…what happens when that conflict is with someone who just knows how to push our buttons – like a partner or family member. These deeply woven relationships can make defensiveness feel almost inescapable. Yet, Dr. John Gottman’s research shows that defensiveness is a key predictor of relationship health. So, how do we shift from defensiveness to receptiveness?

In a world brimming with disagreements – whether with a colleague, loved one or a stranger online – it’s tempting to avoid engaging in conflict. It’s uncomfortable and demands a lot from our nervous system. But here’s the thing: conflict is an inevitable part of the human experience. The trick isn’t in avoiding it, but instead learning how to navigate it healthily.

As our world becomes more entwined with technology, ironically, our connections seem to fray. It has me wondering, are we losing the art of meaningful, assertive communication amid a sea of brief, digital messages?

…living out of sync with our core values can leave us feeling unfulfilled. This isn’t about judging values, but rather noticing if the values we’re using to make our decisions actually feel aligned for us.

So, why is this inner relationship so crucial? It’s the bedrock of our self-esteem and the compass that guides us to our core values. When we understand and honour our values, every decision we make becomes a reflection of our authentic selves. We transcend beyond chasing external benchmarks of success or acceptance to build a life that’s genuinely ours.

How often do you find yourself caught up in your internal monologue? If you can recognize these internal dialogues, you’ve already taken the first step in unlocking the potential for profound change in your life!

The key lies in freeing ourselves from the need for predetermined outcomes. Can we open up to the possibility that the journey toward our goals might take unexpected turns, ultimately leading to destinations even more fantastic than we imagined

It’s easy to let these in-between moments slip by, viewing them as a kind of limbo until the next event unfolds. But what if we took a bit more notice of the beauty that can be offered in the in-between?

…amid the festive allure of “more is more,” there lies an opportune moment to consider the beauty of embracing less. Less stuff, less stretching ourselves too thin, less control, and fewer expectations.

In a year that, for many reasons, has felt like an endurance test, you might find yourself, as I have, wondering, “When does it get easier?” Well, as Phil Stutz reminds us, “Give yourself grace and compassion to navigate things…there isn’t an easy road in life.”

There was a time when I subconsciously tried to be who I thought everyone wanted me to be, and all it ever got me was exhaustion, disconnection, and anxiety.

I get it, amidst the never-ending to-do list, penciling in ‘connect with partner’ or ‘me time’ can seem daunting. But did you know that connection thrives in the small, seemingly inconsequential moments of life?

Many of us have learned some techniques for dealing with planned anxiety – those common situations like meetings and presentations. But what do we do in those unexpected moments when anxiety suddenly engulfs us, taking over our bodies with its tight grip?

The comfort zone is a cozy place; it’s safe and predictable, which can be quite appealing in a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic. But here’s the thing: I’ve noticed that staying in that comfort zone for too long can leave life feeling incomplete and unfulfilling.

In a world where constant stimulation is the norm, we shy away from stillness and solitude.

So what if instead, we learn to embrace space? What could we gain from such a seemingly simple shift?

Do you remember being a kid and wanting to know how or why…about everything? Or have you seen other kiddos display that inexhaustible curiosity?

Where does it go as we grow up?

Why can it feel so hard to ask for what we really want? To tell someone how we’re feeling? Why does vulnerability feel so scary?

Understanding the importance of safety when it comes to the well-being of children, pets and our physical bodies can seem pretty straight-forward. But what about the safety we feel emotionally, both within ourselves and in our relationships?

Coming from a place of perfectionism and people-pleasing as a way to feel love and acceptance, often left me feeling resentful, frustrated, and just plain exhausted. And yet, the idea of not only pinpointing what I needed, but also voicing them was ripe with opportunity to feel rejected, the very thing I was trying to avoid.

…what if the things that don’t seem to be going ‘right’ in our lives are not mere annoyances? What if they’re here to teach us, to nudge us, to set us up for something even greater than we can imagine?