Source: Photo by Alex Alvarez on Unsplash “New year, new me” is a popular phrase we hear this time of year, but what was wrong with the old you? While there’s nothing wrong with some healthy reflection and intention setting, it’s important to still accept who you are in this moment. While it may feel…
self-care
When the Word “Family” Causes Distress
Source: Photo by Oleg Illarionov on Unsplash “Are you visiting family for the holidays?” While almost certainly a well-intended question by the person asking, such a question can create painful emotions for those with strained or no relationships with members of their family of origin. When you think of words that cause pain, the word…
Making the Most of “Me Time” During the Holiday Season
Source: Photo by Audrey Fretz on Unsplash Despite the pervasive message that the media and society in general send about being with family and friends during the holidays, we recognize that this isn’t the case for many people. Please know that you are NOT alone in that, whether it be due to logistical or personal…
How to Establish and Maintain Boundaries with Family and Friends During the Holidays
Source: Photo by Dima Pechurin on Unsplash Setting and maintaining boundaries with family and friends starts with asking yourself what you want your boundaries to look like. It can be difficult to differentiate between what you truly want and need versus what you feel you should do. This is further muddied by the expectations that…
A Solo Thanksgiving in Chicago
Source: Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash First and foremost, be sure to take care of YOU. Spending a holiday alone can bring up many different emotions from sadness or dread to excitement or relief. A missed flight, illness, job demands, or establishing healthy boundaries with family are just some of the many reasons people…
What We Are Reading This Summer
As we move into summer, we are reflecting on what books have helped us learn and grow over the past few months. We’re sharing what some of the members of our team are reading for comfort, exploration, growth, and knowledge with the hope to instill some inspiration! Natalie Breitmeyer, MA, LPC, R-DMT, RYT Right now…
Preparing for Winter 2020-2021: An Investment in Your Future Self
With winter on the horizon and the pandemic still raging, the prospect of many more months inside with constricted holiday gatherings, limited opportunities to spend time outdoors, and narrowed possibilities for entertainment outside of the home, may incite feelings of distress, frustration, and apathy. While this winter may look different from winters past, the experience…
Self-Care During Marital Separation
This year may have been daunting considering the circumstances we have all been through in 2020; we’ve been cooped up inside and socially distancing for almost the entire year. However, some of you have had other issues preoccupying your mind and have been going through the process of breaking things off in your relationship with…
What We Are Reading This Fall
As the weather begins to change and days become shorter, curling up with a book starts to feel particularly appealing. We would like to share with you what some of the members of our team are reading for comfort, exploration, growth, and knowledge in hope that this inspires you! Amanda Matousek: I’m reading “How to…
Hold Yourself Kindly: A Deep Dive into Self-Compassion
“Self-compassion” is a phrase that gets used a lot, but what does it actually mean? I remember when I was first told to be compassionate towards myself, I had no idea what that actually entailed. I set out to do some research to discover if self-compassion is something that is genuinely important, or if it…
