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Page not found – Carri J. Nash, RN, MFT http://cnashmft.com Caring, Holistic Family Therapy Mon, 28 Sep 2015 23:10:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.15 The Psychology of Knitting http://cnashmft.com/the-psychology-of-knitting/ http://cnashmft.com/the-psychology-of-knitting/#respond Mon, 28 Sep 2015 23:10:41 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=648 What do I mean writing about the psychology of knitting? Knitting is a hobby. How can there be any psychology about making things out of yarn? What the heck is this psychology thing about? I’ve been toying with writing this … Continue reading

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large_knitting_yarns_istock_MediumWhat do I mean writing about the psychology of knitting? Knitting is a hobby. How can there be any psychology about making things out of yarn? What the heck is this psychology thing about? I’ve been toying with writing this post for a while. You see, I am a knitter. I am one of those people who rarely sits quietly and gets completely absorbed in a TV program or movie in my own home. I often have a knitting project in my hands while I’m ‘watching TV or relaxing at home.

So, why do I knit? People cheerfully point out to me that it isn’t cost-effective. vunaWhy buy yarn (not a cheap investment) then spend weeks or months on a project, when I could go to any department store and purchase something that has been mass-produced for a fraction of the cost, and zero time investment? If I just wanted a sweater, or a blanket, or any old hat, I could do that. I could go to a department store and purchase an adequately produced product for not much money and very little time investment. Knitting is not about saving money, or being efficient with your time. If it were, people would have given up knitting decades (maybe even a century or more) ago.

shoes-536073_640When I was a child, my Mother never sat down without having something in her hands to work on. She was always knitting or crocheting something for someone. She rarely made anything for herself. I still have the afghan she made for me when I was 19 and newly living independently. When I’m feeling sick, it is often the only blanket that will comfort me. It is a way for me to be connected, once again, to my Mother’s hands. It is a way for me to feel her love again, even though she has been dead for over a decade now. My niece still has the baby blanket that my Mom made for her, and it is one of her most treasured possessions. I own a beautiful green cardigan that my Mother-In-Law knitted for me before she had ever met me. It connects me to her in much the same way that the afghan my Mother knitted connects me to her. My Mother-In-Law passed away this July. I haven’t been able to wear my beautiful green cardigan since she died, because it has been too warm. But I took it out of the closet yesterday, and held it in my hands. I felt her spirit with me while my sweater was in my hands.

I find it much easier to complete knitting projects that are intended for download (17)someone else than the ones intended for me. I guess that’s partly accounted for by the reality that I know what it feels like to be given something hand-made. I know what I feel like when someone has lovingly crafted something specifically for me. I want to share that feeling more than I want to give something to myself.

I was knitting in a doctor’s waiting room one day, while waiting my turn. A 9241389893_221ac313bc_zyoung girl, about 12 years old asked me about what I was doing. I explained to her that I was knitting. I showed her the ball of yarn, and the stitches on the needles, and explained that eventually what I was working on would become a sweater. She looked at me in amazement. She said, “You mean you will carefully make each stitch and count each section out until you have made a sweater??? I don’t think I could ever have that much patience!” I talked to her about the reality that knitting helps me to feel present in the moment. I don’t bother about the finished project while I’m busy working on it. I get lost in the stitches right in front of me. Each stitch, each row, each section becoming its own goal. It may be similar to the way athletes only focus on the goal immediately in front of them (like improving their time, or winning THIS game, or making it up the next section of the mountain). It is a type of patience which has served me well during my life.

child_knittingI learned to knit as a child. When I was in high school, I was completing complex sweater patterns. I think the patience and practical coping skills I learned from being a knitter helped me to cope when I was putting myself through college and working and parenting children all at the same time. Just like staying focused on the row in front of me, as a student, I stayed focused on the specific homework assignment, or paper, or test I needed to prepare for. I stayed present. I dealt with each day and let the following days guide me.

I had forgotten about knitting until the past few years. I was busy raising children and focusing on my career. When my img-thingMother-In-Law knitted that beautiful green cardigan for me, she reignited my passion. It was a gift that she may not have known the value of. I love my cardigan. I love that wearing it opened up the part of me that loves to knit. I am not a knitting expert. I’m just a woman who understands that being patient, taking on a challenge, and investing time in creating something pays off, in ways that can’t be compared to a cheap garment purchased from a department store.

