tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-772456223627455112024-03-13T10:18:25.277-04:00Lifechanging CounselingAre you overwhelmed or stressed? Do you need to work on setting priorities or finding peace and purpose? As a Christian counselor, I can help you make positive life changes, find life purpose, develop goals, vision, and priorities. To schedule an appointment for counseling in Manassas, VA, please email info@lifechanginggrowth.com or visit www.lifechanginggrowth.com.Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-7389742971929985942011-10-17T14:25:00.003-04:002011-10-17T14:28:31.388-04:00Good vs. Evil: A Challenge of Self-Exploration; Book Review of “The Devil and Miss Prym”<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> 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{mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style=""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The act of doing something ‘good’ can be defined as something virtuous, kind, sincere, courageous, quality, nice, or beneficial.<span style=""> </span>This can be agreed upon by our collective society, as well as Webster’s dictionary.<span style=""> </span>Why do people do good deeds?<span style=""> </span>Is it simply out of the sheer goodness of their hearts?<span style=""> </span>Is it because society tells us to ‘do the right thing’?<span style=""> </span>Or, do people do good things to avoid being labeled as the disrespected alternative: bad.<span style=""> </span>Paulo Coelho, author of the international best seller “The Alchemist” searches deep within the human soul to define ‘goodness’ down to its bare root.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>In “The Devil and Miss Prym”, Coelho introduces a shady character (“The Stranger”) who enters into a small town to stir up trouble.<span style=""> </span>The character, haunted by the terrible grief of his past, losing his family to the hands of terrorists, is determined to see if there truly is ever such a thing as pure goodness, or do people simply perform good deeds to avoid the evil that resides within every human soul.<span style=""> </span>Old Berta, a widow who passes her days watching the small village, stays quiet and removed from the town.<span style=""> </span>She has the ability to see ghosts, which is why many people accuse her of being a witch.<span style=""> </span>As Old Berta is gazing over the village one day, she sees a man approaching the town.<span style=""> </span>This man, The Stranger, is not travelling alone.<span style=""> </span>Unbeknownst to him, he has another thing accompanying him that only Old Berta can see: the devil.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>As the readers journey through the book, they also meet Miss Prym, a young woman who is bored with the little village, and has been looking for her ticket out of there!<span style=""> </span>The Stranger shows Miss Prym 11 gold bars, and tells her that they will be given to the village if they kill someone.<span style=""> </span>Conflicted with this situation, Miss Prym eventually tells the village people about the gold bars.<span style=""> </span>In fear of being killed themselves, the village people come to a mutual agreement that Old Berta will be the one to be killed, since she is already old and widowed, and not much use to the village anymore.<span style=""> </span>As the people gather around a sedated Old Berta to shoot her, Miss Prym steps in and decides that there is no justified reason for killing her, and that all humans have a choice and set of control over all their own actions.<span style=""> </span>The Stranger has been shown that there may still be goodness in the world after all.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>This book is a wonderful wake-up call for anyone in need of more self-exploration.<span style=""> </span>Why do we do the things we do?<span style=""> </span>Are we happy with who we are and the decisions we make on a daily basis?<span style=""> </span>Where do we see ourselves headed over the next few years with the decisions we continue to make in the present?<span style=""> </span>For every action someone makes, there is a consequence (which could be good or bad).<span style=""> </span>One way to gain intrapersonal skills is to examine the mind and heart.<span style=""> </span>Does one think one thing and then do another?<span style=""> </span>If so, the body is out of tune, and there should be something done to bring the mind and spirit back to its homeostasis.<span style=""> </span>Without this inner balance, there is conflict, turmoil, guilt, confusion, sadness, anger, mistakes made, and consequences to be paid.<span style=""> </span>I encourage you to read this book if you find yourself at a difficult point in your life.<span style=""> </span>The key to happiness is having balance and a healthy control over your decisions and emotions.<span style=""> </span>I challenge you to strip down the definitions of good and evil.<span style=""> </span>Then ask yourself why you think, so, say, and feel the things you do.<span style=""> </span>If you do not have the answer, begin to seek.<span style=""> </span>This will bring great peace and harmony into your life and may also help you to understand others as well!<span style=""> </span>After all, if we do not understand ourselves and one another, then who will?<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Good luck on your personal journey!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">-Jackie</p>Jackie Kelly, Marketing Assistant, Lifechanging Counselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364041021464077306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-4634594796012505212011-10-11T11:50:00.009-04:002011-10-11T12:02:00.805-04:00Self-Image: A Battle You Can OvercomeI'm currently taking a class in Psychology and we are doing a report on anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. I figured this would be a perfect topic to discuss here in the blog because so many people, both males and females, struggle with self-image issues every year. To some, the challenges of perfecting the "ideal body image" is so tense that it costs some people their lives. I found a perfect example on YouTube from the Dove commercial (many of you probably remember this commercial) to show people, especially the young adolescents, why reading Cosmopolitan should not tell you what you are supposed to look like. Those women are so done-up and digitally enhanced that the outcome is almost alien to what the person actually looks like in real-life. Take a look at this Dove commercial, and then tell yourself that you are beautiful, you are REAL, and you are YOU, which noone else in the world can be. That is something beautiful.<br /><br />Below is the website to view the Dove commercial.<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8UJackie Kelly, Marketing Assistant, Lifechanging Counselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364041021464077306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-49691995227095694532011-10-09T23:15:00.002-04:002011-10-09T23:24:19.389-04:00Live Life with No RegretsAre you living your life with no regrets? Enjoying every moment and valuing each day as a blessing? With the 9-11 anniversary less than a month ago, and hearing sad stories of death, loss, struggle, illness, I have been thinking about choosing life with no regrets.<br /><br />We don't know what tomorrow will bring. There are no guarantees. Live each day as if it were your last. Do the things you want to do. Say the things you need to say. Spend time with those you love. Set goals and accomplish them. Don't wait for tomorrow - live today with no regrets!Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-901918316265053482011-10-07T12:49:00.002-04:002011-10-07T12:52:38.909-04:00Take Control of Your Time!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> 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locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Do you ever find yourself asking, “If I had two more hours today, I could finish everything I wanted to get done!”?<span style=""> </span>After working, school, chores, sporting/club events, etc, the clock says “bedtime” and those extra activities you wanted to get to today will just have to be pushed back (again) to tomorrow…hopefully tomorrow.<span style=""> </span>There is never enough time in the day!<span style=""> </span>I have a brilliant quote that I want you to let soak into your head: “you <i style="">always </i>have time for what <b style="">you </b>make time for”.<span style=""> </span>There is a reason you are so busy that you do not have a free moment; that reason is simply you!<span style=""> </span>Whatever you are engaged in currently, did you choose to do that?