Ken Smith MS, MA, LPCC

11/26/2024

Hope is more than just a fleeting feeling; it’s a vital force that can transform our lives and propel us through difficult times. In both personal and collective contexts, hope provides us with the strength to persevere, adapt, and envision a brighter future. This post delves into the transformative power of hope and explores ways to find hope when we feel there is none.

Adversity

Stories of resilience often feature hope as a central theme. Whether it’s a survivor of a natural disaster, a patient battling illness, or a community coming together after a crisis, hope is what fuels recovery and inspires action.

Motivator

Hope acts as a catalyst for action. When we believe that a positive outcome is possible, we’re more likely to take steps toward achieving our goals. Hope also allows us to envision a better future, which can be especially powerful during uncertain times. This forward-looking perspective can help us stay motivated and engaged in our lives.

Hope is more than just a fleeting feeling; it’s a vital force that can transform our lives and propel us through difficult times. In both personal and collect

11/20/2024

Feeling depressed can be an overwhelming experience, often accompanied by a sense of heaviness, sadness, and isolation. While it’s a common feeling that many people encounter at various points in their lives, it can be challenging to articulate or navigate. In this post, we’ll explore what it feels like to be in a state of depression, the emotions involved, and some gentle strategies for finding your way back to a more peaceful and positive place.

What Does It Feel Like to Be Depressed?

When you’re feeling depressed, you might experience a mix of emotions that can include:

Persistent Sadness

This sadness often feels deep and unshakeable, like a cloud that looms overhead, making it difficult to find joy in everyday activities.

Loss of Interest

Things that once brought you joy—hobbies, socializing, or even favorite foods—may seem dull or uninteresting. This loss can heighten feelings of loneliness.

Feeling depressed can be an overwhelming experience, often accompanied by a sense of heaviness, sadness, and isolation. While it’s a common feeling that many

11/12/2024

In a world that often prioritizes seriousness and productivity, it’s easy for adults to forget the joy of play. However, embracing a playful spirit is essential for our well-being. Playfulness not only reduces stress and enhances creativity but also strengthens our relationships. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of playfulness, share fun activities to reignite your playful spirit, and discuss how to cultivate a more joyful mindset.

The Importance of Playfulness

Playfulness is not just for children; it’s a vital force that can enrich our lives at any age. Engaging in playful activities helps us reconnect with our inner child and brings numerous benefits:

Stress Reduction

Playful moments can act as a natural antidote to stress. Laughter and light-hearted activities release endorphins, promoting relaxation and improving your mood.

In a world that often prioritizes seriousness and productivity, it’s easy for adults to forget the joy of play. However, embracing a playful spirit is essenti

10/30/2024

Scared vs. Powerful

Nate Silver, well known pollster was talking about the 2024 election with Ezra Klein Show for on YouTube for The New York Times.

I don't want to get into politics, especially this 2024 race as extreme Mad, Scared, and Sad feelings are all the focus this year.

What I am interested in is how Silver and Klein talk about the physical feeling (interoception) of risk taking:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chRaRaNSpIM&t=3557s

In the sense of FW 2.0 model there seems to be a tension between Scared and Powerful Feelings Interoceptively.

Here is a list of interoception experiences. Which ones do you think go with the "feeling of risk taking"?

I seems to me that most people with risk taking have Scared feelings, what Sliver talks about as "going on tilt".

But when Silver talks about controlled body sensations that likely come with practice and personality traits, the body feelings are probably found in the Powerful sensations.

Body sensations that Nate Silver discusses with risk taking; are they more Scared or Powerful feelings on Feelings Wheel 2.0

10/29/2024

Finally finished my book on Feelings Wheel 2.0! Check it out at

Take control of your emotions! Feelings Wheel 2.0 (FW 2.0) is the tool to help you do this! FW 2.0 provides an attractive model to help you understand and regulate emotions. Kenneth Smith, MS, MA…

10/04/2022

Popular meds work no better than a placebo for depression and can come with severe withdrawal symptoms. Why do doctors prescribe them to 43 million Americans?