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Family Gatherings: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Experience
Family gatherings often stir up mixed feelings. Some look forward to reconnecting, while others feel uneasy or even want to avoid these events. When family dynamics are challenging or you feel out of place, skipping gatherings might seem like the easiest choice. Yet, avoiding these moments can increase anxiety and cause missed opportunities to build stronger bonds. Approaching family events with curiosity can shift your experience from stressful to meaningful. Read more....
mrebekahshurtleff
Nov 263 min read


Embracing the Power of Forgiveness: A Path to Healing This Holiday Season
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing hurtful actions. Instead, it means deciding to release the emotional weight that comes with past pain. Many families carry generational trauma—patterns of hurt and misunderstanding passed down through years. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking free from them. Forgiving family members can be difficult. It takes time, patience, and sometimes courage to face painful memories. gather. Choosing forgiveness
mrebekahshurtleff
Nov 203 min read


Navigating Family Stress During Holidays Tips for Joyful Gatherings
The holiday season often brings excitement and warmth, but it can also stir up stress and tension within families. When relatives gather, old conflicts and unresolved feelings sometimes resurface, making celebrations challenging. Understanding how to manage these mo ments can transform holiday gatherings into joyful experiences that strengthen family bonds. The holiday season offers a chance to deepen family connections, but the work does not end when the celebrations do.
mrebekahshurtleff
Nov 83 min read


Essential Tips to Nurture Family Connections That Last a Lifetime
Just as we invest in our careers or personal growth, investing in family relationships is crucial for long-term happiness. Building strong connections requires intentional effort. Make it a priority to spend quality time together, engage in meaningful conversations, and create shared experiences. Research indicates that families who prioritize these elements report an 85% overall satisfaction in their relationships. Remember, the time and energy you dedicate to nurturing thes
mrebekahshurtleff
Aug 294 min read


Navigating Conflict: Why Sidestepping Issues May Lead to Inner Turmoil
When we go to unimaginable lengths to keep others comfortable—be it our partners, bosses, parents, or even our children—we often sacrifice our own well-being. We apologize excessively, grovel, and even offer up special favors to maintain the status quo. While these actions may keep our relationships afloat temporarily, they can set the stage for a much larger explosion down the road. The war begins not between you and another person, but within yourself.
mrebekahshurtleff
Aug 224 min read


Healing the Heart: Navigating the Complex Emotions of Father's Day
Father's Day is not just a calendar mark. It stirs deep feelings, making us reflect on our relationships with our fathers. For some, this is a joyful occasion filled with love and gratitude. For others, it can be a time of sadness, reminding them of lost connections or painful memories. This post will explore the complex emotions tied to Father’s Day, acknowledging both the pain and the beauty of our experiences.
mrebekahshurtleff
Jun 44 min read


Embracing Authenticity: The Art of Setting Guilt-Free Boundaries
Setting boundaries is essential for your well-being, yet many struggle with guilt when trying to establish them. This guilt often comes...
mrebekahshurtleff
Feb 224 min read


Self-Love: Is Putting Yourself First Really Selfish?
In today’s fast-paced world, self-love often gets a bad rap. Many equate it with selfishness, thinking that prioritizing your own needs...
mrebekahshurtleff
Feb 113 min read


Communication Tips to Transform Relationships in Tough Times
By learning to communicate effectively, you’re not just addressing problems; you’re building a partnership that thrives through challenges.
mrebekahshurtleff
Jan 223 min read


Supporting Others in Crisis: The Art of Extending a Helping Hand without Overstepping Boundaries
Supporting others in crisis is about compassion and respect for their personal boundaries. Your actions can create a space to heal.
mrebekahshurtleff
Jan 163 min read


Embracing January Dreams and Beating the Blues with a Positive Mindset
Explore practical ways to cultivate a positive mindset, tackle the January blues, and unlock the potential of January dreams.
mrebekahshurtleff
Jan 84 min read


2025: Embracing Self-Compassion and Growth After 2024's Lessons Learned
2025 holds the potential for new opportunities and growth, and it begins with our perspective on the past.
mrebekahshurtleff
Jan 43 min read


Revolutionize Your New Year: Swap Resolutions for Gratitude and Celebration
This New Year, let’s revolutionize our approach by replacing traditional resolutions with gratitude and reflection.
mrebekahshurtleff
Dec 29, 20243 min read


Exploring the Nuances of Being Alone Versus Feeling Lonely During the Holidays
As the holidays approach, it’s important to differentiate between being physically alone and the deeper sense of loneliness.
mrebekahshurtleff
Dec 18, 20243 min read


Unveiling the Truth: Are the Holidays Really Happy?
The holiday season is undeniably complex. While it can bring joy, it can also pose significant challenges for many.
mrebekahshurtleff
Dec 14, 20244 min read


Managing Holiday Anxiety: Tips for Navigating the Stress of the Season
Managing holiday anxiety can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible to enjoy the season with a clear plan and some mindfulness.
mrebekahshurtleff
Nov 30, 20243 min read


Embrace the Unknown: Elevating Family Gatherings with Curiosity and Connection
Curiosity can truly change how we experience gatherings. Ask yourself: what can you discover from this gathering? What stories are hidden?
mrebekahshurtleff
Nov 22, 20244 min read


Effective Strategies for Managing Family Stress and Cultivating Stronger Relationships
The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and connection. But for many families, it can also lead to stress and tension. When...
mrebekahshurtleff
Nov 14, 20243 min read


Stay Chill and Connected: 10 Unexpected Ways to Handle Holiday Stress with Family
holiday season should be a chance to reconnect with those we love, not a source of anxiety. By implementing these ten unexpected techniques.
mrebekahshurtleff
Nov 2, 20244 min read


Support for Your Mental & Emotional Health
As a passionate therapist and counselor, I am dedicated to helping people heal and overcome life's challenges. Whether it's anxiety,...

Rebekah Shurtleff
Mar 13, 20241 min read
Content by Rebekah Shurtleff Marriage and Family Therapist
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