<span style=""> </span>In America, we have the freedom to choose <i style="">whatever </i>we want to do!<span style=""> </span>We can choose if we want to become an executive and push 60-hour weeks, or we can choose a career path with minimal demands.<span style=""> </span>We can choose to take more classes and stay up all night studying, or we can choose to skip happy hour and replace it with an earlier study time.<span style=""> </span>Marriage and children are also a choice, and you should love them all for what they are worth to your life, even if things may get a little chaotic in the house from time to time.<span style=""> </span>American is <u>so very lucky </u>to be able to participate in these freedoms.<span style=""> </span>I encourage you to seriously take note of the power you can hold over ‘time’.<span style=""> </span>Let me reiterate my earlier quote and emphasize the fact that you can personally <i style="">control </i>your time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Now that you understand this concept (and you are leaping up and down with joy that you just took back your life), how can we get to where we want to be?<span style=""> </span>Here are a few options:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Create a reasonable list of things that you want to accomplish on that particular day, and then review your schedule to see when you can designate time in your day to actually <i style="">do </i>those tasks.<span style=""> </span>This works especially for visual learners, because they can clearly see when they will have time on their daily calendar to complete all the things on the to-do list.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Cut out an activity/job/etc. that you do not <u>need </u>to do and replace that time you had with something valuable, such as spending time relaxing with your spouse and/or children, or working on fixing that darn sink that has needed repair!</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Wake up a half hour earlier than you normally would, and use that time to do whatever you wish to get accomplished (i.e. jogging, reading, watching TV, catching up on some laundry, etc).</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Eat healthy and drink plenty of water.<span style=""> </span>While this may not necessarily help you to take control of your time, a healthy diet <i style="">can </i>help you to feel at your best and thus enjoy what you are doing with your time!</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Find an accountability buddy.<span style=""> </span>No matter what you wish to have more time to do, there is more-than-likely someone else out there who wants to do that too, or who may be intrigued by your idea.<span style=""> </span>Having a friend to complete your activity with will push you harder to make time to do that activity and you will know that you have someone else who is <i style="">counting on you </i>to do that activity with them!<span style=""> </span>This will give you more of an incentive to follow-through.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>If after reading all of these suggestions and you are still thinking that you still have just too many commitments to attend to, see if you can ask a friend or family member to help you with one of your activities.<span style=""> </span>This could be something as simple as asking a relative to pick up the children from school, which could give you those extra minutes to go on a jog, clean the house, mow the lawn, or go to the grocery store.<span style=""> </span>Also, if you can afford it, check into hiring a professional!</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in;">If you implement these suggestions into your daily lifestyle, you will see changes, and you will be a much happier and relaxed being.<span style=""> </span>Just remember, you always have time for what you make time for!</p>Jackie Kelly, Marketing Assistant, Lifechanging Counselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364041021464077306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-74865587630839390232011-08-22T23:59:00.005-04:002011-08-23T00:02:12.209-04:00Adjusting to Change<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> 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mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <div style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 1pt 4pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; border: medium none; padding: 0in;"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style=""></span></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Autumn is a season for many changes.<span style=""> </span>Students are going back to school, teachers are going back to work, and everyone is starting to hang up the summer beach towels and preparing for the fall’s new <b style=""><i style="">schedule.<span style=""> </span></i></b>If you are like many Americans, the word ‘schedule’ sounds like it is suffocating you from the easy-going, free-spirited summer lifestyle you just enjoyed.<span style=""> </span>Sure you enjoy a little bit of a guideline to life, but how can you get pleasantly acquainted with this change you need to adjust to?<span style=""> </span>Lifechanging Counseling has 5 simple tips to help you enjoy harmonizing with your new schedule. </span></p> </div> <div style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 1pt 4pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; border: medium none; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style=""> </span><u>Get a good night’s sleep</u>.<span style=""> </span>Sleeping the recommended 7-9 hours has many positive effects on the mind and body including boosting positive mood, energy to get through the day, and the ability to focus.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; border: medium none; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Eat breakfast</span></u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">.<span style=""> </span>Fact: Breakfast is the <i style="">most important </i>meal of the day.<span style=""> </span>Eating breakfast within the first hour after waking kick-starts the body’s metabolism, helping it to work faster throughout the day.<span style=""> </span>Eating breakfast will help you focus on your morning tasks, not on your moaning stomach.<span style=""> </span>Did you know that eating an apple for breakfast actually gives you more sustaining energy than a cup of coffee?<span style=""> </span>The natural sugars in an apple give your body the pick-me-up without the crash.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; border: medium none; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Think positive</span></u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">!<span style=""> </span>Robert Merton came up with the first psychological definition of self-fulfilling prophecy.<span style=""> </span>He said that <span style="color: black;">a false definition of a situation may convince a person to act in that preconceived behavior, which can make the original false idea come true.<span style=""> </span>So, approach your new adjustment challenge (whether it be school, work, or just back from vacation) with a smile.<span style=""> </span>Tell yourself that today is going to be a great day, and list your reasons why.<span style=""> </span>You may be surprised how the people around you begin to notice the positive energy you give-off.<span style=""> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; border: medium none; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; color: black;">Exercise</span></u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; color: black;">.<span style=""> </span>Make time for a 30-minute walk with friends or family.<span style=""> </span>You will gain quality social opportunities, and the endorphins (the “feel-good” compounds in the brain) trigger a positive feeling in the body.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; border: medium none; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; color: black;">Prepare</span></u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; color: black;">.<span style=""> </span>Get everything you need for tomorrow (such as your lunch) prepared the night before.<span style=""> </span>Doing this will help you to not feel bombarded with tasks first thing in the morning.<span style=""> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></p> </div> <div style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 1pt 4pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; border: medium none; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; color: black;">These five simple steps can help you adjust to your new fall schedule with ease and delight!