The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

We’ve all heard the dismal statistics about divorce: somewhere in the 40-50% range is the likelihood that a first marriage will end in divorce. It goes up for subsequent remarriages.  There seems to be more of a casual attitude about marriage with divorce not being as stigmatizing as it has been in the past. However, research shows that stable, happy marriages increase emotional and physical well-being, including extending the lifespan.  

When I think of our forefathers who founded this country, I consider how they must have felt trapped by the way things were run in their home country of Great Brittan.  In addition to feeling trapped, other words that come to mind are oppressed, afraid, emotional, and at times hopeless.  And yes, it’s true, I’m making a stretch here to connect July 4^th’s Independence Day to this week’s blog, but I wonder if many of us feel the same way (trapped, oppressed, afraid, emotional, and at times hopeless) by the chaos in our lives. 

You may have seen the national campaign “Play 60” promoted to encourage children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes every day. Just as playing contributes to physical health for children, the same can be said for emotional health of adults and their marriages! Research has found emotional intimacy to be a strong predictor of happy marriages. Emotional intimacy can be increased in many ways and among them is shared leisure activities, or playing!

How often have you had a thought in your head that can’t seem to come out right in conversations with others? Most of us either convey things a little too harshly than we intended or the ideas of our mind never seem to leave our brains leaving us feeling regret for the things we did not say.  In many facets of our lives, we are faced with social settings in which interjecting our opinion is necessary to our emotional well-being.  Unfortunately, often times, those opinions get lost in translation and are not perceived well by those we wish to disclose them to. 

Most of us are familiar with the expression “all work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy”. It is time we took an inventory of our work to play ratio. Summer is definitely the season to play, as there is plenty of opportunity for fun in the sun, travel, and spending time with friends and family. Although we have to do some “adulting” most days, it is important to make time for the things we enjoy and the people we enjoy spending time with. So, without further ado, here are 10 ways to treat yourself this summer!

My youngest son graduated from high school this week and boy what a magical time it is.  As he turns from being a high school senior to college freshman, I can’t help but think through the years and remember how fast he and my older two have grown up. 

As a mother and father of young children my husband and I often ponder the questions: How will our children remember us when we’re gone? What will they take with them that helps them become successful in this life? How do we build meaningful relationships with them now that last, thus leaving them with a legacy that impacts their life and the lives of others in a positive way?

Have you ever told someone that you need to be more self-disciplined?  I believe we've all said these words.  Whether it's studying for a big exam, completing a big work project, or diligently working towards a personal health goal, the struggle for self-discipline is real. 

A while back, I was listening to a story on Snap Judgement (on NPR) about the Mengele Twins and specifically Eva and Miriam Mozes. I had never heard the story of Eva and Miriam before and was riveted throughout the report.

 A few years ago I had a supervisor who frequently used the phrase, “adapt and overcome.”  As life’s celebrations and hard knocks have come my way, I have referenced this phrase many times myself and credit my former supervisor, Paul, for repeating this phrase often and putting it in my memory bank to recall when needed. 

What is a Cognitive Distortion? Well, have you ever found yourself doing any of these?