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How Can I Be Happy? http://cnashmft.com/how-can-i-be-happy/ http://cnashmft.com/how-can-i-be-happy/#comments Thu, 06 Aug 2015 16:47:54 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=623 We all want to be happy, right? But being happy can seem elusive. It’s like nailing jello to a tree…trying to be happy just tends to make happiness slip through our fingers…or our thoughts…or blow away like feathers on a … Continue reading

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download (14)We all want to be happy, right? But being happy can seem elusive. It’s like nailing jello to a tree…trying to be happy just tends to make happiness slip through our fingers…or our thoughts…or blow away like feathers on a breeze.

I need a new car. I go out shopping for a new car after I figure out what I can HondaInsightafford. I make a new car purchase based on what I need, what I can afford, what I want, and what is available. I’m happy with my purchase. Contented. Satisfied that I met my need. Then, the first car payment comes. Suddenly, I’m not so happy. The first flat tire comes, I’m not elated. The first dent happens. The car isn’t making me happy anymore. See? It is transitory.

download (15)But, there are things we can all do to cultivate happiness, so that we aren’t dependent on chance occurrences of momentary contentment.

1. Practice gratitude. Being grateful for what we already have decreases the tendency to always be striving for more.  Sheryl Crow said it in her song “I’m Gonna Soak Up the Sun”: ‘It ain’t getting what you want, it’s wanting what you got.’  When we practice gratitude for what we already have, happiness is more likely to hang around.

2. Learn to like (even better, love) who you are, right here, right 14255054380_f573c51ddc_onow. This is similar to number one above. But it’s also different. Many people postpone happiness, telling themselves that they’ll be happy when they lose weight, find a partner, buy a house, etc….   But nothing makes being happy harder than telling yourself you are not OK. If you work on accepting who you are right now, flaws and all, and loving where you are in your life, you will find happiness that seems to just burst from the walls. It’s there, it is just waiting for you to stop “shoulding” all over yourself.

images (18)3. Recognize that being happy, and having joy are two different things. I need to thank a client for this insight. He reminded me of this in a session earlier today. As spiritual beings, joy is our birthright. When we are in touch with our true nature, joy is always there. Happiness is a fleeting emotion, that comes and goes of its own accord. You can be unhappy because of circumstances that are troublesome, and still be in touch with the innate joy of your spiritual self. This takes practice. Meditation, prayer, mindfulness practice, gratitude practice all are avenues of connecting with your joy. Being happy includes not confusing happiness (fleeting) with joy (normal state of spiritual awareness). Do not be fooled into thinking happiness is supposed to be a constant.

4. When you aren’t happy, give yourself permission to feel download (16)whatever is there. This goes along with #2 pretty closely. It connects with self acceptance and self-love. If you are sad, let yourself be sad. Feelings have an annoying habit of lingering around the more we try to ignore them. Let yourself fully feel what you feel. Give yourself permission to be fully human, and know that whatever you are feeling, it will be different in a few minutes, or a few days, or a week. Accept yourself, including your emotions, in the here and now. If you have trouble doing this, you may need some help with the reality that there are no bad emotions, only bad actions. You can be angry without hurting others. You can be sad without blaming others. If you have trouble with this, you may need some help learning to separate feelings from actions.

5. Don’t worry, be happy. Worrying about things that are out of your images (19)control contributes to discontent and unhappiness. If you have no immediate ability to change something, stop worrying about it. This includes loved ones who aren’t living their life the way you think they should. Stop “shoulding” on your loved ones. Stop imagining that things should be different from they are. And please, stop worrying. You’ll live longer, smiling more often.

If you need help with any of these five methods of finding more happiness, call me at: 831-214-8087.

 

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What’s Wrong With These People???? http://cnashmft.com/whats-wrong-with-these-people/ http://cnashmft.com/whats-wrong-with-these-people/#respond Tue, 12 May 2015 03:05:11 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=610 Why do some people always grumble and complain? Why do some act as if they are entitled….to your kindness, your understanding, your generosity? What is wrong with people who are ungrateful and/or demanding? We’ve all met someone like this. Everyone … Continue reading

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Hewlett-PackardWhy do some people always grumble and complain? Why do some act as if they are entitled….to your kindness, your understanding, your generosity? What is wrong with people who are ungrateful and/or demanding? We’ve all met someone like this. Everyone has likely had the experience of knowing someone that they dread seeing, because the inevitable ungratefulness is draining. Or, the demands they make are unrealistic and just plain annoying.