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></p> </div> Jackie Kelly, Marketing Assistant, Lifechanging Counselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364041021464077306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-72180222928894904922011-08-21T13:20:00.000-04:002011-08-21T13:21:29.661-04:00Is There a Risk of Autism in Siblings?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> 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mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>In the past couple years, there have been many proposals thrown to the public on autism and its onset.<span style=""> </span>Some say it is a result of a child vaccine, others say it was the pregnant mother’s diet, and even more say it is a result of taking anti-depressants during pregnancy.<span style=""> </span>While none of these have been dismissed yet, one thing has recently been shown to be true: if one child is diagnosed with autism, it <b style=""><i style="">is</i></b><i style=""> </i>likely that a future brother or sister will be autistic as well.<span style=""> </span>The largest study yet on children with an autistic sibling found that the average risk of a brother/sister also being diagnosed with autism was almost 19 percent.<span style=""> </span>Children who had <i style="">more than </i>one sibling with autism had an even higher risk of being autistic: a significant 32 percent.<span style=""> </span>Even though these results highlight genetics as a determining factor for autism likelihood, they still offer hints at environmental factors that could also explain autism in siblings, such as influences in the womb.<span style=""> </span>If you are concerned about your child/children possibly being autistic, talk to the school counselor, or teacher.<span style=""> </span>A key factor is catching this as early as possible.<span style=""> </span>Research has found that if a parent detects the early signs of autism (i.e. abnormally large head circumference, missing crucial language development milestones, or lacking basic communication skills), there can be great benefits from taking advantage of therapies as soon as possible, which can help treat some of autism’s symptoms.<span style=""> </span></p> Jackie Kelly, Marketing Assistant, Lifechanging Counselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364041021464077306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-84225064890819548232011-08-20T11:07:00.002-04:002011-08-20T11:27:59.852-04:00"The Help" Yesterday at about 3pm, I was sitting at my computer, ready to post my blog about the highly-acclaimed novel-turned movie <i>The Help. </i>For some reason, though, something told me it still was not quite finished. So here is my "new and improved" message to you, part two.<div> Last weekend, I saw <i>The Help </i>with my family. There seemed to be a unanimous sense of approval coming from the audience; the movie was "up to par" at exemplifying the early '60s in the South. However, after reading another author's take on the movie, my perception of the film's wide-spread acceptance was nothing more than a complete delusion. Instead of applauding author Kathryn Stockett for a job well-done at writing the women of The Help's true stories, some African American women were unappreciative and somewhat resentful by the fact that a "white woman told a black woman's story". Was the story not told, nonetheless? I was baffled by the reactions I was reading! One woman wrote that a white woman could never know what the African American women experienced. </div><div> Kathryn Stockett's primary purpose for compiling these true stories of The Help into a book was not to cause an uproar against the white race, nor was it written to promote a handicap for African Americans. Stockett wanted her listeners to relive these historical and heart-wrenching events to soak up the lessons of courage and liberation! Rather than waste time and effort arguing at <b>who</b> wrote this inspirational story, let's come together and look at how far Americans have pushed and fought to get where we are today from just 50 years ago. One woman beautifully wrote: "If we look seriously at what is happening in America today, there is a need for that knowledge. There is a need for that connection. There is a need for seeing the spirit and determination of those people." This was said by an African-American woman whose husband was gunned-down on his front lawn in Jackson, Miss. in 1963. It is a precious gift to live in today's America, where men <i>and women </i>can vote; people of <i>all races </i>can attend the same schools and universities; mothers can also be working professionals; fathers can shamelessly be stay-at-home dads; and people of all religions are free to practice their choice of spirituality. Let us not forget who we are as a society now. To have history is to have a road map for the future. I encourage you to listen to the morals of the story from <i>The Help </i>and take them it for what they are really worth. We each have one life to live. Live yours, love yours, and let others do the same.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>If you feel that you or someone you know may be struggling with a social or a personal battle, Lifechanging Counseling would love to help be that extra guide. Give us a call today or visit our website! Also, be sure to sign up to receive your free book, written by Ms. Jama Thurman, LPC herself!
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<br /></div></div>Jackie Kelly, Marketing Assistant, Lifechanging Counselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364041021464077306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-34969140939340162482011-08-05T00:11:00.000-04:002011-08-05T00:12:04.786-04:00Eat, Pray, Love: A Book Review<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> 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mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style=""> </span>Have you ever found yourself at a point in your life where you felt more trapped than a feral lion at the zoo?<span style=""> </span>Nothing brings you the happiness that it used to.<span style=""> </span>Many of your close relationships with friends and family have drifted farther and farther away from your heart.<span style=""> </span>Where is your out?<span style=""> </span>You have responsibilities to take ownership of: finances, maybe a spouse and/or children, your career, spirituality, etc.<span style=""> </span>Another </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">huge </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">responsibility many Americans forget to take ownership of is THEMSELVES!<span style=""> </span>I would like to invite you on a journey through author of <i style="">Eat, Pray, Love</i> Elizabeth Gilbert’s life as she transformed her life from a depressed, trapped housewife to a culturally rich and recharged spiritual guru.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style=""> </span>As readers of <i style="">Eat, Pray, Love</i> are first introduced to Liz, she is a sad Manhattan woman, trapped in her recent marriage, literally crying on the bathroom floor night after night, weeping over the circumstances life has currently abandoned her with.<span style=""> </span>At this point in time, Liz does not know God, nor does she really even know herself.<span style=""> </span>Finally, after another night of ritualistic sobbing in the bathroom, Liz decides to try something she has never done before.<span style=""> </span>Pray.<span style=""> </span>After that night of releasing many confessions, pleads, and tears, Liz writes a dramatic new schedule for the next year of her life.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style=""> </span>To some, dropping a lifestyle one has spent his/her entire life to make can be nothing less than utterly terrifying.<span style=""> </span>To Liz, it was the perfect prescription.<span style=""> </span>In a matter of days, Liz filed for a divorce, told her job she was leaving (to return with a promised novel about her adventures), and rented a new apartment where she would begin living in Italy.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Eat, Pray, Love</i> takes the reader through three different experiences in three very different countries: Italy, India, and Indonesia.<span style=""> </span>I will not spoil the entire book for you, but I will tell you that the difficult and heart-wrenching situations Liz triumphs over in the next 365 days will warm your heart.<span style=""> </span>For many, it will hit a spot close to home.<span style=""> </span>This book personally taught me how to be brave and take ownership of my life.