First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/avoiding-gratitude-cliches/ The fall season comes with its many clichés on its own, does it not? Pumpkin spice everything, sweater weather, and if you live in the south, kids dressed up for pumpkin patch photos in cold weather…
The Unseen Force of Hope
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/the-unseen-force-of-hope/ There is a hidden engine that drives us forward. Without it, we falter and lose momentum. It serves as the basis for motivation and achievement, but more importantly, for enduring hardship. That engine is hope. It…
Developing Grit
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/developing-grit/ Grit. What is it? Why is it important? What does it take to develop it? According to Angela Duckworth, a psychologist who has heavily researched the topic, grit is “applying focused attention, resilience, perseverance, and dedication…
Finding the Courage to Change
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/finding-the-courage-to-change/ While helping struggling people, I have come to recognize that part of my work is helping people find courage. A newfound courage that they are no longer stuck in their old ways and they can indeed…
The Gift of Grace, Part 2
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/the-gift-of-grace-part-2/ I don’t know about you, but there are times when I find myself getting caught up in the pressure to attain, to strive, to achieve in the different areas of my life. Even my spiritual journey…
The Definition of Happiness
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/the-definition-of-happiness/ The nature of happiness, and how to obtain it, has been a debated topic for centuries. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy brings some clarity to opposing sides of this issue. From one perspective emphasis is placed…
What Increases Positivity?
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/what-increases-positivity/ An optimistic attitude and our well-being (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual) are intimately connected. Many studies today have found that a positive attitude improves outcomes and life satisfaction and strengthens the immune system. People who practice positive…
Begin With the End in Mind
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/begin-with-the-end-in-mind/ Imagine for a second you are going on a road trip. You have decided you want to go somewhere, but you have not decided where you want to end up. You begin to pack and prepare,…
The Gift of Grace
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/the-gift-of-grace/ I currently find myself on a journey that is leading me to dig deeper into the concept of grace. I thought I might invite you to walk with me for a few moments in hopes that…
Savoring: The art of reducing stress and increasing joy
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/savoring-the-art-of-reducing-stress-and-increasing-joy/ Recently I was with a colleague, and they said to me, “I just want to stop and savor this for a minute. Iwould not have thought to do that. I am not sure about you but…
Why is Curiosity Important?
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/why-is-curiosity-important/ Everyone has probably heard the familiar expression at one time or another, “Curiosity killed the cat.” This popular statement tends to incriminate the act of being curious as negative or potentially dangerous. Yet, the art of…
If You’re Happy, I’m Happy: Altruism Psychology
First posted to: https://surehopecounseling.com/if-youre-happy-im-happy-altruism-psychology/ If you’re a fan at all of the show Friends, you might remember an episode called “The One Where Phoebe Hates PBS” where Joey claims that there is no such thing as a selfless good deed….