What makes people ungrateful? Last week I was pondering just this subject, 190e8730382ed62e0562b089ec8998c7when I got a message from my spouse, around 9:00 at night. His car had broken down in about an hour drive from here. He needed me to come and pick him up. I was worried about him, and unhappy that I needed to drive so far at such a late hour. In my rush to head out the front door, I twisted my ankle and literally fell out of my front door, onto the concrete step. My keys flew out of my hands and the drink I’d had in my hand also went flying. I landed hard on my left hip and left wrist. With some help from family members, I got up, brushed myself off, and although I was shaking from the fall and the landing, I got into my car and headed toward the highway. On my drive, all I could think about was how much I was hurting. It was like a stuck record….my brain kept going back to my hip…my wrist…my shoulder…

12146719764_61f72be86c_o (1)When I finally got to my husband and heard the full story of how his car had stalled and quit running completely on a busy city street, in three lanes of traffic, I was flooded with relief and gratitude that he hadn’t been injured. Why had that gratitude alluded me during my drive? Because I was experiencing acute pain. The physical pain of my fall preoccupied my thoughts, as I adjusted to the reality that I’d caused myself pain. By the time I’d gotten to my destination, the pain had calmed down some, and I’d begun to count my blessings. I began to be grateful that I hadn’t gotten hurt any worse than I did, that my bones and skin were intact, just shaken and bruised. I began to be grateful for my husband’s safety in the midst of his auto failure. He described how no one stopped to help him while he literally pushed the car to the side of the road. Gratitude flooded over me.

And I realized this: when people are overwhelmed by either emotional or MaslowHierarchyOfNeeds.svgphysical pain, they are not able to focus on gratitude. My mind traveled back in time to my Psychology 101 class, and I remembered Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. When our basic needs aren’t met (safety, food, shelter) we get fixated at the bottom of the need pyramid. Perhaps when people are ungrateful, they are struggling with unmet needs or unresolved pain. Emotional pain can interfere with gratitude as well as physical pain. And then I thought about people who are hungry, or struggling to pay their bills or keep a roof over their head. I thought to myself…if a person’s basic needs are not being met, regardless of the reason, they most likely would struggle with a lack of gratitude.

3d5b4a7559615bd8d029e07e81727eabBut what about the people who act as if they are entitled to your kindness, generosity, help? Where does that come from? I’m not sure I know the answer to this one. Perhaps from social conditioning. Maybe they’ve been taught that they are powerless and must depend on those with more power and more abundance. Perhaps they feel as if they have been victimized by their families, and have no reason to expect their own success. Perhaps this is learned behavior. But the reason they behave this way is not the real issue. The real issue is: “Why does it upset you?”People who struggle with setting and keeping healthy boundaries typically find it difficult to deal with someone who is entitled. Their demands create distress in the person who is uncomfortable saying a simple little word: no.  If you feel like a bad person when you say no, this is about you and not about the person who is asking. So instead of blaming them for asking, look at your own emotional reaction. A request is only a request. What you do with it is up to you.

How do you deal with these people? First, you remind yourself that absolutely R_U_OK-_Day_logonothing is wrong with them. They are humans, and they are attempting to get their needs met, like all of us. So, if someone is complaining and ungrateful, what can you do? You can ignore the grumbling and be pleasant in response to their grumbling. That is one possibility, and it’s an adequate start. If that’s the best you have to offer, then it’s enough. If you are feeling clear within yourself, and compassionate toward them, you can try reflective listening. Reflective listening is when you set aside your thoughts and ideas, and you just reflect the words emotions of the other person. Someone has just grumbled to you about how awful their week is going. You make eye contact, and you say something like, “You’re having a horrible week. It’s stressing you out and you feel……”

15755717910_d594c0f2da_oWhen people feel heard and understood, they feel loved. When people feel loved, a big, important need is being met. You can help stabilize their hierarchy of needs just by listening to them. Wow! That’s a lot of power! And if you can give them some compassion, and some calm support, you are being generous in the most amazing way.

If you need help polishing up your listening skills, or learning healthy boundaries, call me: 831-214-8087.