<span style=""> </span>I laughed; I cried; and I carried the book with me everywhere I went, just in case I had any chance to pick it back up and continue to prevail through my own challenging life vicariously through Liz’s story.<span style=""> </span>Ms. Elizabeth Gilbert brilliantly hits a nerve her American audience sometimes desperately needs to feel.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style=""> </span>If you are looking for some personal and professional words of encouragement without having to spill the beans to another individual, I strongly encourage you to take a wild chance on this book.<span style=""> </span>The stories of soul-searching by stepping out of one’s comfort zone reflect that of <i style="">Man’s Search for Meaning</i> with a twist of <i style="">The Stranger</i>’s existentialism.<span style=""> </span>Feel your soul rejuvenate as you eat, pray, and fall in love with Liz Gilbert.</span></p>Jackie Kelly, Marketing Assistant, Lifechanging Counselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364041021464077306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-36393583388101804992011-08-03T21:50:00.002-04:002011-08-03T21:51:06.978-04:00The Big Move-In Day! 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mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"><span style=""> </span>If you are like the thousands of students across America beginning their journey as a college student, there are a few things you will not want to forget to pack!<span style=""> </span>Many do not realize the importance of tools.<span style=""> </span>As a young adult not too far out from college, I cannot tell you how many times I needed a screwdriver!<span style=""> </span>Things may unexpectedly break or get a little loose, and you may need a quick fix to tighten your desk drawer or a screw in your chair.<span style=""> </span>Another handy tool to have is a flashlight.<span style=""> </span>The weather is unpredictable, and so can be the power lining, so it may be helpful to have a flashlight if the power ever goes out, or even if you may have a dark corner you need to look at to find where you dropped last night’s M&M’s between the bed.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"><span style=""> </span>Another useful tool to have on-hand is a set of jumper cables.<span style=""> </span>If you are feeling ambitious, learn how to use these cables before you go to college too!<span style=""> </span>Again, the unexpected happens, and you want to be prepared to take care of yourself.<span style=""> </span>First aid kits can also be extremely helpful to store in the trunk of the car for those occasional bumps and bruises.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"><span style=""> </span>The freshman dorms are probably one of the most anticipated and decorated places student will live in.<span style=""> </span>For many, it is the primal opportunity for a room makeover.<span style=""> </span>So, if you have a little extra to spend, go ahead and splurge on some fun posters, curtains, picture frames, or new bed sheets.<span style=""> </span>One fun gift I was given after my high school graduation was a box of stationary, complete with a book of stamps, return address labels, and envelopes.<span style=""> </span>I never thought I would write as much mail as I did throughout my four years of college.<span style=""> </span>Mail is fun!<span style=""> </span>Scheduling can be difficult with classes, campus clubs, part-time jobs, social life, etc., so mailing can help parents and students keep in touch if phone time cannot be fitted into a regular schedule.<span style=""> </span>Planners/calendars are also a smart idea to bring to college.<span style=""> </span>They help students keep track of assignments, log future exam dates, and even remember special peoples’ birthdays.<span style=""> </span>They are also fun to look back at later and remember all of the great things you were a part of in college.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"><span style=""> </span>The last and most important thing to remember to bring to college is your own unique YOU!<span style=""> </span>Moving away from home and adapting to a new and foreign lifestyle can be incredibly horrifying, yet extremely exciting at the same time.<span style=""> </span>It is normal to experience a whirlwind of emotions the first few weeks or even months before and during freshman year.<span style=""> </span>Freshmen are going to come from all parts of the country, with various backgrounds.<span style=""> </span>Some will be bilingual, some will be the first of their family to enter a university, and some may be an avid athlete, scholar, or musician.<span style=""> </span>The best part of college is that everyone is different, but are coming together to learn and excel.<span style=""> </span>Bring what you have to offer, and be proud that YOU are going to a school where there will be an abundance of resources to help you excel in any way you desire.<span style=""> </span>Just remember to seek, and you shall receive. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></p>Jackie Kelly, Marketing Assistant, Lifechanging Counselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364041021464077306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-43968878162049624942011-07-11T13:57:00.005-04:002011-07-11T14:01:43.378-04:00Foods that BOOST your Mood! 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mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Be HAPPY with what you eat this summer!<span style=""> </span>No…literally…you will be happy after eating any of these foods!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Did you know that eating certain foods can actually make us feel happier?<span style=""> </span>Dark chocolate is a well-known advocate for boosting positive mood.<span style=""> </span>The ingredients in chocolate contain tryptophan, which acts like serotonin, a hormone that plays as a chemical messenger in the brain.<span style=""> </span>Many refer to serotonin as the natural “feel-good” element because of the way they experience a positive mood boost when their serotonin levels are elevated.<span style=""> </span>This is why many anti-depressant medications work to increase serotonin levels when they are considered too low.<span style=""> </span>When people consume chocolate, their brain turns the tryptophan into serotonin, thus creating a sense of relaxation and elevation in mood.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Another great mood-boosting food is the sweet potato.<span style=""> </span>Sweet potatoes are high in low-fat carbohydrates.<span style=""> </span>Just like the tryptophan in chocolate, low-fat carbohydrates allow serotonin to be produced in the brain.<span style=""> </span>Other foods high in low-fat carbohydrates (and happiness) include pastas, breads, peas, beans, whole grains, and other starches.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Are you a fan of spicy foods?<span style=""> </span>Chili peppers and other hot sauces have been found to lift your mood as well.<span style=""> </span>In addition to the increased serotonin levels, chili peppers also boost the level of endorphins, a neurotransmitter chemical, in the brain.<span style=""> </span>Endorphins function like that of the drug morphine on the brain because they dull the brain’s perception of pain, thus causing a feeling of well-being.<span style=""> </span>So not only will your taste buds be happy with what you are eating, but <i style="">you</i> will be too!<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Eating certain types of foods, as mentioned above, can serve many health benefits.<span style=""> </span>They can provide nourishment to our bodies, flavor to our taste buds, and can help boost our moods to a more euphoric state!<span style=""> </span>So next time you are at the grocery store, what will you buy?<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></p>Jackie Kelly, Marketing Assistant, Lifechanging Counselinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364041021464077306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-52304845542080654902010-09-20T00:47:00.002-04:002010-09-20T00:49:58.163-04:00For Those Who Have Trouble Sleeping - Strategies for Healthy SleepSleep Your Way to a Happier, Healthier, Skinnier You!