Kalos Counseling, LLC

The eloquent and authentic words of Brene Brown once again strikes a chord. Read below as she courageously shares the struggle of a challenging season:

I thought it was a break but it was more of a breaking. Not necessarily breaking down, but NOT not down. Maybe open.

It's been a tough season, but an important one. I shared my thoughts in a post on the new website, where you'll also find our latest project — The ABK Edit. I think you're going to love the stories.

From my wild heart to yours. ❤️

https://brenebrown.com/articles/2024/01/24/hard-seasons-and-wild-hearts/

This is just beautiful.

the places in our heart
where the world took bites
out of us

may never fully heal
and will likely become open spaces

be careful to not fill them
with just anything or anyone

your wounds aren’t supposed
to become attics for you to hoard
unnecessary junk

these holes in our hearts
are holy sites

and we should treat
them as such

so when visiting your old wounds
make sure to take your shoes off
and turn off your cellphone

sit by candlelight
and watch how the shadows
tell the story how brave you are

~ to survive

(John Roedel)

It’s almost here, and if you are anything like me there may be a few items on the checklist. It’s around this time of the season, as I settle in at night, I find myself checking off the “not done” list a little quicker than the “done”. An alternative (and much more calming approach) is to think of all you actually did accomplish during the day. Likely, you will see it is more than you realized. I find when I take this approach my heart rate and worry slow down, settling my nervous system, which leads to a much better night sleep. Give it a try. 💤

For all the moms out there. Here is a great recipe for lessening holiday anxiety. .com/katherinehammonslpc/

Art | Hugo Duphorn

You can also follow on Instagram to see more.

Katherine Hammons, LPC Counselor | Psychotherapist

Gabor Mate is an incredibly wise and compassionate clinician who has influenced me for many years. As a Jewish man he speaks to what is happening in a way that is both thought provoking and honorable- to both sides. It is worth a listen.

Dr. Gabor Maté on Israel/Palestine - October 28, 2023 Dr. Gabor Maté shares his reflections on Israel/Palestine including recent tragic events on and following October 7th, 2023. This conversation was recorded o...

Winding up the month with one last message about authentic loving! Credit:

I’ve always loved Cloud! :)

How cute is she? I can easily forgive her for making a mess, so why is it so hard to give ourselves the same kindness? I think sometimes it’s our shame that gets us stuck in asking for help. What if you knew you too were precious?

Co-regulation is where it all begins and where it all ends. We instinctively co-regulate our babies, and we instinctively co-regulate our dying loved ones. Let’s not forget about all the moments in-between. We need each other now more than ever. 🪴

Trust your intuition more than your anxiety. ✨

💗

Be careful not to lose your humanity.

I recently discovered this author. She is a new favorite.

Today is World Mental Health Day. With all that is going on in the world, be sure to tune into those close to you and (and even some who are not) to make sure they are doing ok.

💗

🐇🤍

Gordon’s way out : credit

Understanding anxiety and how to get out from under it

Credit: Donna Ashworth

TOO MANY SUNDAYS

Too many Sundays have been darkened by the dreaded presence of Monday, looming in like a storm cloud of anxiety and fear.
Sunday is your gift, your day to recharge, your freedom.
Be protective of that time.
Monday has its space enough, do not let it overstep its mark.
Make your plans, prepare, then push Monday back into its box and let Sunday shine forth like the jewel it is.
You deserve this day of soul rest.
You work tirelessly my friends.
Life is not a chore to be dealt with, it’s to be lived.
You’re here to live.
And Sunday is a day for doing exactly what your heart desires.

Donna Ashworth
From ‘Wild Hope’ 🖤 https://amzn.eu/d/eDGFsCs

Art by the amazing Catherine McMillan, Art

(This was the poem I gladly read out on radio 2 today)

Whatever story you are writing this Friday, make it a good one!
credit: Bob Goff

This is an amazing resource. “Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in your Relationships”.

If you are curious about the health of a friendship or a romantic relationship this article by Lysa TerKeurst is a must.

"Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships" by Lysa TerKeurst When navigating difficulties in a relationship, do you ever find yourself asking: Is this normal? Is every relationship this hard? Lysa TerKeurst understands these challenges and has also asked the same questions.

"This is what trauma really is."
Gabor Maté

What if we were curious towards our "reactions"?

Certainly we need to be aware that sometimes they can and do affect others negatively. When that is the case it is important to take responsbility and do our part to repair any rupture. However, if we just stop there that reaction is bound to repeat itself unless we become tender and curious around the "why?".

Becoming curious, without any judgement or self-condemnation is the key to emotional healing.

Examples of that curiousity could be:
"Could this anger be misdirected?"
"What early life pain may I be reacting to?"

Versus. "I am such a bad person for doing this, feeling this, etc."

Become curious. Our reactions have a lot to say.

Yes, sometimes all in one day. 🥲😊😍😎😗😞🥴😲

Art | Thomas Wilmer Dewing

One of my all time favorites. Compassionate, kind and wise, Henri Nouwen passed away 27 years ago this week, but still continues to live on through his thought- filled books and incredible legacy. What a treasure he has been!

For some it may take longer to get there but this is always my hope for so many people I see.

💗 Around