Dianna Alvidres MA LPC, MA Marriage & Family Therapy

04/02/2024

When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand.
We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - in freedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners in the same pattern.

The only real security is not in owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it might be in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now.
Relationships must be like islands, one must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits - islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and continually visited and abandoned by the tides.

~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Artist: Margarita Sikorskaia

Empower Wholeness Intimacy
https://EmpowerWholeness.com

04/02/2024

8 Lessons from "This Is Me Letting You Go" by Heidi Priebe

1. The book encourages accepting that some relationships, however cherished, may not be meant to last forever. It's okay to let go with love.

2. Letting go, even if painful, allows you to free yourself and open doors to new possibilities and healthier relationships.

3. The book emphasizes finding gratitude for the positive experiences shared in past relationships, even if they haven't lasted.

4. Letting Go Doesn't Have to Be Dramatic: It's a gradual process. You might find yourself letting go in small ways, like avoiding their favorite store or song, until you've fully released them.

5. Focus on self-compassion and activities that nourish your well-being as you navigate the emotional challenges of letting go.

6. Not All Love Stories End in Happily Ever After: "This Is Me Letting You Go" acknowledges that some connections, while meaningful, don't have a fairy-tale ending. It's okay to accept that reality.

7. Letting go can be a catalyst for personal growth. It allows you to discover your own strength and resilience.

8. By releasing what no longer serves you, you create space for new connections and experiences that may be a better fit for who you are now.

Book: https://amzn.to/3J1Afvk

You can also get the audio book for freee. Use the same link to register for the audio book on audible and start enjoying it

03/31/2024

03/26/2024

10 Heartwarming Lessons From "Present Over Perfect": Your Invitation to Breathe Deeply

1. Perfection is a mirage, chasing it leaves you parched. Shauna Niequist, the author, invites us to ditch the airbrushed ideal and embrace our beautifully flawed selves. It's a call to self-compassion, a radical act of love that paves the way for true connection.

2. Busyness is a thief, it steals the present moment. Remember that perfect sunset you missed while checking notifications? This book gently reminds us to slow down, savor the simple, and rediscover the magic hidden in everyday moments.

3. Saying "no" is saying "yes" to your soul. We often wear busyness as a badge of honor, but "Present Over Perfect" dares us to set boundaries. It's about honoring our energy, protecting our inner space, and creating room for what truly matters.

4. Connection is the antidote to isolation. The book paints a poignant picture of our wired yet lonely world. It nudges us to cultivate authentic connections, to share messy meals and vulnerable conversations, reminding us that belonging is our birthright.

5. Creativity is a wellspring of joy, not a chore. Remember the unbridled joy of childhood scribbles? This book rekindles that spark, urging us to embrace creativity as a source of renewal, not another item on the list.

6. Vulnerability is the key to intimacy. Sharing our true selves, flaws and all, feels risky. But "Present Over Perfect" shows us the vulnerability breeds connection, paving the way for deeper, more meaningful relationships.

7. Gratitude is a superpower, shifting our perspective. We often get caught in the comparison trap, but this book reminds us of the power of gratitude. By acknowledging the good, we shift our focus, finding magic in the ordinary.

8. Rest is not a luxury, it's a necessity. In a world that glorifies hustle, this book is a battle cry for rest. It reminds us that slowing down, nourishing our bodies and minds, is essential for living a full and vibrant life.

9. Faith is a personal journey, not a destination. Whether you have religious beliefs or not, "Present Over Perfect" invites us to connect with something bigger than ourselves. It's about finding meaning and purpose, a source of strength beyond the everyday.

10. You are enough, exactly as you are. This is the most powerful lesson of all. The book doesn't offer a quick fix, but a gentle nudge towards self-acceptance. It whispers, "You are loved, worthy, and enough, just as you are."

Dear friend, are you ready to trade the frantic for the soulful? To step off the hamster wheel and into the present moment? If so, I recommend "Present Over Perfect"!

BOOK: https://amzn.to/3TwAiEb

You may get to ENJOY the AUDIOBOOK for FREE (When you register for Audible Membership Trial) using the same link above.