<br />by Jackie Kelly, Lifechanging Counseling Marketing Assistant<br /><br />In today’s day and age, many Americans think sleep is over-rated. When there are deadlines to be met, parties to attend, and late-night TV shows to catch up on, sleep is simply placed on the bottom of the to-do list. While sleep is seen as a way to re-charge for the next day’s busy schedule, making time for the recommended 7 to 9 hours of Zs can be very beneficial to one’s health. <br /><br />Researchers at the University of Washington found that people who slept a consistent 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night had a trimmer waistline than those who slept less than 7 hours. You read this correctly: sleep can help you be slimmer! Not enough sleep may throw-off hormones in the brain that regulate a person’s appetite. It can change the levels of the hormones that regulate hunger, thus causing an increase in appetite. In addition, higher levels of stress hormones that consequently raise blood pressure have also been associated with lack of sleep. <br /><br />Another common effect of sleep deprivation is getting sick! Ever notice when your children go back to school, they usually get sick after the first few weeks? They are probably getting less sleep than they did over the summer break. When a person does not have enough sleep, the immune system (the Superman of the body) cannot fight-off disease as easily. When Popeye does not get enough spinach, he simply cannot beat the bad guys. So, feed your body with sleep so it can be your personal superhero and fight off the sniffles. <br /><br />Now that you are completely motivated to get more sleep, here are four great ways to do just that:<br /><br />1) Gradually go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night.<br /><br />2) Do not go to bed with the television or computer on—this may distract you from your main focus, which is to fall asleep.<br /><br />3) Put your pajamas on and dim the lights in your house about one hour before you plan to sleep. This will tell you and your body that it is time to settle down for bed.<br /><br />4) Meditate or do light stretching. People who relax in the evening fall asleep 30 minutes sooner than those who do not. <br /><br />So, ladies and gentlemen, break out the pillows and bed sheets and go to sleep already!Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-45090405469283858082010-08-30T00:20:00.001-04:002010-08-30T00:21:34.797-04:0015 Ways to Manage Stress15 Ways to Manage Stress<br /><br />Do you feel like you never have enough time in your day? Are you always feeling stressed? Do you wish you could learn how to relax? According to the American Psychological Association, two thirds of Americans say they are likely to seek medical help for stress. Common signs and symptoms of stress include headaches, body pain, concentration problems, difficulty making decisions, feeling overwhelmed, overreaction, stomachache, anxiety, isolation, fatigue, and weight gain or loss.<br />Stress can also cause physical illnesses in addition to mental and emotional problems. Stress can contribute to hair loss, personality changes, ulcers, muscle spasms, nervous tics, high blood pressure, asthma, stomach problems and skin problems. If you suspect that any of your symptoms may be stress related, please visit your family physician. <br /><br />We all lead very busy lives. Family responsibilities, work demands, time commuting or running errands. But we all have 24 hours in each day. How can we make the most of those 24 hours? What can we do to manage our stress in a healthy way?<br /><br />1. Examine and evaluate your activities. Prioritize them by importance, and consider dropping any that are not bringing you joy or those that are contributing to your stress.<br /><br />2. Take time to play. Unleash your inner child and have fun. Join a sports team, organize a game night, plan time with friends, blow bubbles, read the comics. <br /><br />3. Laugh – watch a funny movie or television show. Laughter is good medicine.<br /><br />4. Take time to rest. Take a 15 minute break during the day and rest. Meditate, pray, or nap. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. <br /><br />5. Make lists. Plan ahead and prioritize your commitments. Cross them off the list when completed.<br /><br />6. Take one step at a time. Make your tasks small and manageable. <br /><br />7. Develop healthy eating habits.<br /><br />8. Exercise daily.<br /><br />9. Practice deep breathing techniques and muscle relaxation. <br /><br />10. Daydream. Visualize yourself in your favorite place.<br /><br />11. Relax. Set aside 15-30 minutes every day for relaxation. Take a bath, pray, take a nap, draw a picture, write in a journal, read a book, talk to a friend, pet your cat or dog.<br /><br />12. Listen to music.<br /><br />13. Draw, paint, or sculpt. Be creative.<br /><br />14. Journal – write down your thoughts, feelings, dreams, hopes.<br /><br />15. Talk to friends.<br /><br />Learning how to properly manage your stress will help you be more relaxed, confident, stronger, and more content. You will have improved concentration, and a greater sense of peace and direction. You will have more energy, and will be able to accomplish more with less.Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-80773055546414257122010-08-11T00:58:00.003-04:002010-08-11T01:00:00.156-04:00Preparing for College – 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Move in DayPreparing for College – 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Move in Day<br /><br />By: Crystal May, Lifechanging Counseling<br /><br />Are you a parent or a new college freshman? You can make your move-in day successful and stress-free with a few simple steps. No one can warn an incoming freshman of the do’s and don’ts of campus life better than an upperclassman who was in his or her shoes not long ago. High school students dream about leaving home, gaining freedom, and having that unforgettable college experience balanced with the perfect combination of making memories with lifelong friends, a little partying and a few classes along the way. Everyone tells you what to expect, but no one tells you how to prepare yourself to be propelled into a totally foreign environment where every decision you make can change your life (for better or for worse). <br /><br />It’s been my experience that move-in day is pivotal to how the rest of your semester will pan out. If you’re a wreck at move-in, your semester will be just as chaotic. Move-in day is also important because you get to meet the people you’ll be living with for the rest of the semester. This can go smoothly or become a complete disaster, depending on how you choose to handle things. When deciding what to bring to school, and on the actual move-in day, it’s important to remember 5 key points:<br /><br />1. Contact the University’s Housing Office AND get in touch with your roommates before moving in so you don’t end up with 4 mini-fridges, 4 full-length mirrors, and no floor lamps or cleaning products. Also find out how much space will be available to you so you can decide before you leave home if the extra futon is really practical. <br /><br />2. Be conscientious of your roommates. Your mom might insist on you bringing your full drum set and X-Box gaming system to keep you busy between classes, but take your roommates into account and ask yourself if you have enough space for all that in your room, and will that be a distraction to them and their studies. You don’t want to be the roommate who is a distraction to the rest of the suite.<br /><br />3. To make the move-in process run more smoothly, take into consideration how far from home you’ll be living. If you live in state and your parents’ house is closer than your roommate’s hometown, don’t bring as much stuff on the first day. You’ll have the opportunity to go home in a few weeks and grab some more stuff if you need it, but your roommate won’t get a chance to go home until the holidays and might need to bring more supplies. If you’re going to school locally, all you really need to bring are your clothes, bedding, school supplies, and toiletries. Anything else can be brought in later. This will cut down on how much time Mom and Dad spend in your room helping you move. The swifter your move, the easier it is for the next person.