• empath
    Boundaries - Boundary Lines - Burden-bearing - codependency - Discernment - emotional health - Identity - Redemptive Gifts

    The Empath Survival Kit: Loving Constructively

    - By 

    Empath is a relatively new term to enter our vernacular. The dictionary defines empath as (chiefly in science fiction) a person with the paranormal ability to apprehend the mental or emotional state of another individual. Signs of an Empath The term has come to mean those people with the spiritual gift of burden-bearing, at least in a Christian context. Are you a burden-bearer? Those of us with this gift can sense the suffering of others and are often motivated to sit with them in their slough of despair. Please note that I am not talking about empaths as intuitives. I am…

  • change
    Narcissism - narcissist - narcissistic abuse

    Can Narcissists Change? The Answer is Complicated

    - By 

    Everybody wants narcissists to change, except the narcissists themselves, generally. Like most mental illnesses, narcissism exists on a spectrum. We all have some narcissistic traits which we either grow out of or perhaps use to our benefit. I think most writers have something of an ego. After all, we think we have things to write which we think others ought to read. And nothing feels better than a complimentary reader. The real trick is determining if the narcissist in your life has a personality disorder or if he or she is merely immature and self-absorbed. And often, the spouses have…

  • wellness
    Emotion - emotional health - healing - PTSD - Renewing the Mind - Self Awareness - Trauma

    Emotional and Spiritual Wellness: Learning to Heal

    - By 

    Wellness is not a new concept, though, to be honest, it is for me.  The dictionary defines it as the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal. I dislike that definition because it seems incomplete. The National Wellness Association (who knew there was such a thing!) defines wellness as an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence. Find them here That is better, I suppose. I am not fond of the term successful existence because it is simply so subjective. For me, wellness is about well-being. I…