Pathways Counseling Center

09/29/2025

Some days, deep breathing just doesn’t cut it, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that coping isn’t one-size-fits-all. For me, it's a mix of listening to music that matches my mood, journaling my messy thoughts without judgment, and stepping outside for a short walk to clear my head. Sometimes I doodle, sometimes I vent to a trusted friend, and other times I just need to sit with a cozy blanket and a warm drink. The key? Choosing what actually works for me in that moment, not what I should do. Coping is personal, and it’s powerful when we honour that.🤗🤗

09/23/2025

09/20/2025

Not all friendships are good for us, and sometimes, the hardest people to let go are the ones who drain us the most.

How to tell the difference?

Toxic Friends:

1. Always one-sided: They expect you to show up but rarely do the same for you.
2. Jealous of your growth: When you succeed, they withdraw or criticize.
3. Subtle put-downs: Their "jokes" often sting. They call it teasing. It feels like shrinking.
4. Dismissive of your feelings: When you express hurt, they say you're "too sensitive" or "overreacting."
5. Thrives on drama: They gossip, pit people against each other, and pull you into chaos.
6. Conditional support: They support you... as long as you're not doing better than them.

Example: You share exciting news about a job offer. They roll their eyes and say, “Must be nice to get things handed to you.”

Healthy Friends:

1. Mutual effort: Both give and receive. You don’t feel like you’re chasing their time or attention.
2. Celebrate your growth: Your wins are their wins. They cheer loudest for you.
3. Respectful communication: They can be honest and kind, even during disagreements.
4. Safe emotional space: You can share your feelings without fear of judgment.
5. Low on drama, high on peace: They bring calm, not chaos.
6. Unconditional presence: They stand by you even when things are messy or slow.

Example: You mess up or go through a hard time, and they say, “I’m here. We’ll figure this out together.”

You deserve friendships that support you, not relationships that make you question your worth. Let go of guilt. Sometimes the biggest act of self-care is choosing who gets to stay in your circle.🤗🤗

09/17/2025

Sometimes, life feels like too much.

The weight of responsibilities, unexpected changes, or even unexplainable thoughts can make us feel overwhelmed, anxious, insecure, and helpless. And in those moments, it’s easy to question ourselves: Why am I feeling this way? Shouldn’t I be stronger? Shouldn’t I have it all together? Feeling this way doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

Your feelings are valid. They’re signals, not flaws. They’re part of you, asking to be acknowledged rather than pushed away. Accepting them doesn’t mean you’re giving up; it means you’re allowing yourself to be honest about where you are right now.

Understanding these emotions takes time. Sometimes, they’re rooted in past experiences; other times, they’re simply a reaction to the pressure of the present. Processing them means giving yourself permission to pause, breathe, and listen to what’s happening inside without judgment.

And while it may not feel like it in the moment, there is always something you can do.

Not everything can be fixed right away, but there’s always a step, no matter how small, that can help you navigate forward. That step might look different each day, and that’s okay. What matters is knowing that you’re not stuck forever.

This shall too pass! 🤗🤗