<br /><br />4. Prepare your parents prior to arrival. Nothing can slow the move-in process down more than Mom crying hysterically and Dad trying desperately to connect your Internet before they get back on the road. You should say your last goodbyes before getting to school, so when move-in day arrives, it won’t be this huge dramatic scene in the parking lot while another family is waiting to unload their kid. Also, Dad should be properly briefed on all electronics before attempting to hook everything up in your room so things don’t get broken or misplaced out of frustration. Lastly, don’t make move-in a family affair. Random relatives and little brothers and sisters only get in the way and slow things down. You should say your goodbyes to them the night before and only those who are pivotal to the move should be in the car heading to campus. They can all come back and see your room and meet your roommates on Family Weekend! <br /><br />5. Finally, bring more necessities than fun ways to past the time. It’s ok to bring your movie collection or some video games to share with your roommates, but don’t bring things that can become a distraction to your roommates or yourself. There are student run organizations on campus for a reason. The more things you bring to play with in your room, the less of campus life you’ll get to experience. <br /><br />College is supposed to be a fun new experience for the next four years of your life. You can’t enjoy anything new if you bring everything from home with you. This not only includes material items, but also old attitudes, close-minded ideals and overall baggage that will keep you from enjoying anything different that you come up against. You can be whomever you want when you get to school, and move-in day is the day to start fresh. Make it worthwhile…<br /><br />Crystal worked as a summer intern for Lifechanging Counseling, a counseling agency providing counseling for teens and adults who are stressed, depressed, and anxious. She can be reached at cmay1130@gmail.com. For more information on Lifechanging Counseling, or to join our mailing list, please visit www.lifechanginggrowth.com.Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-44986093740454731782010-04-23T00:12:00.001-04:002010-04-23T00:15:04.724-04:00April is Stress Awareness MonthApril is Stress Awareness Month - how is your stress level?<br /><br /><a href="http://psychology.about.com/b/2010/04/09/april-is-stress-awareness-month.htm">http://psychology.about.com/b/2010/04/09/april-is-stress-awareness-month.htm<br /></a>Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-57026567812039688462010-01-26T23:57:00.002-05:002010-01-27T00:02:18.862-05:00Blogging again?I was trying to blog every day, but I guess I just don't have enough to say? Or maybe I use up all my words at work and have none left by the end of the day. <br /><br />Actually, I just want to write something interesting, or relevant, and some days (like today) I have nothing interesting or relevant to say. At least, nothing that I want to share with the cyberspace world. <br /><br />So there it is, blogging again (sort of)... <br /><br />Next time, I'll have more to say.Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-83682823035075594242010-01-22T23:56:00.003-05:002010-01-23T00:04:06.575-05:00Where did the day go?Today was one of those days where I was running around all day, helping others and never had a moment to myself. Generally, I don't mind helping others, since that is one of my strengths. But sometimes it is important to stop and smell the roses. To take time for myself. To relax. To chill. Maybe just a few minutes to listen to my iPod, read a book, or surf the internet. Well, it is 11:59pm and I am just now winding down. I have a stack of things to do (read the newspaper, pay bills, do work) but that can wait for tomorrow. I think I'll take a few minutes to read before bed instead. Better late than never - it is now 12:02. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-58125780777581527832010-01-21T23:37:00.002-05:002010-01-21T23:42:21.005-05:00The Value of Blogging?I haven't blogged for quite a while. Almost 2 years. I never really blogged much anyway. I don't feel like writing every day. But I always make time to read my favorite blogs every day. Today I decided to try to write daily in addition to reading the blogs. I want to write so I can stay accountable to learning, growing, and marketing my business. I'll try to impart something of value in my posts - a business or counseling tip I learned, a challenge to myself, or just a funny or interesting story or fact. This is my commitment to myself for 2010. Join me in the journey.Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-37204778759758550002010-01-21T23:17:00.004-05:002010-01-21T23:37:48.178-05:00Money Breakthroughs in CounselingI just finished listening to a call on Money Breakthroughs by Carey at Coach Tools To Go. I often listen to conference calls on business, coaching, or counseling to get ideas for growing my counseling business. As a business owner, I recognize the importance of profit, income, and value for services provided, but as a counselor, it can be hard to charge clients who are struggling with financial difficulty.<br /><br />A few things I learned from tonight's call:<br />1. If I make more money, I can give more money away.<br />2. People value things they pay for. For example - I would take better care of a car that I bought with my hard earned money than a car that I was given to use for free.<br />3. Don't give away too much for free - limit availability, don't go over time. The service will be more valuable to the client and I will be a better counselor if I am not burned out.<br />4. Offer disappearing benefits (time sensitive), limited benefits (number of people), and payment plans to increase value and encourage clients to make a commitment to services they need. We often wait until the last minute before we make a decision. <br />5. Outsource - find college students who will intern for free or low cost in exchange for mentoring. <br /><br />I want to help my clients by offering them a valuable service. They will be more committed to the process if I value it also - by charging what it is worth, giving my best hours to the business, ending sessions on time, offering payment options, and mentoring. These are my money breakthroughs for 2010.Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-40954162467963411892008-03-26T00:48:00.004-04:002008-03-26T00:51:57.385-04:00<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Too Busy?<span style=""> </span>Take Time for Yourself.<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Our lives are busy.<span style=""> </span>We are constantly running here and there, taking care of work, kids, parents, friends, pets, neighbors, etc.<span style=""> </span>But often we forget to take care of ourselves.<span style=""> </span>When that happens we can become stressed or depressed.<span style=""> </span>Learning self-care techniques can help us manage stress and improve our moods.<span style=""> </span>We are all familiar with the our instructions every time we fly in an airplane – “put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.”<span style=""> </span>This is helpful advice that should be applied in all areas of our lives.<span style=""> </span>We need to take care or ourselves first in order to be able to help others.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">“But I don’t want to be selfish – isn’t taking care of myself selfish?”<span style=""> </span>Taking care of ourselves is actually healthy.<span style=""> </span>We need to remember to pay attention to all areas of our lives – our physical health, mental health, spiritual health, financial health, intellectual health, etc.<span style=""> </span>Our bodies, minds, and souls need to be nourished and protected so that we can operate at optimum capacity to serve and help others.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">“I’m too busy to take care of myself – I can’t abandon my responsibilities.<span style=""> </span>How will everything get done?”<span style=""> </span>We all have 24 hours in our days, but there will always be more to do.<span style=""> </span>If we practice self-care we will be more relaxed, able to concentrate, and more efficient, so we will actually be able to accomplish more, not less.<span style=""> </span>Self-care increases our capacity to give and serve.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">How do we take care of ourselves?<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <ol start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Develop healthy eating habits.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Get consistent sleep.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Commit to regular exercise.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Relax.<span style=""> </span>Set aside 15-30 minutes every day for relaxation.<span style=""> </span>Take a bath, pray, take a nap, draw a picture, write in a journal, read a book, talk to a friend, pet your cat or dog.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Breathe deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Listen to music.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">De-clutter your house and your life.<span style=""> </span>Take 15 minutes a day to pick up a room, sort through some papers, or make a goal/priority list.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Laugh as much as possible.<span style=""> </span>Watch a funny movie or television show.<span style=""> </span>Read the comics or a joke book.<span style=""> </span>Listen to a friend tell funny stories.