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Recovering From Childhood Trauma http://cnashmft.com/recovering-from-childhood-trauma/ http://cnashmft.com/recovering-from-childhood-trauma/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2015 00:30:12 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=600 If you had trauma in your childhood, you are not alone. Many children are neglected, abused emotionally, physically, and/or sexually. It happens, way too frequently. The way children cope with trauma is to literally “freeze” the memory. Sometimes later in life, … Continue reading

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If you had trauma in your childhood, you are not alone. Many children are neglected, abused emotionally, physically, and/or sexually. It happens, way too frequently. The 9214235312_2303b1f027_oway children cope with trauma is to literally “freeze” the memory. Sometimes later in life, the memories that were frozen begin to thaw. These times can be frightening, even to an adult. The intensity of the emotion can feel overwhelming, and the traumatic event(s) can feel as if they are happening in the present moment.

If this has happened to you as an adult, you are not crazy. You aren’t over-reacting. You are just coping with past trauma in the best way you can. The good news is that you download (13)don’t have to cope alone. There are people available to help. Therapists who are trained in trauma recovery know how to help you through these types of emotional events. Even someone who isn’t a therapist, a supportive and loving presence, can help you. The most important thing for you to know is that what you feel emotionally is not abnormal. You are not abnormal. You are just recovering from trauma.

flat,550x550,075,fIf you have had traumatic events happen to you in your childhood, be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to heal. Seek out caring, competent professionals who know how to guide you through the healing process. And most of all, do not listen to anyone who tells you that there is something wrong with you. There is nothing wrong with you. There never has been. You are just a human, doing what humans do when they are traumatized. You are not crazy. You are not beyond help. You are deserving of the most loving, tender help available.

If you experienced trauma as a child, and you are living with depression or 10011940914_cf5f00977f_oanxiety as an adult, give yourself permission to have some help on your healing journey.

Call me if you’d like to make an appointment to talk more: 831-214-8087.

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A Palpable New Excitement http://cnashmft.com/palpable-new-excitement/ http://cnashmft.com/palpable-new-excitement/#respond Mon, 09 Mar 2015 18:18:55 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=590 Yes, that’s correct, I am filled with a palpable new excitement. I attended a Level I workshop on EFT this past weekend, in Emeryville California. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, and it is a form of energy therapy. My … Continue reading

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playful-441478_640Yes, that’s correct, I am filled with a palpable new excitement. I attended a Level I workshop on EFT this past weekend, in Emeryville California. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, and it is a form of energy therapy. My workshop was taught by Steven Kessler, MFT, who is an EFT Expert and Trainer. He taught the class with a boat load of insight, humor, and tenderness. I left the first day feeling inspired and exhausted. I left the second day feeling even more hopeful, inspired, and completely saturated with my new knowledge.

Why am I excited? Because EFT works. I am excited because EFT works in a way that is not easy to eft-tapping-chart-20131explain, but yes, it does work. What does it work for, you might ask.  What I know for sure is that EFT works to re-balance the body’s energy, and that helps to shift the emotions. EFT was created (or discovered) in 1997 by Gary Craig. Gary had been a student of Dr. Roger Callahan, a psychologist, who had been teaching a form of energy therapy called Thought Field Therapy. Dr. Callahan’s Thought Field Therapy was a complex method of muscle testing and using tapping on meridians of the body to relieve emotional suffering. While Dr. Callahan’s Thought Field Therapy was effective, it was complex and expensive. Gary Craig simplified Dr. Callahan’s techniques to make them more universally effective and easier to learn.

practice-615657_640During the seminar, we fledgling EFT practitioners practiced on each other. We watched demonstrations by our instructor. Even as beginning practitioners, we were able to relieve each other of symptoms and help each other process stuck emotions. I had been studying EFT independently for over a year. Gary Craig initially offered his technique for free…and there are lots of free lessons in EFT available over the internet. But studying independently didn’t give me the depth of knowledge and appreciation for this technique that being in class with a certified expert offered. After the first morning, I was completely happy that I had paid for this seminar. I knew it had been a wise investment. After the final afternoon, I was eager to get back to my life so that I could begin incorporating what I had learned.

I’m excited because the name of this technique “Emotional Freedom Freedom-is-nothing-but-a__quotes-by-Albert-Camus-30Technique” is completely accurate. This simple technique offers everyone the opportunity to have emotional freedom. It gives me hope for so many reasons. I’m excited to use this technique on my own issues. What? It’s a surprise to you that I have my own issues? Well, no one knows this better than a therapist, we all have issues. I’m so excited, and at the same time relieved that there is such a simple solution available to help people live their best life. I’m relieved because I know I can learn to be a better therapist than I have been. I can help people quicker, and I can help empower them to help themselves. I can be a stronger “force for good”.

