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Coping with the Winter Blues
Many people experience a drop in mood as the days grow shorter and colder. This feeling, often called the "winter blues," can make daily life harder and less enjoyable. For some, these mood changes are brief and mild, but for others, they can be more serious and affect how they think, feel, and behave. Understanding these changes and knowing how to manage them can make a big difference during the colder months. SAD affects the body’s natural rhythms and the balance of seroton
mrebekahshurtleff
Jan 32 min read


Why Celebrating Past Achievements is More Effective Than New Year Resolutions
Celebrating your achievements, no matter when they happen, builds confidence and motivation. Reflection helps you see how far you’ve come and what you’ve learned. This positive reinforcement encourages steady progress.
For example, if you learned a new skill in October or improved your mindset in July, take time to acknowledge those wins. These moments more than any January resolution.
Instead of feeling pressured to make drastic changes every January, embrace a mindset of on
mrebekahshurtleff
Dec 25, 20252 min read


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 26, 20253 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 20, 20253 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 8, 20253 min read


Is Venting with Friends Harmless or a Cycle of Negative Reinforcement?
Repeatedly recounting a distressing event can increase stress hormones like cortisol. Each retelling reinforces negative feelings, creating a habit that’s hard to break. Friends may offer empathy, but this can inadvertently keep us locked in a loop of despair instead of steering us toward solutions. It may feel good momentarily, it can also deepen anxiety and create a sense of helplessness. Breaking the cycle of negativity can be achieved by shifting the focus from venting to
mrebekahshurtleff
Oct 15, 20253 min read


Mastering Emotional Overload: Essential Strategies for Stress Management and Building Resilience
Feeling overwhelmed is a common hurdle, but it can be managed with effective strategies. Focus on the present moment, break tasks into smaller steps, prioritize your well-being, and seek support when needed. Recognize your resilience, limit stressors, challenge negative thoughts, and celebrate your small wins.
mrebekahshurtleff
May 6, 20254 min read


5 Key Strategies to Conquer Stress and Embrace International Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month provides the perfect opportunity to shine a light on this invisible burden and empower ourselves and others to seek healthier coping mechanisms.
mrebekahshurtleff
Apr 22, 20254 min read


Embracing Your Inner Light: How Self-Reflection and Compassion Can Transform Your Life
Self-reflection is key to personal growth and understanding yourself better.
mrebekahshurtleff
Apr 8, 20253 min read


What's the Difference Between Being Alone and Feeling Lonely?
Understanding the difference between being alone and feeling lonely is essential for enhancing our emotional health.
mrebekahshurtleff
Mar 19, 20253 min read


The Top 5 Surprising Benefits of Premarital Counseling You Didn't Know
Premarital counseling is designed to address various areas critical for a successful marriage no matter what stage in life.
mrebekahshurtleff
Mar 8, 20253 min read


How Telehealth Therapy Can Transform Your Mental Health Care
Telehealth puts mental health care right at your fingertips, breaking down barriers such as lengthy commutes and scheduling issues.
mrebekahshurtleff
Feb 25, 20253 min read
Content by Rebekah Shurtleff Marriage and Family Therapist
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