Post Holiday Blues

It’s mid-January. Our Christmas trees and decorations down. A few stragglers still have some work to do here, and some just don’t want it all to be over so soon. This was a short Christmas season. Thanksgiving came at the end of the month rather than at the end of the third week, and that…

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Will Depression Ever Go Away?

Short answer: Yes! Long answer: eventually!   When you are struggling with depression you can’t see this proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel.”  That light just doesn’t exist. It’s easy to begin to believe that this state of depression will never lift.  But guess what? It will!!   This season of depression that…

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The Holidays:Part Six – What to do After the Holidays

It is not uncommon for people to get depressed after the holidays.  Sometimes we are on a rush from the holiday season, and when it is over in a blink of an eye we can become depressed.   Sometimes the holidays can bring on a lot of hurt, maybe your family or friends said or did something hurtful, and…

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The Holidays:Part Five – Being Present on the Holidays

“Present(s)” is a word that we hear a lot around the holidays.  After all, this is the season of giving.  I love nothing more than giving my friends and loved ones presents on Christmas.  I love when I get them something that I know they are going to love and watching their faces when they open their gift.  Don’t…

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The Holidays:Part Four – Breathing

Breathing is more helpful than you may think. When I tell people to breath, the first thing they do is look at me like I am dumb. Then they will say something like I am breathing. Yes, you may be breathing, but are you really breathing? Are you breathing in a way to help yourself…

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The Holidays:Part Three – How To Stay Calm?

If you already read part one and two you are on your way to a calmer Christmas. Having the ability to say no is the first step. Now, how do you stay calm during all the hustle and bustle? Step one: Have about 5-10 minutes of quiet time a day. Step two: Make sure to…

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The Holidays:Part Two – Who To Say “No” To?

Who can you say no to this holiday season? The short answer is, everyone. There are some things that no matter what, we have to do them during the holidays. It is tradition. Sometimes we do have to sacrifice a tiny bit in order to make someone else very happy. That is okay, but you…

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The Holidays:Part One – Say “NO”

Welcome to our series on “how to survive the holidays and enjoy them.” How to say no, it sure does sound easy. It’s just a small two-letter word, yet at times it can be so hard to say that tiny word. The holidays can be full of demands, questions, wants and needs. Our parents want…

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Saying Good-bye to the Winter Blues!!

Finally, it is that time of year.  We can put away our boots and winter coats and break out the sandals, shorts, tank tops and even bathing suits.  For some people, your heart just sank when you read, “bathing suits.” Believe me, I understand. Isn’t it crazy to think about how much weather affects our…

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Of Barrenness and Burning: When Life Seems Bleak

As far as the forest is concerned, the season has switched from fall to winter.  The branches are bare, and the forest floor is evidence of a year gone by.  The other day, as I arrived at the trail I like to run on (first time since fall was in full foliage), I was surprised…

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