There is a special field of research in psychology called “positive psychology” that studies the “science of gratitude.” Positive psychology has been around for a while, but recently it has gained credibility under the scrutiny of science. Scientists have made important discoveries about thankfulness. Research has actually shown that practicing thankfulness decreases depression and anxiety! Its all explained in a book by Robert Emmons called “Thanks!: How the new science of gratitude can make you happier.” Continue
Still round the corner
there may wait,
A new road or a secret gate.
J.R.R. Tolkien
To say that “Life is a journey” is an accurate statement. Oftentimes that journey takes us to unexpected places. Sometimes we end up lost, confused, stuck, or hurt along the way. When our life takes a turn (expected or unexpected) we have to adjust. Some adjustments are easier than others, and can be navigated on our own. Other times we need support and guidance along the way to fight against discouragement, hopelessness and fear.
Patrick Ward PhD is someone who can work alongside you on your journey. He has experience and extensive training that can help you navigate through difficult places. Then, having achieved success, you can continue on with a renewed hope and a sense of adventure.
Family | Mental Health | Stress | Transitions / Change | holidays
Putting Some “Thanks” in Your Thanksgiving
What would your life be like if television, the internet, and computers suddenly didn’t work anymore? The amount of uneasiness you have in reaction to that question is a good indicator of how influential electronic media is in your life. Most of us remember the days when there was no Internet and the television offered about 12 channels. What is more, we had to get up and change the television channels manually! Now the choices for what to watch are overwhelming. Continue
A man in his 40s, married almost 20 years, reports the following scenario: “I wasn’t looking for this. She just asked me to be a friend on Facebook. I haven’t talked to her since high school. She looked great. Pretty soon we start texting each other and then I talk to her on my way home from work. I thought I could keep this thing contained. My wife saw all the texts from an unknown number on the cell phone bill and she hacked into my Facebook account and found all the personal messages. I can’t believe she did that! We haven’t met in person (yet). It’s not like I’m having an affair!” My response; “It’s exactly like you are having an affair, because you are having an affair.” Continue
Parents are given the responsibility to create an environment for their children in which to grow and thrive. God created the concept of the family as a place for children and adults experience life to its fullest. Parents create this environment for their family. I’m going to use a metaphor to illustrate my point. A fish tank is a man-made environment for fish. If the environment in the fish tank is toxic, the fish will die. The fish are not created for the fish tank, but the fish tank was created for the fish. I cannot become angry at my fish for not thriving in the environment I created for them. They can’t just conform to the environment if it’s toxic to them! If I truly value the fish, I have to change the environment to suit their needs. The fish tank is made for them, not them for the fish tank. In the same way, the family environment is made for the children (adult children included). Continue
Developing the Roadmap for Your Life Continue
