The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

As I prepared to write today’s blog, I reflected long and hard on the topic as I often do.  The word that kept coming to me was “comparisons”. 

We have become a DYI (do it yourself) culture. In an effort to save more time and money, we often do our own home renovations, crafts, professional make-up application, etc.

Sometimes, it's just better to let someone who's experienced something powerful share that experience first hand rather than try to say it for them, so that's what I'm doing (with permission, of course) today for my blog post.

As a therapist who works with predominately adolescents, I have recently heard this statement in my office:  “I really don’t know who I am or what my purpose is.” 

As a specialist in the treatment of anxiety disorders the past four years, I have seen a lot of anxious individuals.  Some more anxious than others, but almost all of them despite circumstances or clinical diagnoses, share an underlying feeling of being overwhelmed.

Recently a close family member of mine, who lives in another state, experienced a challenging time accessing mental health services and finding a counselor. 

This week’s blog was inspired by my weekly “Sunday Funday”. Every Sunday I throw caution and most responsibilities to the wind to indulge in a weekly self-care day. 

Did you see the recent article Newsweek put out citing a recent study that Alabama is the most stressed state?

Every week I meet with parents who struggle to discipline their children effectively.  In some cases, they are searching for a diagnosis to explain their child’s inappropriate behavior and in others, they are desperately looking for a way to better parent their child.

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?

Over the past few years, I’ve become increasingly interested in the concept of mindfulness and how it can benefit those who practice it.

Today’s blog speaks to any person who has contemplated or is contemplating suicide, to loved ones who have lost a loved one to suicide, and those who want to know what they can do to help.