Life circumstances can sometimes lead to suffering. This may be triggered by traumatic experiences, loss of loved ones, and through experiencing challenging and unforeseen events. When we can learn to accept a painful situation, rather than fight against it, we can free ourselves to move forward with our lives and end our suffering.

Self-harming is a form of maladaptive coping in response to challenging emotions. Self-harm may be triggered by suicidal thoughts, or it may be in response to emotional pain, or to feeling invalidated. Self-harm is often (although not always) separate from a suicide attempt. Sometimes self-harm is used as an attempt to “stop the pain” the individual is experiencing.

Boundaries create a line, either real or imaginary, where one (individual, object, place, or thing) ends and another begins. Between individuals, boundaries are observed in relation to each other. When individuals establish healthy boundaries in relationships, they learn to preserve their own needs and respect the needs of others.

Sometimes it can be hard to feel that we are in control of our life choices. When circumstances happen that are outside of our control, we may experience a feeling that we are trapped by external events. We may be experiencing significant changes or losses, and it can be hard to adapt to the situation. It is important to remember that we have the freedom to choose how we respond to these significant events in our lives. We have the power to alter our thoughts and behaviors in response to the situation.

Sometimes we get trapped in a perfectionistic way of thinking. “This is what I should be doing…if only I could do this (one thing) better…why does everyone else seem to be performing better than me?” We may compare and despair, assume that we are not good enough, or that somehow we “don’t measure up.” This can severely impact our self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.

It’s the time of year for change. Changing seasons welcome fresh starts, new beginnings, and opportunities for growth and productivity. It can also be a good time to reflect on the past. Reflection on past decisions, old patterns, and relationships allows room for integrating the parts we want to keep with us, and the parts we want to leave behind.

As a new parent, you are often pulled in many different directions. You are faced with many daily responsibilities, which can include working and other household tasks, and you spend a lot of time caring for your infant or other kids in the home. Anxiety and stress can mount quickly, compounded by a lack of sleep, changes in hormones (for moms), pumping or nursing, and balancing daily activities.

Anxiety can be intense, and can lead to ruminative thoughts, paralyzing fear, and even panic. It can trigger strong physical sensations, resembling a flight or fight response. Anxiety triggers are often unique for each individual. Some stressors may build, and cause anxiety. Perhaps there was a recent change, or major transition in your life.

Many of us struggle with our relationship to our bodies. We can often understand that they keep us alive, but it can be hard to fully appreciate and value their uniqueness. Perhaps this is because we are bombarded with societal images and pressures, or perhaps it is because we are living so much in our minds that we may even become disconnected from our bodies. We often don’t recognize the strength, beauty, and power that our body provides. It is literally our life force.