Start your morning right with a journal entry. They say the day is shaped by the tone of your morning ritual. So make it productive, uplifting, and grounding. There are many benefits of journaling. It's an emotional cleanse, a refocusing on the positive, and a reminder of your purpose and vision. Try these tips to maximize the potential for your day and to keep you on target with your goals...
Heather Edwards, LMHC, NCC, BCC is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Board Certified Coach. She is a frequent contributor to Psychology Today writing on topics of wellness, clarity, and being the best version of yourself. She provides individual and couples therapy, and life coaching for career, relationships, and wellness. Located at Oasis Day Spa, One Park Avenue, New York, NY she offers the following services: The Couples Reconnection Session: Validate and leverage your strengths as a couple. Rekindle the aspects of your relationship that drew you together and keep your bond strong. Together, shift your attention to the love, desire, and soulful foundation of your connection. Constructively, develop skills to work through conflict productively. The Individual Reconnection Session: Take a moment to reflect...
Let’s face it! You’re bored with the status quo. You’re an adventure-seeker-happiness-freak-self-improvement-junkie. (No offense intended. I’m one, too!) So, put the needle on the record. Let's pump up the volume! Here are five tips you can start today to create the life you want… Shift your routine. The same ole only maintains what you already have. Mix it up! Stir the pot. If you're reading this blog, you're ready for something new. Identify one action that could change the outcome of your day. Decide to get up 30 minutes earlier. Start your day with a journal entry, meditation, or work out. Unplug at a reasonable time. Whatever you choose to enact will change your trajectory. Embrace one goal that stretches you. See it through. What area of your...
As a kid, my sleeping imagination had no limits. My dreams were vibrant, colorful, moving, exciting, emotional, and physical. There were monsters, heroes, allies, and adventures. I could see, taste, touch, smell, and feel the twists and turns of events. My unconscious mind was free to wander, explore, create, and fantasize. The governor, censor, parental control, and filter of any sort was non-existent as far as I could tell. In the morning, the sensations from the intensity of my dreams lingered for a moment, leaving me wondering about the truth of their reality. Sometimes they scared me. Sometimes they filled me with joy. Regardless of the theme, their dynamic, flowing, saturated richness left a lasting impression. And then, KAPOW! Hello, reality. Time for school. That wild imagination was...
You got the inside scoop on The Secret. You know that horrible dream where you’re in class and its exam day but you forgot to attend school all semester? You’re in a panic because you’re not prepared! Well, you might feel panic now as you realize The Secret, on its own, doesn’t work. The universe isn’t manifesting your dreams without a little kick. The Law of Attraction isn’t enough. Hello, universe! You practice the Law of Attraction everyday - wishing, meditating, praying. But you're intentions haven’t manifested! Well, it's not surprising. What the experts didn't tell you is that the Law of Attraction is only part of the better-life-equation. There is power in positive thinking. That’s been proven. It helps to restructure our brain and trigger the flow of feel-good...
Stretch your body. Nourish your soul. Free your spirit. Relax in the quiet seaside retreat of Kismet, Fire Island: Join a small group of amazing women eager to find their center, build their energy, develop their passion, and empower their spirit. Realign your body and mind: Experience Beach Yoga, Coaching for Visualizing Your Ideal Self, De-cluttering Your Mind, Building Energy Sources, Improving Your Mind-Body-Emotion Connection, Embracing Empowering Beliefs, Sunset Yoga, Yoga Dance, Chakra Meditation and Relaxation Exercises. Leave the island feeling invigorated and ready to live an inspired, confident, and passionate life! Our program features: Fresh whole foods and juices. Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2, and healthy snacks. Mealtimes are relaxed. Enjoy healthy, balanced nutrition and the company of creative, inspired Retreat participants and instructors. Fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing...
The problems are obvious. What are the solutions? Sometimes the key to discovering what works best in a relationship is evaluating and eliminating what we know doesn’t work. We know there are a few scientifically proven actions that destroy relationships. John Gottman calls these the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”. So let’s start there. The first is Criticism. Unless this is constructive with the intent of helping, it’s probably hurtful. In destructive criticism, couples will attack each other’s personality or character in an effort to prove who is right and who is wrong. It leaves both feeling angry and dissatisfied in the long and short run. These statements tend to start with generalizations, and include absolute words like “always” and “never”. The second is Contempt. In this communication...
This article is published in Psychology Today by Mark Banschick and Heather Edwards. It is entitled, "Break Bad Habits". It’s countdown time! The new year marks a fresh start for new beginnings. Be prepared on January 1 to state your New Year Resolutions and stick to them! If your plan is to lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier, save money, or build your career or social network, then get started on developing a system for success that will work for you. Resolutions without specific plans usually get pushed to the wayside by the demands of everyday life. Come April, they’re already out the window and down the street! Be prepared to keep your New Year Resolutions in 2014 using these simple tips for seeing them through to...
This article, "Difficult Divorce? 6 Ways to Get Unstuck. - Divorce can work out for the best.", was originally published on November 19, 2013 by Mark Banschick, M.D. and Heather Edwards, LMHC in Psychology Today. It addresses the basic feelings of grief, anger, and fear in divorce followed by self care and planning for a better life. Read further for tips on how to navigate this challenging life transition...
Each of us has a unique life story. We come from different families, places, and generations. Our circumstances effect and shape who we are and become. Personal experiences are part of us, wherever we go. We use our history to guide us through life. What's familiar is comfortable and predictable. Sometimes though, it's not the most helpful. How do we acknowledge and let go of the part of our life story that holds us back? How do we flourish, soothe, and celebrate our truly unique, special, and amazing potential? Answer the following questions to help clarify your strengths, challenges, and life goals. Begin to design your best life. 1. When do I shine? There are times, situations, places, and environments where we shine! Notice when you...
