Is improving your romantic relationship high on your list priorities for 2016? One of the best things you can do for your relationship is to get creative and have fun together. We have an upcoming Spark! date night event to provide you with an opportunity to do just that. I’ll … Read More
The Importance of Creating Holiday Traditions with Your Stepfamily
The holidays can be time when feelings of loss, differing expectations, and parental loyalty binds can all become heightened. However, the holidays can also be used to create traditions that promote cohesion and strength within a stepfamily.
Holiday traditions that may help you heal after a loss
This blog provides some suggestions for traditions that may help you heal and honor the memory of your loved one during the holiday season.
Keep the Spark Burning by Focusing on the Home Team!
Couples can actually learn a few valuable tricks from their favorite teams. According to marriage researcher, John Gottman, PhD., happy couples have a few things in common: They have friendship and admiration, they have each other’s back, they handle conflict well, and they have a sense of “we-ness”. With these characteristics, they form a pretty strong team that can handle life’s toughest challenges.
Six Rules For A Great Date Night
Date night is a wonderful opportunity for you and your partner to reconnect and deepen your relationship. A successful date leaves us feeling connected and appreciated. It also helps to strengthen friendship. Multiple studies have found that a strong friendship is the foundation for a long-term, healthy relationship. I’ve come … Read More
Lessons from Loss: A Personal Story – Part 2 of 2
No one wants to experience the loss of someone whom they love. In fact, for most of us, the idea of losing someone close to us is very anxiety producing. Society often expects only pain and suffering to accompany death-related loss. I am openly sharing some of my personal experiences with you in the final entry of this 2 part series in the hope that I may pass on the lessons I learned from my experience. I also hope that it may bring you a bit of comfort.
Lessons from Loss: A Personal Story – Part 1 of 2
No one wants to experience the loss of someone whom they love. In fact, for most of us, the idea of losing someone close to us is very anxiety producing. Society often expects only pain and suffering to accompany death-related loss. How could anything positive come from losing someone you love? Unfortunately, the expectations of suffering and our own fears around discussing death can prevent us from connecting with and helping those who are grieving.
How Happy Couples Keep The Spark Alive
Happy couples have a few things in common: They have friendship and admiration, they have each other’s back, and they share experiences together that create special meaning for them. Date night can be one of the best relationship enhancers out there.
Disenfranchised Grief: When those who care about you don’t understand what you have been through
The keys to dealing with disenfranchised grief is to first acknowledge the significance of the loss in your life and to create a support system that honors that significance. This support system may be friends or family, but sometimes it may require you going outside that circle for the backing you need.
Naked Dating: The Ultimate Test of Vulnerability
We are hardwired for connection. It’s essential to our well-being. When we feel connected, we feel safe and secure. When we don’t, it leads to worry, anxiety, and we often question our self-worth. Connection is essential for our well-being. How do we build connection? By revealing who we are, authentically; in other words, by allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. When we become vulnerable with someone who responds with acceptance and understanding, we feel safe and emotional intimacy is fostered.
