Relationships
The Power of Friending
There are some positions in life that cannot be replaced. One of those is the job of being an older sister. I don’t talk to all of my family, but I definitely appreciate the way one sister in particular who always has my back.
Maria is my oldest sister who I always have been able to talk to, someone who withholds judgment and, most importantly, is down to Earth. That is a big plus for me. She has never made me feel like there was any sort of sibling rivalry between us. Read the rest of this entry »
The Importance of Listening: Tap into the Journalist inside You
I realized that after experiencing both the good and the bad, the one universal desire that everyone has in common— people want to be understood and heard. Every time we open ourselves up to the world, we welcome in criticism, judgment, and every day reality that makes us flawed and human. So, most of us are grateful when we meet nonjudgmental people.
Some people are more introverted than others, but everyone to some degree enjoys having the opportunity to be heard. And unfortunately we’ve all been a little guilty of interrupting others only to insert our own experiences, stories, perspective, and opinion. Extroverted individuals are often guilty of selling themselves a little too much. Personally, I have always experienced social anxiety. Most people wouldn’t know it because I appear quite talkative, energetic, and openly friendly to any stranger I meet. Though, inside, I am aware of nervous energy and social anxiety that have always been with me. Read the rest of this entry »
Subjectivity: Are You Too Honest?
Of course, most individuals state that they want everyone to say exactly what they mean and mean what they say. We grow up being told that we must tell the truth no matter what. But, are there some occasions when being blunt and saying exactly what is on your mind, might be a bad idea?
What if you are a little too straightforward? Read the rest of this entry »
The Value of True & Honest Friends
True friendships are hard to come by and the ones that really are your friends will be honest with you. If you have someone in your life that can be brutally blunt with you, then count yourself lucky.
Some friends come across as always happy. They’re all smiles and they’re always complimenting everyone. If you’re the type that will sometimes criticize yourself, the overtly nice friend will be the one to tell you that you’re being ridiculous and your criticism of yourself is simply not true. But, what if it is? Sometimes people really enjoy surrounding themselves with “yes” people. It’s almost like having your own little posse, an entourage. They’re always giving you such wonderful compliments. Read the rest of this entry »
Falling in Love Versus Growing in Love
Do you remember falling in love for the first time? Recall how quickly the feeling intoxicated you, basking in the sheer new glow that your new love showered over you. It’s as if the sky was suddenly bluer, the grass and the trees were greener, and flowers more lush. Everything around you seemed to come alive with more vibrance than ever before.
It’s like you took some sort of drug; you felt so high on life. As a matter of fact, according to Psychology Today, falling in love is a lot like smoking crack cocaine! Research conducted by anthropologist and relationship researcher, Dr. Helen Fisher found some outstanding results in her illuminating studies on how love affects our brain chemistry. According to her findings, feelings of love elicit exceptionally high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the same chemical compounds activated during a cocaine-induced high. There is a clear euphoric effect both drugs and being in love exhibits in our bodies, as our bodies know very little the difference between an illegal substance and falling for your “one and only.” The stimulation is said to sharpen focus and allows one to feel as if they can conquer the world, do anything, and be anything. Read the rest of this entry »
Writing With Hope 