“The only true success that exists is when we find a way to make a living doing exactly what we want. When you wake up every morning and create your day exactly how you dream it to be, that is success. When your passion and your work are aligned, when you would do your job for free because you like it so much, that is success.” ~ Eric Dubay 

 

             You will have to step way out of your comfort zone.

                 It will be frightening at times.

            

        You will not always feel certain about things- and that is okay.

                     Others will think you are crazy- let them!

                 You will feel great being true to yourself!

                   You will come to realize your full potential!

                You will meet other people who think like you! 

               You will learn patience and perseverance!

You will learn the true essence of Faith! “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen.” ~Hebrews 11:1.

             You will wonder why you waited so long to pursue your dreams!

          Reference

Catharine Symblème

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/when-you-start-pursue-your-dreams-these-13-things-will-happen.html
 

By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                                  Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is type of psychotherapy. 

It can be very effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can occur after experiences such as military combat, physical assault, rape, or other traumatic events.

EMDR can also help with:

• Panic attacks
• Eating disorders
• Addictions
• Anxiety

It does not rely on talk therapy or medications. Instead, EMDR uses a patient's own rapid, rhythmic eye movements. 

These eye movements dampen the power of emotionally charged memories of past traumatic events.

Your therapist will engage in something such as moving their fingers back and forth in front of your face, have you look at a blinking light, listen to clicking sounds, or even listen to musical tones. While this is taking place, the therapist will have you recall a disturbing event. 

This will include the emotions and body sensations that go along with it. 

Gradually, the therapist will guide you to shift your thoughts to more pleasant ones.

The goal is that your disturbing memories will hopefully become less disabling.

 Reference

WebMD (2015). Retrieved From:

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/emdr-what-is-it?page=1#1

By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                                  Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Proverbs 14:29

 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7

2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.Romans 8:24-30

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Corinthians 13:4-5

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Ephesians 4:2 

 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. Romans 15:5

 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14
 

By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                                           Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

 

Tips to Improve Your Self-Esteem

*Be realistic with your expectation about yourself

* Pull from your strengths

*Explore yourself of what makes you unique and appreciate and embrace who you are

*Stop comparing yourself to others

*Stop living with being concerned what others may think of you

*Be true to yourself and be confident in your value system 

*Pursue your interests and passions

*Take an inventory on what you would like to change for the better

*Accept what you cannot change about yourself   

*Demonstrate self-care, self-forgiveness, and self-love 

*Believe in yourself 

*Continue to learn

*Seek help to overcome past hurts and stop living in a victim mentality role

*Exercise


*Eat Healthy

*Be kind and friendly to others 

*Refrain from being judgmental of others 

*Think positive and uplifting thoughts about yourself. 

Remember—what you think will affect how you feel and how you act!

 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                                  Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Self-esteem simply means appreciating yourself for who you are.

The difference between someone with a healthy self-esteem and someone who doesn’t have a healthy view of themselves isn’t really one's ability. 

It’s simply acknowledgement of your strengths and weaknesses, and living life confidently in that knowledge.

People who have a healthy self-esteem are able to feel good about themselves for who they are, appreciate their own worth, and take pride in their abilities and accomplishments. 

They also acknowledge that while they’re not perfect and have faults, those faults don’t play an overwhelming or irrationally large role in their lives or their own self-image. 

They also see their own potential to grow and improve.

Reference

Tips To Improve Your Self Esteem

Http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/10/30/6-tips-to-improve-your-self-esteem/

By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                                           Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com