When we practice gratitude, it's good for our emotional and physical health, with recent studies reporting benefits such as less stress, better sleep, fewer aches and pains, and better heart health. But how often do we practice gratitude toward our self? There are many ways to practice gratitude, of course, from saying thank you to making lists and writing letters. Martin Seligman, the … [Read more...] about Practice Gratitude for and to Yourself
RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION
Step 13: Ask Someone(s) for Accountability
In early 2017, I set a goal for myself to do a single unassisted pull up. It’s October, and I’m still working on it. And that’s a win. Why is it a win, if I haven’t met my goal yet? Because without accountability from the personal trainers that I mentioned my goal to, I would have given up by now. My trainer, Beth, pictured above helping me develop the muscles I'll need for that one … [Read more...] about Step 13: Ask Someone(s) for Accountability
In Life, We All Want to Be Heard
Deep inside, we all want to be heard and valued for who we are. We want to express ourselves. And we do not want to be judged. But how often does that happen? Awareness of the Need to be Heard Last fall, I volunteered at the Unity Project hosted by my church, which fronts a busy street at the edge of a university campus. So when a stranger walked toward me from the sidewalk, curious to … [Read more...] about In Life, We All Want to Be Heard
Faith & Sweat: Fostering Hope
For more than 20 years, National Adoption Month has been observed in November to raise awareness of children and teenagers in foster care who await permanent families. This month, as part of a periodic feature of someone exemplifying Faith & Sweat, meet the Turnure family. Janet and Doug Turnure’s journey to becoming foster and adoptive parents began while taking a family walk on a summer … [Read more...] about Faith & Sweat: Fostering Hope
And Two Shall Become One: Thoughts on Marriage and Faith
Tent and towels flap in the warm, steady, ocean breeze. Waves crash ashore and seagulls hover. I mindlessly drag my feet through the sand in front of my chair, making valleys and hills and then flattening them out as I watch our son skim-boarding in the shallow water of low tide. I taste the salt on my lips, and breathe in the warm air, relaxed. I could sit here all day. As my husband … [Read more...] about And Two Shall Become One: Thoughts on Marriage and Faith
Faith and Sweat: Healing After Domestic Violence
On the 1st of each month, we feature a story of someone putting their "Faith & Sweat" into action. This month, meet Dr. Angelia Riggsbee, a domestic violence survivor and advocate. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233). In the time it takes you to read this article, an estimated 96 people in the United States will be … [Read more...] about Faith and Sweat: Healing After Domestic Violence
