How to Make Stress Your Friend – Part 2

In the second part of this blog series, we are going to discover the positive side effects that occur by having confidence in your body’s ability to handle stress. Harvard University conducted a study where participants were told before going through a social stress test about the possible signs that their body … Read More

Divorce 911: Your Inner Strength

divorce

Recently, GROW Counseling and Dr. Wendy Dickinson partnered with Divorce 911 to create a few short videos addressing common themes in divorce. In this video, they discuss the topic of your inner “bad ass” and how important it is to find the help you need to educate and find courage when … Read More

Trying to Find the Escape Hatch?

My “escape hatch” has always been California. That’s right, the state of California. I’ve always fantasized about picking up and moving there when life got tough. If I thought something might not work out, be it a relationship or a career move, I’ve comforted myself with a secret plan to leave town, move to California and never look back. Something about this thought soothes me.

The Season of Letting Go

I have lived amongst dogwood trees for most of my adult life, but am continually astounded at the cycle of life that takes place each year.  It is particularly evident in the autumn when the leaves of the dogwood begin turning a somewhat speckled reddish brown.  (With over 60 varieties … Read More

Life in the Ivy Patch

I have (reluctantly) been doing yard work.  There is one section that is overgrown with ivy (English, not poison) and has been overgrown with for so long now that I am uncertain if there ever was a yard there. (I have a faint memory of a yard.)   I have learned … Read More

A Different Direction

On a recent visit near my grandparent’s farm I discovered a new road. Well, I didn’t actually discover it; technically the road is older than I am. I simply never had a reason to travel in that particular direction, so I didn’t. I ventured forth after a conversation with a … Read More

Picture Perfect People

I was traveling recently and while waiting for a connecting flight, I stepped into a store to make a purchase.  One entire wall was covered completely in magazines. I stepped back for a moment to view the wall as one entity and what I noticed was that every cover (for … Read More

Evidence of Growth

For several consecutive years I have planted an evergreen tree in my yard.  What I have learned is that trees labeled slow growing actually live up to that expectation.  One tree has finally grown to the astounding height of – my waist (a mere six years after planting).  Every year, those few … Read More

Learning from Loss

I love these words that Pat Conroy wrote in his introduction to the book, My Losing Season.  “Loss is a fiercer, more uncompromising teacher, coldhearted but clear-eyed in its understanding that life is more dilemma than game, and more trial than free pass.  My acquaintance with loss has sustained me … Read More

Training Zone Recap

 Now that you’ve completed the 5 week training guide, how did it go for you? Accomplishing and completing a 5 week program takes discipline. A useful way to measure your success is to reflect upon the experience. Was there an area that you did particularly well on? Did you notice … Read More