Have you ever wondered if you see the glass half-full or half-empty? Whether we lean towards optimism or find ourselves bracing for the worst, understanding our mindset can shape our lives in surprising ways. No matter where you find yourself, everyone has a mix of positive and negative tendencies, and becoming aware of these can help you take steps towards a healthier mindset.

In this article, we’ll explore what it really means to have a positive or negative outlook, how to assess your...

 In recent years, I've often found myself pondering a curious question: Is emotional wellness something we inherit? The idea that our emotional state could be influenced by the experiences of our ancestors has become a fascinating and often discussed topic. While there’s no definitive scientific answer, the concept of emotional inheritance resonates deeply with many, especially those of us who have felt the invisible weight of generational struggles. Today, I want to explore this...

Mastering Emotional Regulation and Self-Control

Emotional regulation and self-control are essential skills for navigating the ups and downs of life. They allow us to manage our reactions, maintain balance, and improve our relationships. Understanding and practising these skills can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of emotional regulation and self-control, practical strategies to develop them, and how they can positively...

Recognising the Red Flags

In our journey through life, we often encounter a diverse array of individuals. Some become true friends who enrich our lives, while others might pose as friends with less noble intentions. My personal experiences have taught me that not everyone who appears friendly has our best interests at heart. Understanding the signs of a false friendship can help us protect ourselves from emotional harm and cultivate healthier, more authentic relationships.

The Charm...

Sometimes, the emotions we push aside whirl quietly within us, creating unexpected turmoil. Repressed anger is one such emotion—easy to miss but with a profound impact on our well-being. Recognizing and dealing with this hidden anger is key to a balanced, happier life.

Identifying Repressed Anger

Repressed anger might not make a loud entrance. Instead, it could be the persistent sadness you can't shake off, the sarcasm that's become part of your language, or the discomfort in...

Emotional abuse is often a silent predator, lurking behind actions and words that may seem benign on the surface but have deep, damaging effects on our well-being. Emotional abuse is a sneaky one; it doesn't leave any visible marks, making it hard to spot and address. But don't worry, by understanding these subtle forms of emotional manipulation, we can take better care of our mental health and emotional growth. In this article, we will discuss different types of emotional abuse and how...

Experiencing something really tough or frightening can turn someone's world upside down, especially when it comes to handling stress. Trauma can throw off how a person recognizes and deals with stress, often making it difficult for them to understand their body’s signals. This can lead to a person not reacting much at all, or going to the other extreme and reacting with overwhelming anger.

The Disconnection from One's Body

Our bodies have a natural way of coping with stress, like a...

The journey toward healing from trauma is both profound and complex, demanding a nuanced understanding of its deep impact on our emotional worlds. Bessel Van der Kolk's poignant observations shed light on a common struggle: traumatized individuals may deeply fear the intensity of their emotions due to the potential loss of control they entail. Recognizing and bravely facing this fear is a critical step on the path to recovery.

The Nature of Trauma
Trauma is an insidious presence, often...

The Weight of Dismissal

In the journey of healing, a profound truth often goes unrecognized: the dismissal of our deepest wounds can be as scarring as the trauma itself. This insight, echoing through the realms of emotional and spiritual healing, reminds us that the path to recovery encompasses not only the traumatic events but also the layers of neglect endured thereafter. When our experiences are invalidated and our voices stifled, we face a dual challenge: healing from the event and the...

Growing up in a household where the sound of a raised voice wasn't out of the ordinary might have taught you some complex lessons about anger. Perhaps you learned to identify the subtle signs that an outburst was imminent, or maybe you became an expert at navigating the emotional minefields that littered your home. As a result, you might find yourself unusually attuned to the anger of others now that you're an adult.

But here's the thing: that hyper-awareness can sometimes leave you feeling...