<span style=""> </span>Laughter is good medicine.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Cambria","serif";">What are the benefits of taking care of ourselves?<span style=""> </span>We will be more relaxed, confident, stronger, and more content.<span style=""> </span>We will feel less stressed, have improved concentration, and a greater sense of peace and direction. <span style=""> </span>We will have more energy, and will be able to accomplish more with less.<span style=""> </span>We will also be a great example to others.<span style=""> </span>For more ideas or assistance with self-care and stress management, contact me at jamathurman@lifechanginggrowth.com.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">Permission is granted to reprint this article in your newsletter or magazine as long as the following information is included: "Jama Thurman is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Professional Life Coach working in Manassas, VA, helping adolescents and women who are stressed and depressed find peace and purpose.<span style=""> </span>For more information about counseling and life coaching, please email jamathurman@lifechanginggrowth.com or visit www.lifechanginggrowth.com."</span></span>Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-35490146118506601112008-01-26T23:37:00.000-05:002008-01-26T23:53:00.982-05:00Where Somebody Knows Your NameToday I took my car into the dealer for an oil change. As I walked in, the technician greeted me with a smile and said, "Hello Ms. Thurman, how are you?" Wow - I had not been in to the dealer for over 5 months, and he still remembered my name! He said he is good with names, but what a great feeling that brings, in our crazy busy world, that someone knows and remembers us. When my car was finished, I went to one of my favorite Chinese restaurants, that I haven't been to for a while. I used to be a regular customer, but now am only able to go about every 3-6 months since I no longer work in the area. I walked up to the register and the cashier greeted me and remembered my regular order. Again, it felt good to be acknowledged and validated as an important person.<br /><br />So what is the lesson here? Yes, these people were just doing their jobs, and providing good customer service. But maybe we all need to notice one another, to remember one another. How wonderful to be able to brighten someone's day with a smile and a personal greeting. Who knows if it might just carry them through a difficult time. What if we can give them hope and encouragement when it seems like no one cares?<br /><br />I want to live my daily life and provide excellent "customer service" to everyone I come into contact with. I want to greet each day with a smile and an encouraging word for those who pass my way. I want to be somebody who knows your name. Anyone want to join me?Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-52259179430348024422007-11-04T20:01:00.001-05:002007-11-04T23:18:51.381-05:00Is My Diet Making Me Depressed?<p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Is My Diet Making Me Depressed?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Recently I have been learning more about the connection between food and mood.<span style=""> </span>What we eat, our nutrition, and the right amount of vitamins and minerals in our bodies can help improve our moods.<span style=""> </span>Nutritional deficiencies and food allergies can mimic symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b style=""><u>Common nutritional deficiencies that may cause depression<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">If our bodies are deficient in vitamins and minerals they often exhibit symptoms of depression or anxiety.<span style=""> </span>These include chromium, magnesium, zinc, thiamine, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and iron.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Common symptoms of chromium deficiency include anxiety, fatigue, depression, low self esteem, weight gain and carbohydrate cravings.<span style=""> </span>Chromium can be found in foods such as American cheese, wheat germ, chicken, fish, orange juice, fruits, whole grains, carrots, potatoes, and spinach.<span style=""> </span>It is also helpful to avoid sugar, soda, refined white flour, cereals, spices (black pepper, thyme), mushrooms, brown sugar, coffee, tea, beer, broccoli, romaine lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. <span style=""> </span>See the Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet from the National Institutes of Health for more information: <span style=""></span><a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/chromium.asp">NIH chromium fact sheet</a><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Another mineral that is commonly lacking in our diets is magnesium.<span style=""> </span>Magnesium deficiency is evidenced with symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, excitability, headaches, confusion, apathy, insomnia, and hyperactivity.<span style=""> </span>Magnesium is commonly found in peanuts, almonds, soy flour, bran flakes, whole wheat, raw brown rice, avocado, wheat bran, low fat milk, shrimp, tuna, Brazil nuts, cashews, sesame seeds, walnuts, potatoes, bananas, spinach, broccoli, and collard greens. See the <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium.asp">NIH magnesium fact sheet</a>. <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:10;" ></span> <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:10;" ></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Zinc is also a mineral commonly overlooked in our diets.<span style=""> </span>Apathy, depression, fatigue, irritability, weight loss, and attention deficit are some of the common symptoms.<span style=""> </span>Zinc can be found in pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, soy beans, wheat germ, wheat bran, sesame seeds, cocoa, sunflower seeds, corn, rice, oats, cheese, peas, barley, turkey, almonds, peanuts, wholegrain flours, and brown rice. See the <a href="http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/cc/zinc.html">NIH zinc fact sheet</a>.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>What Can I Do?<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <ul><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Assess your diet and increase intake of fruits and vegetables, lean meat and fish.</li><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Decrease your intake of processed foods, sugars, and fast food.</li><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Assess your stress level – increased stress can affect your body’s absorption of nutrients.</li><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Talk to your doctor, or make an appointment with a Certified Clinical Nutritionist about your diet and whether or not you may have nutritional deficits.<span style=""> </span>They may recommend nutritional supplements.<span style=""> </span>Do not take any nutritional supplements without discussing them with your doctor as they could interact with other medications or be otherwise harmful.</li><li><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Take a multivitamin.<span style=""> </span>Tests the absorption level of your vitamins and supplements in a glass of water.<span style=""> </span>They should dissolve completely within 30 minutes in order for them to be absorbed within our bodies.<span style=""> </span></li></ul>Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-18286378255423756842007-10-23T22:47:00.000-04:002007-10-23T23:21:34.216-04:00Anger Management - What Would Jesus Do?<span style=""><o:p></o:p></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">Is it a Sin to Get Angry?</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Is it wrong to get angry? What does the Bible say about handling anger?<span style=""> </span>There are 243 verses in the Bible that mention anger.<span style=""> </span>Even God was angry many times in the Old Testament:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Numbers 11:1</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Deuteronomy 6:15</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">2 Samuel 24:1</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">2 Kings 21:6</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Isaiah 9:19</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Jeremiah 23:20</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Ezekiel 7:8</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">God was also “slow to anger” (Exodus 34:6, Numbers 14:18, Joel 2:13, Nahum 1:3) and his anger only lasted “for a moment” (Psalm 30:5).<span style=""> </span>God often “holds back his anger” (Psalm 78:38, Isaiah 48:9).