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This is a great article about family matters....enmeshment. If you are an adult and struggling with relationships within your family, this may be the reason why.
If this is you, give me a call and let me teach you how to overcome this, find your own voice through establishing healthy boundaries.

13 Signs You Grew Up in an Enmeshed Family - Live Well with Sharon Martin What is enmeshment? Enmeshment is a dysfunctional family dynamic characterized by a lack of boundaries and emotional immaturity.

The Longest Ride

Today is December 21st, four days before Christmas. It was a
4-day ride from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This scene was NOT the depiction of a Publix commercial - Nine months pregnant out of wedlock, riding on a donkey, reputation marred. This must have been the longest ride of her life.

The manger scene is a juxtaposed setting. We see a young girl in a pretty dress leaning over a baby. But after riding cross country, pregnant on a donkey, I wonder if she felt young and pretty. What was Mary expecting in this virgin birth? There are the wise men who left everything they had, following a star, just to see a baby. Others must have thought "That doesn't sound so wise." What were they expecting to see? There lies a baby, born king to a carpenter, in a feeding trough. Not a place you'd expect to find royalty. I wonder what He expects as he leaves the throne for the manger.

Christmas can bring a range of emotions simply because, if for no other reason, the expectations that we put on the day; traditions, the visits, the gifts, the gathering of people, and how that will go. There are some whose hearts are hurting because of loved ones who are not present; death, divorce, military, a child in "the far country," sickness, even a job loss. There are those whose spirits are light because of a new lease on life, additions to the family, or a job promotion. Where do you find yourself in all of this?

To lay hold to the fullness of this great day and all it means, we have to somehow, someway let go of the tangible expectations that our minds get set on, and have open hearts to the gift that Jesus has for us. He came to give us the gift of life and life to the fullest. It is in that fullness that we find love, joy, and peace daily. Remember, when we put our hopes, anticipations, and expectations in Jesus we are never disappointed.

May you be blessed with the His gift of His presence this Christmas!

““Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

CHOOSE YOUR CHORE! A sweet friend taught me this trick. When you’re going to have a house full of guests, make post it, to do notes that the whole family can help accomplish before your event. It helps keep everyone on track, no one is asking repeatedly what else needs to be done, you can keep adding “to do’s” until guests arrive , and my favorite reason, I don’t have to repeat myself giving instructions of how or what to do! And the fams fav reason, they get to choose the chore! It’s a win-win! Hopefully this helps you ease some of the stress of hosting. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 🍽 🦃 🍁

https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/brain-health-guide-red-dye-40/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&_kx=B8mLhNfV-Hwfg9k6ftPnXxpb92qCxHxmzJR7Cy4ELZQ%3D.WiZ6mG

What is Red Dye 40? ADHD And Brain Health | Amen Clinics Red dye 40 effects ADHD in children and adults. Learn which foods to avoid and see a real SPECT scan of a child's brain after exposure to red dye 40.

https://drjockers.com/6-foods-that-trigger-anxiety-and-what-to-eat-instead/

6 Foods That Trigger Anxiety and What To Eat Instead There are certain foods that are known to trigger anxiety and other unwanted mental states and here you will discover what they are.

Sometimes it’s about personality and not a diagnosis.

I suggest that the majority of my clients take a magnesium supplement. This article is an excellent explanation for the many reasons why: https://drjockers.com/best-magnesium-rich-foods/

Top 12 Best Magnesium Rich Foods It is estimated that over 80% of the population has a magnesium deficiency. This article goes over the top 12 best magnesium rich foods.

https://www.additudemag.com/epigenetics-and-adhd-how-environment-impacts-symptoms/

Epigenetics and ADHD: The Impacts of Environment, Lifestyle, and Stress ADHD is a genetic disorder, but DNA is not working alone. Stress, foods, and environmental toxins change the brain as well. Here, learn how to reverse their negative effects.

In a world where there is so much going on around us, it’s vitally important to our spirits, souls, and bodies, to prioritize our needs, values, and time in order to practice the best self care possible.

Can’t focus? Do you need more motivation? If so, read this article. There are natural ways to help.

Boost Up Dopamine for Motivation and Focus Dopamine has been called the “motivation molecule,” as it helps provide drive and focus. Learn how to boost up dopamine for motivation.

https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/the-one-hormonal-imbalance-at-the-root-of-depression-anxiety-and-cognitive-issues/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&_kx=B8mLhNfV-Hwfg9k6ftPnXxpb92qCxHxmzJR7Cy4ELZQ%3D.WiZ6mG

The One Hormonal Imbalance at the Root of Depression, Anxiety, and Cognitive Issues | Amen Clinics Being leveled by depression or anxiety, unable to engage in daily activities, is no joke. But before seeking an antidepressant or other mood-altering medications, you may want to start by having your thyroid levels checked. THYROID DISORDERS AND MENTAL HEALTH Thyroid disorders are one of the leading...