It is my intention to become a certified EFT Expert. But today, I’m just an excited novice, who is on a new path, and filled with a palpable new excitement.

If you need help with stuck emotions, call me at: 831-214-8087. 

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Depression, It’s Not “All In Your Head” http://cnashmft.com/depression-head/ http://cnashmft.com/depression-head/#respond Tue, 03 Mar 2015 02:22:22 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=581 What would it mean if depression became a medical diagnosis, instead of a mental health diagnosis? According to an article published in the Huffington Post on 9/16/2014, there may soon be a laboratory test for depression. Yes, just like you … Continue reading

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downloadWhat would it mean if depression became a medical diagnosis, instead of a mental health diagnosis? According to an article published in the Huffington Post on 9/16/2014, there may soon be a laboratory test for depression. Yes, just like you go and get your blood tested for diabetes, there may soon be a lab test for depression. The hope is that if this test is approved, and people can be diagnosed more accurately, some of the stigma of a diagnosis of depression may be lifted. Dr. Eva Redei, Ph.D., and lead investigator for this diagnostic test, says that she believes the test proves that depression, or the ability to recover from depression, “is not a matter of will.”

I agree in theory with what Dr. Redei hopes to achieve. It is time for the stigma of any mental illness to be discarded, like the practice of blood-letting. The Vincent_Willem_van_Gogh_002idea that we can separate disorders of mood and mental well-being from the physical body is archaic and ludicrous. It’s as if the general population would like to believe that people choose to be depressed, anxious, obsessive, etc. No one would ever choose to feel stigmatized and isolated by a set of symptoms which overwhelm, confuse and frustrate. Yes, if this lab test reduces or eliminates the stigma of depression, that would be a gift to the world. There is also potential for the test to assess the accuracy of treatment. If lab markers can identify clinical depression, in theory they should also be able to identify improvement.

Zoloft_bottlesAs a therapist, this raises many questions for me. Would the treatment of depression then be relegated only to medical doctors? Right now, research supports that cognitive-behavioral therapy (talk therapy focused on changing thoughts and behaviors) is equally as effective as antidepressant medication in alleviating the symptoms of depression. Many people choose a combination of antidepressant medication and sessions with a qualified therapist. Would the presence of a lab test prevent individuals for making this choice? I hope not. I hope that this lab test, if it is ever approved and marketed, would increase a person’s ability to seek appropriate treatment, and would help professionals know if their treatments are effective. That would be the best outcome for everyone.

quotes-1162No, depression is not a matter of will. Recovery is often a long and painful process, even with appropriate intervention. And, because of the stigma of mental illness, many people go without diagnosis or treatment. Those who are treated are often inadequately treated, or suffer relapse after relapse. Imagine having a broken limb that just won’t heal in spite of efforts to achieve healing with a variety of medical professionals. If you know someone who is suffering with depression, or any other mental health diagnosis, do not assume you know their suffering. Don’t assume they could be happy if they just decided to. Respect them enough to offer the same type of compassion you would offer to someone struggling with diabetes, or heart disease, or any other chronic health condition.

If you are struggling with feelings of sadness, crying for no reason, finding that you have trouble sleeping or that you sleep too much, contact a clinical-depression-testprofessional sooner rather than later. There is help available. Do not suffer needlessly. And please, do not let what people might think of you keep you from getting appropriate care.

Call me at: 831-214-8087 if you would like an appointment.

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It’s February…Love Is In The Air http://cnashmft.com/february-love-air/ http://cnashmft.com/february-love-air/#respond Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:03:42 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=569 It’s February, love is in the air! February in the US is the month of cupid arrows and love songs, with February 14 marking Valentine’s Day. My darling husband calls Valentine’s Day….as well as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Secretary’s Day … Continue reading

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RSAF_Black_Knights_-_Love_is_in_the_airIt’s February, love is in the air! February in the US is the month of cupid arrows and love songs, with February 14 marking Valentine’s Day. My darling husband calls Valentine’s Day….as well as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Secretary’s Day and many more ‘holidays’ Hallmark Holidays. For those of you who live in another part of the world, Hallmark is a gift card manufacturer. True enough, there are many ‘holidays’ that it seems are more about selling things than anything else. But I find the theme of love to be one that is both exhilarating and perplexing.

