In Part 1, we discussed ANT’s or automatic negative thoughts. We call these negative thoughts automatic or default because our neural pathways have been carved out to hold these thoughts, often over years. There is a biological basis to these negative thoughts: safety and survival. These ANTs kept and keep us alert and hypervigilant to danger.

So, we can thank them for protecting us but still learn how to deal with them, so they don’t control or overwhelm our thinking and our lives…..(refer to the previous blog post: part 1).

Let’s go over how to deal with negative thoughts (ANTs) and Cognitive Distortions (CD), so that they don’t affect your mood, relationships and life in a negative way…….

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Intergenerational Trauma: Effects & Healing

We’ll often return to the subject of trauma in these blog posts; most of us have or will experience it in one way or another. For now, though, this will be the last in this series about: Intergenerational (transgenerational, generational. historic) trauma. There is a lot of research being done in this field….

It helps to look closely and see if you have signs and symptoms of intergenerational trauma. It also helps to get help, when it comes to working through and healing trauma.

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Breaking the Chains…..of Intergenerational Trauma: Part 1

……Even with intergenerational trauma, there is good. You, usually, become more compassionate and understanding of the suffering of other people and, you may also develop more resilience, a good and helpful quality for life. You can have the most important role of all……to break the chain of this trauma. Emotional healing is possible…and, though it can follow a ‘rollercoaster ride’ path (lots of ups and downs), it can shift your way of thinking and subsequently, your behaviors, actions…..and your destiny.

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Intergenerational Trauma & Epigenetics: Part 2:

 Let’s continue this subject and start with the positive effects of the experience of trauma; we tend to become more compassionate and understanding of others.

Many people who have gone through trauma tend not to speak of it, but speaking about it would help others….to understand. In our society, we don’t always know what to say or how to help. Often, it’s just basic; ask someone to tell you about their trauma, pain, etc. It’s better to ask and listen than to ignore. Just asking if there’s something you could do for them.

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Intergenerational Trauma & Epigenetics: Part 1

These are big and fascinating subjects: Intergenerational or transgenerational trauma and Epigenetics.

These are close to my heart, mind and soul, mostly because my life has been greatly influenced and affected by intergenerational trauma. You may have your own experience with intergenerational trauma…..or know someone who does. So many people and families have been affected by trauma: war, natural disasters, abuse, genocide, and more. It’s important to understand the impact on you and future generations and to, perhaps, even be the one who breaks the cycle.

So, let’s start by explaining these concepts…….

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Indecisiveness: What Causes It & 10 Methods to Help You Make Decisions: Part 2

In the last blog post, we discussed indecisiveness and how it can limit and sometimes, stop us from moving forward with the life we’re meant to live.

If you feel or know that you have challenges with decision-making, ie: lack of confidence, second-guessing yourself, ignoring your intuition, perfectionism, ADHD, PTSD, trauma………and more, then it’s time to get better at the skill set (which you can learn and practice) of decision-making.

 Here are 10 Methods that can help you become more decisive…………..

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6 Reasons why most New Year’s Resolutions don’t stick

It’s that time of year again and most of us decide to make our list (written or not) of New Year’s resolutions.

Whether they decide to lose weight, get organized, pay off their debt or something else and despite their best efforts, most folks feel discouraged by their lack of willpower within the first few days of the new year. Most quickly abandon their goals.

If this sounds like you, you’re not the only one; trouble keeping a New Year’s resolution is a common phenomenon.

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As the winter holidays and the New Year approach, many of us start wondering and even setting intentions for what we want in the coming year. It’s gotten a bit more complicated………

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Hypnosis for Weight Reduction

As a hypnotherapist and Life & Mindset coach, clients come to me for different challenges, goals, intentions…..

As far as hypnosis is concerned, some of the most common reasons people come to see me are for: decreasing stress and anxiety, increasing confidence, more restful sleep and weight loss.

In this blog post, let’s focus a bit on weight reduction (loss) and weight maintenance.

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Hypnosis: Facts & Fiction

Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about hypnosis (hypnotherapy).

The truth is that therapeutic hypnosis can be quite pleasant, fun and relaxing and has the added dimensions and benefits of learning, self-awareness, growth and change.

Hypnosis helps you to access the beauty, creativity and talents you have inside…..and it often ‘kickstarts’ healing, learning and growth.

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Flow, the Secret to Happiness

In the last blog post, we talked about Living in the Present Moment. Well, being ‘in the flow’ is the ultimate way to feel joy and happiness in the present moment. It’s not quite something you can just put on your ‘to do’ list, but it is something you can learn about.

Flow is a state of mind in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity.

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Tips for Living in the Present Moment

I’m sure you’ve heard the advice or suggestion to live ‘in the present moment’. It sure sounds good but what does it really mean?

The ability to be and live in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.

If you’re living (thinking) too much in the past, you can stay sad and depressed. If you’re thinking about and anticipating the future, you’re stuck in worry, stress and anxiety.

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Releasing Trauma

This is the second in a series of posts about trauma: awareness and acknowledgement of it, working through it (usually, with help) and releasing it.

Additional learning about the body/mind connection and how our nervous system is affected with trauma can be informative and even, enlightening. It adds tools to our ‘tool box’ of self-awareness, self-acceptance and eventual self-love.

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Releasing Trauma from The Body

In recent years, we have learned more about the vital connection of body/mind/brain, when it comes to trauma and many exercises and techniques have come into being, to really help people to release (at least, partly) their trauma from their body and to help regulate their nervous system. In this way, they’re able to live with more peace, understanding, self-esteem, self-love and joy.

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Anger…………You Gotta Feel It to Heal It

Like all emotions, the only ‘healthy’ way to move forward is to first feel your anger.

Let’s put this process of ‘feeling it to heal it’ into general steps. These are not necessarily linear but are part of the process of ‘feeling’ and letting go of your anger, so that you can move on and forward. These are the steps that I use, with myself and for clients.

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