When Holidays Bring Not-So-Jolly Memories

“You’re not the same. You’re not supposed to be the same. You’re supposed to be different. This isn’t something you will ever forget.” ~ Daisy Whitney Holidays are often portrayed as being joyous, holly, and jolly, but for many, it is a time of overwhelming sadness and painful reminders of past losses. For some, getting […]

gratitude in hard circumstances

Finding Gratitude in Hard Times

“Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.” –Doris Day Several years ago, I went to my friend’s parent’s home and I will never forget the experience. I knew they had struggled with unemployment and money issues for many years yet the feelings of love and warmth in that home overwhelmed me and have stuck with me […]

successful holidays

How to Set Yourself (and Your Family) Up for Success this Holiday Season

Let’s get ready for the holiday gatherings this year by preparing ourselves and our family members!

holiday blues

Handling the Holiday Blues

While there is no perfect cure for the loneliness that accompanies the holidays, it is important to recognize that loneliness is normal, hard, and experienced widely by many during this time of year.  It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the time which, for many of us, means reconnecting with friends and family […]

Introvert extrovert

Surviving the Holidays: Extroverts & Introverts

“The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it’s a Broadway spotlight, for others, a laplit desk.” ~ Susan Cain At any given gathering, a group will always form around Lauren while she makes people belly laugh from her hilarious stories and unbelievable relatable anecdotes. She comes alive when […]