Cut It Out!

Cutting is an epidemic in the United States. It has become an upward trend in middle and high schools thoughout the country.


Teens are continually struggling with their Self Worth and Self Image and trying to fit into the unrealistic expectations that media and society impose on them. 

Girls and even Boys report that they cut themselves to redirect their attention from the pain of their life to the pain of the physical wound. They use cutting as a coping mechanism and there is an increasing amount of peer pressure towards the trend. Any kind of coping mechanism; whether it be overeating, bulimia, using drugs - is just a distraction from a deeper issue. The issues should be addressed directly to try and eradicate the destructive behavior. 

If you know of any young women who are cutting, talk to them about their behavior and encourage them to get help. Whether they are doing it as a trend or because they are hurting inside, it is very damaging both to their physical and emotional health. 

According to KidsHealth, don't be surprised if your teen resists your efforts to talk about cutting. He or she might deny cutting, get angry or upset. A teen might not want to talk to you or say that you wont understand. If this does happens; be patient, don't take it personally, and don't give up. Try another time and another way to talk about it.

First Posted 3/7/12

Rescue Me Syndrome

Animals need to be rescued - PEOPLE do not!

Often insecure women end up in dysfunctional relationships because they form relationships with people who themselves are:

• In a "bad marriage"
• Insecure - who have been abused themselves as a child
• Who are looking for someone to take care of them
• Abusers 
• Narcissistic Manipulators

Relationships are mutually enhancing situations that benefit the two individuals on the overall. They should not be one side, dominated by one individual, or serving the good of one at the expense of the other. 

Learning how to have HEALTHY Relationships is one of the greatest accomplishments in life and one that can serve to benefit you and others the most. 

‡SAVE YOURSELF FIRST‡

Random Acts of Kindness

Unconditional giving is an amazing service and a huge boost to your own emotional welfare. 

Do something nice for someone but do not let them know it was you that did it.

• Send a friend going thru a hard time an anonymous bouquet with an encouraging quote or note. 
• Make a certificate of awesomeness and send it with a little care packet to a coworker who always goes above and beyond.
• Leave some clothes and toys on the doorstep or front porch of a single parent who is having a hard time this Holiday. 

Giving to others with no credit awarded is true selfless giving. It is giving in its purest form; not tainted by the need for other's approval or desire for praise.  

Giving in this way is very rewarding and you are helping another person in an amazing way. You never know, it may be exactly what that person needs to get through a rough patch or to stay on the right path. 

ººººººººººººººººººº WE ARE ALL CONNECTED ººººººººººººººººººº

Codependents R' Us

We wonder why we keep ending up in the same horrible relationships with - at the worst abusive men or at the least emotionally constipated ones.

When we start seeing a negative pattern in relationships, it is time to take a hard look at ourselves. 

Those of us who tend to be Codependent, usually have low self esteems from a variety of childhood issues. When we are insecure, we tend to seek out relationships where we can "save" someone so we feel we are needed or have a purpose. It then turns into a terribly emotionally manipulative(on both sides) and horribly dysfunctional situation that we call a "relationship." 

Codependency is a hard cycle to break. For many it may be the only kind of relationships that we have ever had ~ taking care of a parent as a child, trying to get the attention of an absent parent, etc. But if having an emotionally healthy life, which includes our relationships; is a goal of yours - codependency must be addressed.

It may not be something you can totally change over night, but realizing that the dynamic is occurring is the first step in a healthier direction. When we realize we have set up a codependent relationship, we must admit that we have both played into establishing that dynamic. We can never truly change the way another person acts or treats us, so focusing on our own role is the easiest way to begin making change. 

There is a certain amount of dependency in any relationship but when it is harmful or emotionally damaging to either or both parties; then it is not a healthy aspect of that relationship.

◈◈◈◈◈◈ BELIEVE IN YOURSELF ◈◈◈◈◈◈

(It should be noted that I am not a behavior specialist - there are many great books out there addressing the issue and of course professional therapy.) 

The Greatest Love of All - Reggae style Whitney cover dedication from Leah Beabout by LeahBeabout