<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">Biblical Anger Management</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">But what does this mean for us?<span style=""> </span>How should we handle our anger?<span style=""> </span>The Book of Proverbs contains many messages about anger management.<span style=""> </span>Proverbs 14:29 states, “Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.” (New Living Translation).<span style=""> </span>Proverbs 15:1, in the Message version, reminds us that “A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.”<b><span style=""> </span></b>In the New Living Translation, Proverbs 19:11 says, “People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.”<span style=""><span style=""> </span>In Ephesians 4:26 we are encouraged, </span>"In your anger do not sin: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”</span></p><span style="font-size:10;">Permission is granted to reprint this article in your newsletter or magazine as long as the following information is included: "Jama Thurman is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Professional Life Coach working in Manassas, VA with adolescents and young adults looking for peace and purpose.<span style=""> </span>For more information about counseling and life coaching, please email jamathurman@lifechanginggrowth.com or visit www.lifechanginggrowth.com."</span>Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77245622362745511.post-63845069700672151822007-10-03T00:10:00.000-04:002007-10-23T23:22:54.262-04:00How to Calm Down When You Feel Like Pulling Your Hair Out<div class="Section1"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do I Have an Anger Management Problem?</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Are you easily irritated or often frustrated?<span style=""> </span>Are you often critical of yourself or others?<span style=""> </span>Do you lack patience or have difficulty waiting?<span style=""> </span>Do you feel stressed out or easily discouraged?<span style=""> </span>Can you sometimes be insensitive to the feelings of others? Do you sometimes blame them for your problems?<span style=""> </span>Do you avoid people when you don’t want to talk to them? Are you unwilling to listen to others’ points of view?<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p><br />If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may have difficulty managing your anger.<span style=""> </span>Anger is often expressed in many ways besides yelling, screaming, and physical aggression.<span style=""> </span>Anger management is simply recognizing your feelings of frustration, and learning positive ways of coping with these feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Some people believe that anger is a “negative” emotion, and that healthy people should never get angry.<span style=""> </span>However, anger is a normal human emotion, and everyone has feelings of anger at times.<span style=""> </span>We can choose to handle those feelings in constructive or destructive ways.<span style=""> </span>It is not wrong to feel angry, but sometimes our behavior can be hurtful or destructive.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">I Don't Think About My Anger, I Just Forget About It</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">When you get angry, do you suppress your negative feelings deep inside, refusing to deal with them?<span style=""> </span>Do you bury things “under the rug” and hope they will go away?<span style=""> </span>It is not any healthier to hide these emotions than it is to express them in negative ways.<span style=""> </span>If you live in denial of your anger, you may feel you must “have it all together”, you may be concerned about “bothering” someone, and you may feel sad or stressed.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes you might struggle with physical complaints such as headaches, chest pains, stomach problems or sleep difficulties.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, if you try to suppress your anger, those feelings do not disappear.<span style=""> </span>Often, they grow and grow until one day an explosion occurs.<span style=""> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Sometimes people don’t express their anger openly and may act in passive aggressive ways.<span style=""> </span>They often give others the “silent treatment”, and may sulk and pout, or manipulate others by their behavior.<span style=""> </span>They can be deliberately evasive, or tell others what they want to hear, yet do the opposite.<span style=""> </span>They often complain about people or situations, but rarely address these situations directly.<span style=""> </span>Passive aggressiveness is a form of control, and is not a healthy way of handling conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="bodytext" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="bodytext" style=""><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">I Don't Like Conflict - Can't We All Just Get Along?</span><br /></span></p><p class="bodytext" style=""><span style="">All relationships have conflict.<span style=""> </span>Learning how to communicate openly and honestly is the best way of managing feelings of hurt, frustration, insecurity, and anger.<span style=""> </span>Conflict management is learning how to communicate and respect healthy boundaries.<span style=""> </span>Communication should be clear, honest, and respectful.<span style=""> </span>You should listen to the other person and give them time to respond to your needs and requests.<span style=""> </span>You should learn how and when to say “no” in order to protect yourself.<span style=""> </span>You need to know when to ask for help and be when to be assertive in expressing your emotions.<span style=""> </span>Assertiveness is being firm and calm yet respectful of the needs of others.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:12;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Okay, Maybe I Do Need Some Help With My Anger, What Should I Do?</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">So how should you “manage” your anger?<span style=""> </span>Anger management is simply learning how to manage your negative emotions in positive ways.<span style=""> </span>Some strategies may work for you, while others may not be as helpful.<span style=""> </span>Successful anger management strategies include:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">1.<span style=""> </span>Journaling or writing about feelings<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="color:black;">2.<span style=""> </span>Drawing or artistic expression<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="color:black;">3.<span style=""> </span>Talking to someone safe<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;">4.<span style=""> </span>Exercising<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;">5.<span style=""> </span>Singing, playing an instrument, or listening to music<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;">6.<span style=""> </span>Taking a hot shower or relaxing bath<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;">7.<span style=""> </span>Sleeping<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;">8.<span style=""> </span>Watching TV or movies<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="color:black;">9.<span style=""> </span>Cleaning or organizing<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="color:black;">10.<span style=""> </span>Reading<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;">11.<span style=""> </span>Playing games or puzzles<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:black;">You may find additional strategies helpful.<span style=""> </span>The key is to work through your anger in a positive way.<span style=""> </span>Positive coping strategies should not hurt you, anyone else, or property.<span style=""> </span>Many times these strategies will help de-escalate negative feelings and the feelings may be resolved.<span style=""> </span>Other times the situation may need to be addressed in a positive, calm manner.<o:p> </o:p></span></p><span style="font-size:10;">Permission is granted to reprint this article in your newsletter or magazine as long as the following information is included: "Jama Thurman is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Professional Life Coach working in Manassas, VA with adolescents and young adults looking for peace and purpose.<span style=""> </span>For more information about counseling and life coaching, please email jamathurman@lifechanginggrowth.com or visit www.lifechanginggrowth.com."</span></div>Jama Thurman, Licensed Professional Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926262372618561969noreply@blogger.com1