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Vulnerability and Courage

 Vulnerability Courage

To be vulnerable takes courage, To let down our walls and let others in. To open our hearts, and show our true selves, Can be scary, but it's where love begins.

For vulnerability is the gateway to connection, The key that unlocks the doors of affection. It's where we find the courage to be ourselves, To share our stories and let our hearts swell.

It takes strength to show our weaknesses, To let the world see our scars and brokenness. To admit our fears, and ask for help, Is where true courage is truly felt.

For in vulnerability, we find our power, The strength to face our darkest hour. To let others see our flaws and imperfections, Is where we find our true connections.

So let us be brave and show our hearts, To let love in and find our parts. For vulnerability takes courage, it's true, But it's where we find our strength, me and you.

Author- AI

(Try writing your own poem using Chat GPT)

Grieving

How do I overcome a loss? I am often asked this question when someone is grieving the loss of a spouse, friend, parent, pet, etc. It may hurt so deeply, that we want a quick fix to feel better. The short answer is, unfortunately no easy solution exists. We all have to experience the grief, to manage it. It often comes initially as disbelief, then extreme sadness, anger and more sadness before we can even begin to accept the loss. We will be exhausted, feel “unreal” at times, or even strangely feel guilty for feeling relief. All of these emotions, feelings and experience are within the realm of normal grieving.

Try expressing your feelings openly and honestly. "I've been struggling", "I feel sad today", or "I need alone time".  People may assume you want to be left alone or feel uncomfortable discussing the death, so speak up and share what you need. Sadly, most of us have had similar experiences and should show empathy. Surround yourself with people that understand.

Emotionally Abusive Relationships

https://www.verywellmind.com/identify-and-cope-with-emotional-abuse-4156673

Excellent article on verbally/emotionally abusive relationships. It’s important to recognize when you are being abused. It’s not you.

Ever feel stuck in life? 
We all have. So how do you become unstuck? First, we have to challenge our thoughts. Often we tell ourselves “I can’t or it’s too hard to change”  we become comfortably uncomfortable. Start listening to your self-talk. Challenge the negatives and replace with positives   Second, take baby steps. Create small goals that you can successfully achieve. Success stirs up energy and motivation to keep going. No one climbed a mountain in one leap! It takes small steps, positive “I can” thoughts. Third, open closed doors. Talk to people about your ideas, struggles, challenges. Someone may have great advice or connections. Ideas come out of taking some risks. Most importantly let’s make our lives worth living. Focus on making each moment last.

So True

20 tips

20 Beliefs you will let go of..

Marriage tips

http://marriage.about.com/od/nonverbal/qt/eyeroll.htm

Thank you

Thank you for your business in 2016. I would love some feedback!

Review my business Here

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HERE on YELP

Grieving

Holiday

Hope that you're all enjoying a day off from work- spending time with family, friends, or alone to recharge. It feels good to break up my day to day routine, especially on a Monday. Be well! ~Nancy

Today

Today...

Worry less, and smile more.
Complain less, and appreciate more.
Expect less, and prepare more.
Judge less, and respect more.
Take less, and give more.
You’ll begin to feel better, guaranteed.

Independence Day

July 4th
Is the day of independence and freedom. Yet, this holiday brings such sadness and grief. Tragedy has struck yet again. Innocent people killed at the hands of haters, racists, and Anti-Semites. We are all affected by hate and greed. We watch this in plain sight in our towns, driving, walking and socializing. We hear hateful comments without any regard for the victims. It sickens me as it permeates our society.  Why have we become so judgmental? Let's practice kindness, generosity, peace, and humility. Please.

"To Be or Not to Be"

That is the question! What does this mean to you? To be, means to be one's genuine self. Living in the moment. Being authentic among others and feeling accepted and loved unconditionally. "Not to be"- means living in the shadow of OTHER people's wants, dreams, fantasies, goals, and desires, instead of expressing YOUR true self. 

So, would you rather BE YOU or be for someone else? Ponder that!

~Nancy 

J&B

Narcissism

Are you in an unhealthy relationship? Do you feel controlled? Manipulated? Co-dependent?

http://www.psychalive.org/narcissistic-relationships/

Why am I So Sad?

This question is asked often in therapy. People want to know the root cause of their depression. Reasonable request, right? Of course! Depression wreaks havoc on our lives. Small tasks feel like huge undertakings, like showering or getting dressed. Putting on a smile for everyone else is a big ordeal, making us feel like imposters. So why does depression strike? For some it's obvious. We're experiencing grief and loss. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of our health, or a relationship. We may also have an organic reason for being depressed. Diabetes, cancer, steroid medications, auto immune disease, etc. Life transitions can cause depressive reactions- moving, divorce, midlife, college. Knowing the cause helps us find solutions. Anti-depressant medication may help reduce symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy and  cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provide insight and real tools to reduce depression and anxiety. Sharing our inner thoughts and experiences with a therapist is cathartic, freeing us of dark feelings and isolation. Whatever the reason for being depressed, ask for help. You don't have to suffer, hide or pretend you're fine. 

~Nancy Shertok, MSW, LCSW

Anxiety Busters

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24256/3-mindfulness-practices-that-blow-meditation-out-of-the-water.html⛱

Sunrise Chicago

My view when I am in Chicago.
It's the little things in life that I truly appreciate.
Nature, family, health.
What about you?

Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

https://www.facebook.com/joewheelerasl/videos/10153429201527218/  Great concept to think about for my Deaf clients!

Narcissistic Relationships. How to cope

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/narcissistic-personality-disorder_n_7830146.html/slideshow/416800