Reflections

I define self-esteem as follows: our inherent worth is no greater and no less than anyone else’s worth in this world. That means our strengths don’t make us better than anyone, and our weaknesses don’t make us less than anyone else.

For many, the holidays can be a rough time for us to find gratitude, which is why it’s important to practice all year long so that we aren’t overwhelmed with the idea of counting long-forgotten blessings when we’re a few thoughts away from a mini breakdown.

When I think about our brain's capacity to imagine, fantasize, and create; that there are infinite possibilities in any one moment, it leads me to believe that boredom is a surface emotion. It covers something deeper just underneath its surface.

Affirmations are a powerful tool for improving mental health. If you’ve explored the realm of mindfulness, you’re likely familiar with affirmations and their impact on mindset. Skeptics may cast their doubts, but research has shown that affirmations are effective. I’ve seen the power of affirmations firsthand in myself and in my clients.

In my work as a trauma therapist, I know how powerful gratitude can be. There’s something therapeutic about pausing to appreciate the blessings right in front of us. Gratitude is often overlooked, but it’s one of the best forms of self-care there is. 

I know that many of us struggle with visiting our homes of origin, so I hope that sharing my experience can help you on your journey as well.