For people who are happy in their relationships, a holiday to celebrate the love24 Red Roses with Greens in a Vase you share should be a happy occasion. Unfortunately, just being in love doesn’t mean that people have the budget to buy the things that the shops are pushing. So you are deeply in love and you can’t afford a dozen red roses in February for your beloved? Does that mean that your love is less real? You are just beginning to recover from the spending frenzy of Christmas and now the stores are beckoning you to spend spend spend to show your love. Do you love less because you spend less? No, absolutely not. Spending money that you don’t have doesn’t prove your love, it only proves that you are vulnerable to suggestion. Being present for your beloved proves your love. Seeing your loved one through trials and difficulties proves your love. Listening when they need to vent, cry, or announce a victory signals your love. Being patient when they are sick, or sad, or just needing your attention signals your love. Being affectionate every day of the year is a much better way to express your love than buying the right card or gift one day of the year. The truth is, there is nothing you can buy that proves your love. So if your budget is low but your love is big, just say it. Some of my favorite gifts that I’ve ever received from my husband were home-made CD’s that were compilations of love songs that he personally selected because they reminded him of me, or us. And I’ve been known to express my love by cooking a special meal at home. It doesn’t need to be an expensive “date” at a fancy place with a big price tag. Just show your love in little ways all year long, and the special days will take care of themselves.

Happy-Valentines-day-Quotes-Tumblr-6Perhaps you aren’t in love, and the theme of Valentine’s Day leaves you feeling even more aware of your loneliness. You see the ever-present advertisements, you hear the couples planning their Valentine’s Day events, and the whole thing just leaves you feeling alone. Does your lack of a committed relationship mean that you aren’t deserving of cupid’s arrows? Do you feel frustrated more this time of year over your single status? Many people do. If this is you, take time to love yourself. Speak kindly to yourself about the fact that you are single. Love who you are and what you have to offer. Be positive. Notice when you are having negative thoughts, and gently but firmly release them. Replace them with positive thoughts about the reality that you are deserving of love and respect. Use positive affirmations to anchor yourself in a positive frame of mind. Create a vision board of all the things you would like to attract into your life. Focus your attention on what is important to you, in a positive way, and you will find that positive changes are just around the corner. Negative thinking tends to bring more negative events. Use you mind to change your situation. Instead of focusing your energy on your lonely feelings, and thinking about how much you would like to change that, just focus on seeing yourself with your ideal partner. Our thoughts are so powerful. Believe in the power of thinking positively, practice it, and you will see love blooming in your life.

Sometimes love unravels this time of year. If you find yourself in the ending The-greatest-relationship-you-have-from-the-beginning-of-your-life-until-the-end-should-be-with-YOU.phase of a relationship, I hope you know that you are not alone. Relationships end all the time. Just because February is the traditional month of cupid’s arrows and hearts and flowers, it doesn’t mean that relationships that are unraveling magically become happy again. There is no easy time to face the end of a relationship. If you are dealing with endings, please do not allow the fact that other people are happy to increase your unhappiness. Be gentle with yourself. Allow time to grieve. Most of all, know that endings open the door to the possibility of new beginnings. Like the singles mentioned in the previous paragraph, love yourself. Nurture yourself through this month of hearts and flowers. and know that you deserve love and respect, always.

Sodoma_-_Cupid_in_a_Landscape_-_WGA21548Love is in the air all the time. February is just the month when we play with cupid. Resolve to express your love, for yourself and others, every day. Be positive whether or not you can afford a luxurious splurge this month. Know that love isn’t about a card, a gift, or a fancy meal. Love is about presence, the gift of your time and attention, which are more priceless than a dozen roses in February.

If you need help learning how to love yourself, or if you need any other help with relationships, call me at: 831-214-8087. I’d be happy to schedule you for an office visit.

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What Would You Do If You Had Millions of Dollars? http://cnashmft.com/millions-dollars/ http://cnashmft.com/millions-dollars/#respond Sat, 24 Jan 2015 01:24:16 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=556 What would I do if I had millions of dollars? I saw a post on Facebook this morning about this very question, and it inspired me to answer that question for myself. If I had millions of dollars at my … Continue reading

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18s3nlek301j3jpgWhat would I do if I had millions of dollars? I saw a post on Facebook this morning about this very question, and it inspired me to answer that question for myself. If I had millions of dollars at my disposal, how would my life be different?

