Recently, I was with my family, and my dad wanted to ride the carousel at a park. None of us had ridden a ride in over a decade, so I agreed to my dad’s request and we rode the carousel. On the carousel, my brain automatically searched for my mom, and I started panicking, thinking,…
Worry is a normal emotion that can serve you, signaling there is something that needs your attention. But being worried so frequently that it becomes a constant stress impacting you emotionally, relationally and/or physically, suggests a closer look. Key Takeaways Chronic worry can stem from deeper emotional patterns, not just day-to-day stress. Exploring your core…
Trust, once broken, can feel really challenging to mend. However, with consistent effort, vulnerability, and a genuine commitment to change, it can be rebuilt. A woman asks Lisa how to regain trust in her relationship. Lisa’s response to her offers steps to do this, emphasizing open communication, consistent actions, and the creation of emotional safety…
Death is hard. Even as Christians who believe in eternal life, death can be difficult. Death can also seem like a complex topic to discuss with your children, but while there are times to shield them from death and dying, we should prepare them to face what happens to every living creature here on earth….
A woman shares her concern about the lack of emotional safety in her relationship and her challenge with getting him to understand what she needs from him. The Question to Lisa “I read your article on emotional safety, and it seems to be lacking in my recent relationship. I had been dating a guy on…
When relationship problems pile up—the same arguments on repeat, the growing distance, the exhaustion of trying—it’s natural to wonder if breaking up might be easier than breaking through. But here’s what many couples don’t realize: most relationship problems aren’t actually relationship-enders. They’re relationship-growers, waiting for the right approach. Recent statistics suggest that while the divorce…
Key Takeaways: Mindful Observation: Stress responses are observed with compassionate awareness, creating space for choice rather than reaction. Gratitude Amplification: Cultivating gratitude strengthens positive neural pathways, acting as a powerful buffer against stress and fostering happiness. Integrated Practice: Consistent integration of mindfulness, gratitude, and neuroplasticity techniques enhances emotional regulation and cultivates lasting happiness. Compassionate Self-Acceptance:…
It starts innocently enough—a simple request about taking out the trash or helping with dinner. But somehow, weeks later, you find yourself making the same request again. And again. You might start adding ‘always’ or ‘never’ or communicate criticism in your tone. The small request becomes an unhealthy communication pattern. If you’ve ever felt trapped…
Key Takeaways: Self-awareness is your guide: Understanding your internal patterns is a key to growth. Family of Origin Work is your foundation: Clarity around past experiences illuminates present challenges and is integral to healing. Focus on your emotional health along the way: Cultivating emotional resilience and regulation is essential for a fulfilling life. Try to…
Sometimes the biggest relationship problems are not the loudest. Be most concerned about the issues that go unspoken, especially if conflict avoidance is normal for both partners. Key Takeaways Subtle, consistent negativity or lack of emotional presence is often the “relationship killer” we ignore. Quiet forms of disconnection—like emotional withdrawal, conflict avoidance, or silent treatment—can…