My Mom regularly reminded us kids, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Once we expressed our feelings, we were done. We were not permitted to “admire the problem”. Instead, we were expected to seek out the positive, search for a solution, or “ignore him and he will stop”. By the way, does that actually work? I think that phrase may have been code for, “I’m not intervening, nor am I interested in listening to you two bicker any more.” I’m not sure, but I think so. Anyway … ... [Read More]
Reduce Anxiety
Can a Sound be Good For You?
If you asked me where I enjoy spending vacations, without hesitation I would respond, “the beach!” In fact, you might not even have an opportunity to complete your question. The answer is really that simple; my favorite vacation spot is the beach. Growing up, my parents gifted our family with several vacations each year. We always went camping on Memorial Day weekend and for a week during the summer, and we always spent a week at the beach. I love the beach! All of it! I love the smell of the sea air. I love to feel the water gently roll over my feet. Yes, my feet. I’m not adventurous enough to wade in the ocean much higher than my knees. Now, back to my list. I love the sand. Well, I actually don’t much care for sand sticking to my wet feet. Okay, aside from a layer of sand that ... [Read More]
5 Strategies to Feel at Home When I’m Not at Home
I'm not a real adventurous spirit. I’m more of a homebody. I prefer the company of my family and close friends. There’s a sense of safety and comfort. Over the years I have developed some strategies to bolster my sense of security, enabling me to feel at home when I’m not at home. "The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned" - Maya Angelou I feel most secure at home. To give you a sense of the degree to which I struggle with being away from home, allow me to share a few experiences with you. I enrolled in a university twenty minutes from home, roomed with a dear friend, resided two doors down from my twin sister, visited home every weekend, and still endured homesickness after five weeks. I abandoned a study abroad ... [Read More]
