fantastic cup of coffee that’s so good, it makes you stop and […]

Relationships are a fundamental part of our lives, providing us with love, support, and companionship. However, maintaining those relationships is by no means a simple proposition. People can grow apart, and our relationships change (by necessity) with the passing of time. The people that were right for us in one season of our lives may […]

Have you ever felt like a passenger on your own train of thought? When our mindfulness is a distant memory, intrusive thoughts have a knack for wrapping their little claws around our poor, undeserving subconscious. These intrusive thoughts are immediately and obviously time-consuming, upsetting, and ultimately unproductive, but even if we’re able to recognize the […]

Full body wellness is the often elusive state of having both mental and physical vitality. We may categorize these two distinct types of wellness as being independent of one another, but the truth is that they’re more intertwined than we realize. The connection between the mind and the body is a powerful thing, but to […]

Hard work is actually an essential element of a satisfied life. As humans, we crave the feeling of working hard and seek it out when we don’t find it naturally. But hard work is exactly what it says on the tin: it is hard, and it is work. So that means even though hard work […]

This October, how are you working on yourself? The leaves are falling. The air is starting to resemble pre-climate change temperatures. Halloween is just around the corner, and autumn is in full swing. This is a time of year where everything is changing, and we are no exception. Transformation doesn’t stop just because we’re outside […]

Making time for art is no small order in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. The benefits of making art are numerous, but when we’re occupied by our daily responsibilities, it’s all too easy to let art fall by the wayside. Making the time for art can transform our relationship to ourselves, and […]

To truly listen to another person is about more than just hearing them out. On some level, we all understand the importance of listening, but putting that understanding into practice doesn’t always come naturally. That’s where the DBT Skill Active Listening can lend you a hand. Partaking in active listening can make you a better […]