1. I would continue to work doing what I love. My therapy practice allows meimages (17) the opportunity to help others be more happy, healthy, and successful. I would continue to do this work, because I am passionate about what I do.  I do it because I believe in what I’m doing and I like watching people blossom into newer, more genuine versions of themselves. I might look for an opportunity to work in a larger office, or maybe invest some money in owning my own professional building. I know that I would continue to work as a therapist though, because it is this work that brings me joy.

edbf77333037a97173459a346fe6c71b2. I would pay for and take time to attend some classes that have to do with my therapy work. I just received an email for a wonderful class yesterday, that I would love to attend, but it is cost prohibitive. If money was not an issue, I would go, and I would apply what I learned to my therapy practice, and would help more people more quickly.

3. I would pay off our debt, and fix up our house. We would not relocate to a more posh neighborhood. My husband and I Aiiki-6636-Hydrofeelhave discussed this many times. We both enjoy living where we live, in a small town, in a comfortable home. We would enjoy our home more if we had the money for the considerable repairs and maintenance tasks it needs currently. I have a vision for what our home would look like if we could do everything we would like to do. If we had millions of dollars, we would have the best version of our current home. But we would stay where we are, because we are at home there.

Great_Blue_Hole4. I would invest some of the money in an account that is for travel. We would travel to far off and not so far places, and enjoy the adventure of getting to know this incredible planet we live on. I love traveling to foreign countries, because seeing how other nations manage issues like health care, traffic congestion, infrastructure, and community issues helps me to think more globally.  Travel helps me to understand that we are all citizens of this incredible planet called earth, and we all are accountable for how we use and abuse our home. We would check things off of our bucket list together, and become richer for the money we’d spent.

5. I would contribute to charities that I appreciate and believe in. In the small town of Hollister, there is a shelter for victims of domestic violence, called 8689374590_8a6191e983_bEmmaus House. I would like to be a benefactor for their work with victims of violence. I also would continue to contribute to Women for Women International. This organization helps women from war-torn regions of the world to learn skills that allow them to care for their families. I might create a scholarship fund for deserving but financially struggling middle class students. I know I’d want to help as many people pull themselves up from despair as possible. In many ways, money is only of value to me when I can use it to help others.  That seems to be a theme here, doesn’t it?

If you had millions of dollars, what would you do? Would you be any happier than you are now?

If you need help finding your path to happiness, give me a call: 831-214-8087. I will passionately and patiently help you find your way.

 

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Gifts of The New Year http://cnashmft.com/gifts-new-year/ http://cnashmft.com/gifts-new-year/#respond Tue, 13 Jan 2015 00:22:09 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=547 Today I am keenly aware of the many gifts that make my life so rich. December is a month to focus on gift giving, and sharing our abundance with others. January is sometimes a bit of a let down after … Continue reading

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california-70053_640Today I am keenly aware of the many gifts that make my life so rich. December is a month to focus on gift giving, and sharing our abundance with others. January is sometimes a bit of a let down after the rush of the Christmas season. But January has many gifts to offer. Today, it’s a beautiful day in California. This time of year we often have cool nights and bright, sunny days. It was cool last night, cool enough to have the heater on and to cuddle up under some warm blankets. But today has been a beautiful day, sunny, mid 60’s, and the beauty of the day has inspired me to write about the gifts January has blessed me with.

Yesterday I picked about five pounds of lemons off my lemon tree. I love meyer-lemon-pudding-cakehaving organically grown produce right in my yard. The lemons are sweet Meyer lemons, and they are lovely as an accent to foods. I enjoy having some lemon juice squeezed into a glass of water first thing in the morning…it wakes me up, hydrates me, and refreshes me all at once. I will enjoy my lemons while they are here, and will share them with friends. The earth has given me the gift of lemons. Another gift is my rose garden. My roses usually stop blooming in November or December. I was sure mine were finished for the winter when we had a few frosty nights back in December. But my roses have continued to bud and blossom, giving me the most delightful surprises when I wander outside every morning.

images (16)Over the weekend, I was being a bit clumsy, and I fell over the dog gate we have separating our living room from our family room. I fell hard and awkwardly. My husband rushed to my side, worried I had seriously injured myself. I was badly shaken up, and a little bit bruised, but otherwise unharmed. The gift of mobility and strength is a gift that I’m aware of this January. What a blessing it is to be able to be mobile! When I think about how a broken limb would have slowed me down, I am joyful over the gift of my bones being intact and my ability to move being intact.

