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The Greatest Victory Is the First Step

Having suffered an ailment for several months, and having accepted it, it was by pure chance that someone suggested something that addressed the ailment. It reminded me of the times when more serious ailments had afflicted me, like depression, and those moments when finally, I would realize what was causing my irrational and seemingly irresolvable irritation.

As a man, anger has always been my key indicator for depression. It's not the case for all men, but anger is a general sign of depression in men. Whenever I've been worried about being in control, whenever I've demanded it, I've tended to be losing control, and that trajectory is a downward spiral.

Yet, the moment of losing my mind in an outburst of surly behavior has often been the catalyst in identifying I was sliding into depression. It's like, 'Wow, where did that come from?'

The Elusive Presence of Joy

I have been guided to write about a subject matter that I find a bit painful to convey. The idea of this article has been churning in me for some time now, but I had to muster up the courage to look at, feel and move through a few dark places in my psyche. Not that I don't love a good deep self-examination, but it is a hard to find the words to express/describe it and then to share it takes a whole new level of "big girl britches". So as I stand in my power I will proceed knowing that inner my guidance system has never failed me.

What is joy? Who is joy? Where can I find joy? Is joy a feeling, a creation or a state of being? Can joy be given to me or can I give joy to another? Who asks these kinds of questions and why am I asking them at this time of my growth?

Dealing With Addictions

The word "addiction" conjures up an image of someone who has lost all self-respect, ready and willing to commit crime just to feed a need, which is out of control. Reality, as usual, is not like that. In general there are seven addictions, and of course there are many variations and sub divisions of these seven.

An addiction is a need that someone can no longer control. Addictions are therefore something that the person could better live without but cannot. The person is dependent upon the thing that they are addicted to.

People take to the various forms of addiction for a variety of reasons. The most frequent reason is that it is a method of coping with a psychological problem. It is like taking a painkiller for a broken leg. Unlike the broken leg, however, the source of the pain rarely goes away and the person is left with a dependency on their addiction to enable them to feel normal and able to cope with life.

Ways to Teach Children to Be Grateful

Life is not fair, and sometimes it's up to us parents to bring up a child who will be able to appreciate the little, and big things, that life has to offer. Most parents strive to teach their children to be grateful for the small and big things in their lives. True gratitude can be instilled through small principals.

Gratitude is having an appreciation for everything you have been blessed with and acknowledging that these small gifts are a blessing, regardless. According to research, when gratitude is instilled in the early ages of our children's lives it leads to happier lives. This happiness shows at school, at home, and in the relationships they build with their loved ones, as well as their friends.

When a child is taught to be grateful from an early age, this positive characteristic is portrayed even in their adolescence and adulthood.

How To Be Loving Partners

You had a disagreement with your partner. It was over something stupid at first but it turned into something bigger. He/she apologized but you couldn't let it go. You were so upset. As much as you wanted to take the high road and not stay angry, you stewed and ruminated and stomped around the house. Now it's the morning, and you both left for work. Your stomach is in knots. You don't want this disagreement to drag on forever. You want to forgive him/her, but you don't know how to get over your feelings.

Sound familiar? Contrary to popular belief, disagreements aren't what damage relationships; it's the amount of time that people take to recover or hold a grudge after a disagreement. I'm sure you have had disagreements in the past when you apologized and then your partner didn't get over it. They carried on being stressed and angry. Those types of things can ruin hours of yours and your partner's day, a whole day, or more.

How to Know If You Are in an Abusive Relationship?

Has this question ever been a concern? Have you ever found anyone else pointing it out to you? If yes, then it is possible that you might be in an abusive relationship. Based on research, there are a few indicators that you may want to check before you start worrying. Does your partner:

1) Express excessive control just to protect you?
2) Blame you every time for their bad temperament?
3) Try to hide their insecurities behind superior acts?
4) Hint that they can harm you to control you (even if they don't really)?
5) Try to isolate you to themselves; creating a distance between you and your family or friends?
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