This summer, I’ve been helping out at a dog camp for children. The other day, we were discussing the ways that dogs are similar to humans. Typically, the campers, ages 8-13, start generating ideas like they eat and sleep, and they have eyes and ears, etc. As our camp director and coaches press further, we …
I genuinely appreciate a good bout of frustration. At first glance, that might sound strange, but hear me out. I don’t actively seek situations that will trigger feelings of frustration. I don’t go out in search of things that will trigger feelings of frustration. I don’t love the hot under-the-collar feeling of the physiological response …
I’m following last month’s post about allowing yourself to let the tears roll when you feel like crying with some thoughts about grief. At its core, grief is a response to loss. In her 1969 book On Death and Dying, Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross outlined five stages of grief; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These …
This month, I’m delving into a topic close to my heart: the expression of emotions, particularly crying. Let me paint a familiar scene. Imagine a company meeting where the Head of Human Resources delivers the distressing news of impending job cuts. His voice quivers, visible strain apparent as he tries to suppress tears while sharing …
To be human is to have emotional experiences. That many of us prefer that these emotional experiences be positive is not surprising. As this is Mental Health Awareness Month, I would like to start by stating that it is okay to not be okay. Pretending to be okay when you aren’t is not good for …
