My inability to see images in my mind has sparked my curiosity. I can’t create a picture in my mind’s eye. When I close my eyes and try to visualize a walk on a sandy beach, I don’t see the sand or seaweed, hear the waves, smell or taste the salty air, nor feel the gusty wind. I know this experience is relaxing, but there is no calming movie playing in my head. I’ve never considered this an issue because … Read More
Recognizing and shifting the underlying stress patterns that influence how we think, react, and respond in an AI-driven world. We live in a time of rapid change, uncertainty, and constant information. As humans, it is natural for these conditions to trigger stress reactions, often without even recognizing the patterns involved. These reactions can show up as anxiety, overwhelm, defensiveness, anger, self-doubt, or overthinking. Stress reactions can also appear in behaviours we often value in leaders and high performers: strength, control, … Read More
Resonating with “Firm But Kind” In 2007, the phrase “firm but kind” first caught my attention through a parenting book titled Negotiation Generation: Take Back Your Parental Authority Without Punishment by Lynne Reeves Griffin. The words resonated immediately. They described a way of being that felt both strong and compassionate. I wanted to be that parent. Yet in everyday life, especially in the busyness of family life, living “firm but kind” was far more difficult than understanding it. I was … Read More
How to get rid of stress: A new perspective for healthy living. Stress management techniques help you cope with stress. But are you struggling with how to get rid of stress? You’re not alone. We’re human, and stress reactions are a normal part of everyday life. The well-known “fight, flight, and freeze” responses occur automatically in response to perceived threats. They’re meant to protect us. But when these reactions get stuck and activate after the danger has passed, they harm … Read More
Holiday stress isn’t really about the holidays. We often assume the holidays are stressful because of the busyness — the gatherings, the timelines, the planning. But it’s rarely the season itself that overwhelms us. Instead, the holidays wake up old memories, beliefs, and wishes that shape how we feel and react. Maybe you want everything to be perfect.Maybe you feel pressure to show up for everyone.Maybe family time feels complicated, even when you care deeply about the people involved. Most … Read More
Are your thoughts fueling action or reactions? We tend to trust our thoughts. These thoughts are familiar because we experience them over and over again. They feel true. Often, they show up automatically and the patterns don’t really change over time. But not every thought is a conscious, rational choice. When we feel calm, grounded, and intentionally present, our thoughts can fuel action. When we are operating on autopilot or feeling stressed, our thoughts can fuel automatic reactions, rooted in … Read More
Mindfulness helps ease stress Mindfulness has become a cornerstone of modern stress management. From corporate wellness programs to mental health apps, we’re encouraged to slow down, observe our thoughts, and stay present. These practices can help us feel calmer, more aware, and better able to cope with daily challenges. Mindfulness has earned its place as a powerful tool for modern living. By learning to focus attention on the present moment, we can step out of automatic reactions and relieve stress. … Read More
Going Beyond the Brain to Support the Whole Human October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme is “Access to Services—Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” It’s an important reminder that when disasters strike—whether war, natural disaster, or personal crisis—mental health support is just as essential as food, shelter, and physical care. And yet, when we speak of mental health, the meaning often gets blurred. Many people equate mental with the head—thinking, brain chemistry, or cognitive strategies. … Read More
We live in a world where our beliefs are constantly being challenged. Social media, workplace discussions, and even family gatherings can spark debates that highlight differences in opinions and values. Unlike past generations, most of us no longer live in communities where everyone shares the same cultural attitudes and beliefs. When beliefs that matter deeply to us are challenged, questioned, or dismissed, our reactions can be strong. Anger flares, sometimes erupting as rage. Why Rage Gets Stuck This reactive response … Read More
Fear is reactive. We often hear the phrase “fear is power.” It shows up everywhere—politics, business, even personal relationships. The idea is simple: if you make people afraid—of failure, loss, or conflict—you can influence what they do. On the surface, it seems effective. Fear drives action. Fear produces results. But here’s the truth: fear is a short-term lever. It may get compliance, but it doesn’t build trust, creativity, or resilience. It traps energy in reactive loops, keeps people tense, and … Read More