The goal is to be gentle enough to encourage others to want to learn more. I didn’t know where to step in aggressively and where I should just back off, because I’ve had my kid’s lifetimes to learn what I know, and fully understand I don’t know nearly enough.
Read moreUnderstanding Dissociation
Photo by Matthew T Rader on Unsplash
As I prepared to get back into my car, the guy next door was still rambling and said he hoped my day would get better. I looked at him and realized I might not be reacting. I told him it was disturbing but I already handled it and it’ll be okay.
Read moreUnderstanding Triggers
Memories are stored in the body. Think of memories as your internal storage system. We experience something and we take that information in through our senses. We see something. We hear something. We feel something. We process this information and store it. In the short term, it’s kind of like a to-do list. We remember things chronologically. This is why you can often trace your steps back to remember what you did with your keys. Long term memories are stored in our bodies. Recalling older memories comes down to triggering that memory. One of the easiest ways to trigger a memory is through scent.
Read moreHealing After Mental Abuse
Photo by Camila Quintero Franco on Unsplash
The after affects of mental abuse can often look like it’s hard to believe compliments. The idea that your thoughts and emotions aren’t real makes more sense than actually knowing how you feel. Protecting yourself and your feelings becomes every thought you have, and pushing people away is easier than allowing someone close enough access to see or hurt you. Every thought is easily over analyzed, including all of the little things. Needing constant reassurance is normal after mental abuse. Building trust is really hard, and it takes effort to not hold someone at an arm’s length to preserve your sense of safety. It can make it really uncomfortable to feel loved and admired, and your self worth can take a nose dive.
Read moreThe Here Podcast with Felicia Conner
Healing comes through connection. It comes from connecting to others and connecting to our bodies. This often comes through relationship and compassion toward others.
Read moreFacing Unemployment in 9 Steps
Photo by Free To Use Sounds on Unsplash
The days after a layoff are activity filled for me. I wanted to point out some take aways and offer 9 steps to take or consider taking. This isn’t my first rodeo.
Read moreChoice and Abortion
Abortion is a procedure outside of a pro-life or pro-choice debate. You don’t know what someone is facing until they’ve shared it with you, and a procedure has little to do with the decision around bringing life into the world.
Read moreHPV and Cancer
Photo by Justice Amoh on Unsplash
HPV infections can lead to cervical, vaginal, and vulval cancers in women. It can show up as penile cancer in men. Men and women both experience throat and anal cancers stemming from HPV infections.
Read moreScarcity Shopping and Hunkering Down at Home in a Time of Covid-19 or Coronavirus
It helps to plan meals for the coming days. Take stock of what you have at home, and make a grocery list of what is needed for specific meals. When I make the time for it, I organize my pantry, much like the grocery store does. When I can easily see what I have, it becomes easier to imagine the meals I want to prepare.
Read moreDomestic Violence Gray Areas
Photo by Sydney Sims on Unsplash
Emotional abuse is continuous, ongoing, and not specific to one moment. It’s relentlessly frequent, but minor transgressions. It’s like a series of small scratches. It’s institutionalized doctrine that is often reinforced by politics, education, churches and family structures.
Read more3 Ways to Honor a Loved One in the Face of a Terminal Illness
Amidst all the pain, you may also need to take care of end-of-life planning and arrangements that are also emotionally-charged. So, how can you cope with so many mixed emotions, and still ensure a peaceful and comfortable experience for your loved one? You can begin by following these compassionate steps for processing your grief, and ultimately, the loss of your loved one.
Read moreSuccubus Love, Part 3
His broad shoulders and towering height had all of the women in the office swooning, but this was dangerous for a succubus. Anna could control her hunger when she wasn’t thinking of it, but today was painful.
Read moreSingle Mom Holiday Survival
My first Christmas after the separation, I wasn’t going to buy anything for myself. My budget was tight. I realized how hard it would be for my kids to see me not have anything to open under the tree. Was I so bad that I didn’t even get coal in my stocking? I’ve learned to love shopping for my own presents. I buy what I want and carefully wrap it. When my kids open their gifts, I open my own, saving one or two for Christmas morning when they’re with their Dad. I’m okay with never smiling through a shitty gift again.
Read moreThe Best Holiday Gifts for New and Expecting Parents
From ways to simplify life around the house to little luxuries for the hectic first year, these are the best gifts for new parents who have everything.
Read moreHelping a Senior Loved One Manage the Financial Decisions That Follow When Their Spouse Passes Away
Losing your spouse is a monumental change at any age, but this can be especially hard for seniors who have built their lives together. With all of the emotional upheaval death brings, there are also practical considerations.
Read moreDear TikTok
Guest Post by Leah Reedy-St. Thomas.
Warrior Dragon Slayer.
Childhood Cancer survivor.
Photographer.
Dancer.
One to watch.
Read moreFinding the Strength to Release Relationships
Bless and Release
Now that I spoil myself lavishly, I understand how small of an effort that is for me. I know how it feels to treat myself this way and I want to do it for those I love. When I get less than my small but constant expressions of love, and I’m willing to give so much more, I can see where I’m wasting my efforts.
Read moreGetting Over an Ex
Modern dating tends to include texting, messaging, and social media. It’s really hard to not stalk social media or hope every text or call is from the only person you really want to hear from. When my kids are home, this is easy. I can get into housework, or yard work, leaving my phone on vibrate in my purse. It takes a huge amount of effort to not search for a profile, hoping to see a smile or what he’s up to.
Read more5 Tips to Shift Out of Struggle
It’s so easy to feel beat up by your emotions. Shifting takes work, and it’s not always easy. It’s certainly worth it and definitely possible. If you feel like you need more than a few tips, ask someone you trust. Ask your doctor. And never stop asking.
Read more8 Tips for Managing Morning Sickness
The first and easiest tip for morning sickness survival is to watch what you eat. It’s really important to be mindful of what you’re eating and how often you’re eating it when morning sickness is part of your daily routine. Laying down right after a large meal isn’t advised. The relaxed muscles that come with pregnancy mean you’re likely to experience acid reflux as well. Spicy and fatty foods will not only increase nausea, but make acid indigestion much more uncomfortable. In this situation, Tums might help, but avoiding acidic and fatty foods is better.
Read more