Does this question enter your thoughts often? If so, what comes to mind for you – happiness, a good paying job, the American dream, a healthy family? If not, how would you define success for your life? Recently, I visited the University of Nebraska – Omaha and presented Healthy Relationships 101. I shared with students that one of the most important relationships they will have in life is the one with themselves. I also shared that healthy relationships begin with self care. Self care … [Read more...]

In Latin the term "cor" means heart. In French the term "cour" means to be in the process. And in English the word courage means "the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger or hardship resolutely." Therefore, when one is said to have courage, she/he is in the process of connecting with her heart (or core self) as challenges arise so that she is able to understand them and take correct action. When we think about someone with courage, oftentimes we think about a … [Read more...]

Psychologist Abraham Maslow was a phenomenal researcher of life who shared with the world (along with his colleagues Goldstein and Rogers) the term ‘self-actualization.’ He defined self-actualization to be the drive for self-fulfilment, namely the tendency for the individual to become their fully realized self at their highest potential. With this background knowledge and my own experiences, I define self discovery as the process of embracing one’s highest self. It is aligned with my … [Read more...]

To be authentic is to be real, transparent, truthful, or honest. Within the word relationships are the words "relate" and "ship." Some synonyms for "relate" include communication, link up, share, connect, and cooperate. When I think of the word "ship," I think of a boat, cruise ship, vessel, or something that carries or transports people or goods. As I reflect upon all of these separate ideas of the words authentic relationships, I am humbled because the underlying meaning of these words is all … [Read more...]

Do you often think about what you want to become or be after college and then feel a fair amount of pressure because you haven’t figured it out yet? Well, to truly grow into what you really enjoy and what makes you happy for no reason at all, you must make small everyday choices that lead to long term satisfaction, peace, and overall success. If you practice making authentic choices consistently, your choice of job or career will be an extension of who you are. Make sure that what you think … [Read more...]

College life is filled with one activity after the next one that can stretch you out to the max. By using a few personal techniques and starting now, you can develop a lifelong habit of self-care that will make sure you aren't overly stressed, physically fatigued, mentally anguished or emotionally distraught. Begin now and you'll be balanced and stress-free not only in school, but in your future professional, social and family life. 1. Spend quiet time alone with yourself - When you take … [Read more...]

Healthy relationships start with a focus on self-care and well-being. That is the philosophy I shared with Voorhees College students during a visit to their campus. When I asked the question, “What is most important to you in your relationships?” I received answers like trust, communication, love and respect. The idea of practicing self-care as a foundation for healthy relationships appeared to be a new paradigm for them. I can understand, though, because several years ago, it became a new … [Read more...]

Do you feel good about yourself inside of your closest relationships? Do you feel like you are an asset in your relationships or a hindrance? Do you often say to yourself “he or she just doesn’t understand me!” If you feel like I am speaking directly to you in the questions above, then you could benefit from the information that I am about to share. As a previous guest speaker at the University of Nebraska –Omaha campus my topic was Healthy Relationships 101. During my talk, I spent a … [Read more...]