In a few days, my youngest “child” will turn 32. As I was contemplating that 2213147999_70aa16f47athis morning, I got tearful. I was remembering the day she was born as if it had been yesterday. I remembered holding my sweet second baby in my arms, looking into her eyes for the first time, and falling deeply in love. I pondered how time has passed so quickly, and yet a part of me will always be that young Mother, gazing into her newborn’s face. I became aware of the beauty of time, and grateful for the ability to “time travel” in my own memories. We are often so busy that we don’t take time to reminisce. Today I did, and it was a huge blessing.

download (12)This weekend my husband and I invested time in our relationship. We slowed down, gave each other our attention, and enjoyed each other’s company. This isn’t an unusual event for us, but since I’m talking about the gifts of January, the gift of presence is one that I must mention. If you have someone who you love in your life, be present when you are with them. Listen to them. Connect with your loved ones, and give yourself and them the gift of your presence.

Wherever you live, no matter what the weather offers you this time of year, I hope that you can take time to notice the gifts that January brings your way.

If you are struggling to recognize your gifts because of depression or anxiety or negative thinking, call me and I’ll be happy to help you change your focus: 831-214-8087.

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How To Set Goals Effectively http://cnashmft.com/set-goals-effectively/ http://cnashmft.com/set-goals-effectively/#respond Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:20:55 +0000 http://cnashmft.com/?p=537 January is a traditional time for goal setting. But many people set goals, then quickly forget about them when they realize that they have set unrealistic goals. So, how does a person set realistic goals? The first step is to … Continue reading

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GoalsJanuary is a traditional time for goal setting. But many people set goals, then quickly forget about them when they realize that they have set unrealistic goals. So, how does a person set realistic goals? The first step is to assess your personal motivation to make change. If you are setting a goal based on someone you know pressuring you to make a change that you aren’t fully invested in….this is a setup for disaster. If you are setting a health goal that you would love to achieve but you’ve failed at this particular goal in the past…and you haven’t learned any new skills….also a setup for disaster. So, how do we set goals that are achievable?

First, think about how anyone makes changes. We don’t just tackle the 14127920274_da6d8d820f_bimpossible without a set of tools and magically succeed. If you have lived your life up until now with a pattern of yo-yo dieting, for example, don’t make a promise that this is the diet to end all diets…this time you will stick with it and get and keep your excess weight off! Nope. It won’t work. The diet industry makes millions off the fact that people usually fail at dieting. Don’t spend money foolishly on diets that set you up for failure. Simply commit to making small changes that you feel ready to handle. Make healthier food choices. Decrease portion sizes. Eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods. Pick one of these suggestions and do it well for one month. Then add one more change. Build on the success you have achieved, but don’t ever resort to overly restrictive fad diets. They just set you up to fail, and then you are back on the end of the yo-yo string.

victory-147962_640Perhaps you’ve resolved to be more active. If you have a history of being sedentary, don’t plan to suddenly be the star of the gymnasium. Take it slow. Just start where you are, and add 5-10 minutes of vigorous activity per day, to start. A brisk walk is a good way to add activity to your routine. You don’t need to invest in a gym membership or expensive workout equipment when you are just starting. When you find that you are doing your 5-10 minutes of vigorous activity and not dreading it, add in longer episodes of activity. Do things that bring you joy, so that you don’t get bored too easily. And always take time to congratulate yourself on the positive changes you’ve made. Do not expect instant changes in your physique. You didn’t get out of shape over night, and you will not become fit over night, either.

Think about the things you want to change in yourself with a loving heart. LoveLightsMoreFiresThanHateExtinguishesByEllaWheelerWilcoxInJackKerouacAlleyMany people attack change with anger and self-hatred. This is also a recipe for disaster. Nothing good comes out of self-hatred. If you think you can scold yourself into making permanent, positive changes, you will only provoke an attitude of rebellion. No one likes to be bullied, even when we are the one doing the bullying. So approach the changes you would like to make with a loving heart, with forgiveness for past mistakes, and with an attitude of cheerful expectancy. Have gratitude for the ability to make healthier choices. Have gratitude of the ways your body responds to even the smallest changes. Be kind to yourself. If you are unkind to yourself, you will attract negativity  and failure into your life. If you can’t seem to figure out how to be kind to yourself, you may need to utilize a professional to help you process and let go of some of your negative feelings.

If you would like my help with setting realistic, achievable, kind and loving goals, call me at: 831-214-8087. I would be happy to help you learn to take a more kind and loving approach with yourself.

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