If you have teens then this is an important article to read and discuss with your family.

How to Prevent Teen Dating Violence “Because no one had talked with me as a teen about what a real, healthy relationship looks like, I didn’t know what to do when my boyfriend became abusive.”

Holidays can be challenging for many different reasons. This article has 11 practical ways to avoid or dial down the stress you may experience.

11 Ways to Avoid a Toxic or Stressful Holiday Season | Amen Clinics The stress of family gatherings with toxic relatives, the financial stress of buying gifts, and dealing with traffic and crowds during the holiday season can wreak havoc on our bodies, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

This is an 800 year old Oak tree. remember growth takes time. Take one behavior or habit you would like to change and work on that one thing until it’s the way you’d like it to be. Then, and only then, move on to making a new habit.

https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/epa-vs-dha-what-you-dont-know-about-omega-3-fatty-acids/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=B8mLhNfV-Hwfg9k6ftPnXxpb92qCxHxmzJR7Cy4ELZQ%3D.WiZ6mG

EPA vs DHA: What You Don’t Know About Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amen Clinics Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most widely known and well-researched nutraceuticals on the market. What many people don’t know is that there are 2 active compounds in omega-3s: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). You need both.

NEW SU***DE PREVENTION LIFELINE - 988

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/07/16/health/988-national-suicide-prevention-lifeline-launches/index.html

988: National Su***de Prevention Lifeline launches new 3-digit number To reach the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline for mental health crises, it now takes only three digits: 988.

The UNSTRESSED brain has tight control of thoughts, emotions and actions.

The STRESSED has weaker control of thoughts, emotions and actions.

Why?

The Prefrontal Cortex serves as a "brake" that can slow down and regulate thoughts, emotions and actions. The prefrontal cortex is highly susceptible to chronic stress exposure.

Over time, stress can "release the brake" and allow the Amygdala to override the Prefrontal Cortex, rendering the Prefrontal Cortex weaker and in less control.

Great advice, especially as we enter a new year with new insights and goals.

Learning to expect and welcome the times when things go wrong, or when mistakes are made as opportunities for learning is the mark of emotional maturity. In fact, it is necessary. 🤍

What you feed grows, and what you starve dies. Changing habits takes consistent, intentional work. If you are in the habit of believing every negative thought or lie that crosses your mind, then start today speaking back to the lie or negative thought. With consistency you will learn to be in charge of your brain and not let it be in charge of you.

Did you know you have a "second brain?" Read this informative article by Dr. Oz on the relationship between gut health and brain health. Heal your gut and have better mental health.

Gut Health Linked to Emotional Health

By Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen, MDs

"The 1975 movie "Muhammad Ali: Skill, Brains, and Guts" sums up the artful relationship that exists between the mind and the digestive system — and how, when they're working together, you're likely looking at a champion performance, whether you're the greatest boxer of all time or an ordinary Joe or Jane just trying to stay healthy.

The brain-gut connection is a north-south expressway that links emotions like anxiety and stress to stomach and gut problems and can turn digestive woes into emotional turmoil.

Special: Drink This One Mineral to Restore Your Hearing

That’s because your gut contains the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is made up of two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells that line your gastrointestinal tract.

While the ENS cannot design a spaceship like your brain-based central nervous system (CNS) can, disruption in the gut does send signals to your CNS that trigger emotional and cognitive changes.

That's why a study in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health on the effect of probiotics on depression is so interesting.

Researchers published a review of 12 studies and found that eating probiotic-nurturing prebiotics (fermented foods like sauerkraut and vegetables like artichokes) and taking a probiotic improves symptoms of depression — maybe by reducing inflammation that alters brain function.

Probiotics alone and in combination with prebiotics were effective; prebiotics by themselves weren't helpful.

So whether you're feeling blue or your guts are in turmoil, give prebiotics and probiotics a try. We favor probiotics that make it through your stomach acid, such as Digestive Advantage, Trubiotics, and Culturelle."

~ Source: Dr. Oz / Dr. Rozien weekly newsletter September 29, 2021

Internal conflict can happen in us causing self doubt, confusion, and emotional paralysis. Remember whatever you feed grows and whatever you starve dies. Choose wisely.

Rewrite your speak. Reframe your thoughts. Redefine your goals. Healthy thinking produces healthy outcomes.

Just weekend ponderings. We all need a little more peace in our days!

It's time to think for yourself. Recapture the calmness you once had by thinking for yourself instead of allowing others to think for you. Harness your emotions and get back on track. You can do it. Call me if you need help.