For as long as I can remember, control has been my way of navigating the world. On the surface, it looked like stability, order, and strength. But underneath, control was often my shield protecting me from being seen too deeply, from being vulnerable, and from facing the fears and insecurities I carried inside..being found out basically. In schema therapy, I’ve learned to see these patterns more clearly. Control was my way of avoiding the pain of being exposed or hurt. If I could manage situations, people, or even myself tightly enough, then maybe I wouldn’t feel rejected or abandoned. Control became a survival strategy. It gave me the false sensation of feeling safe. But survival strategies don’t always leave much room for love. I now see how my need for control pushed away the very closeness I longed for. With the love of my life for example, I thought I was holding on to something steady but in reality, control left little space for openness, for acceptance, for love to simply be. To just be in the moment with her. Losing that relationship forced me to look at control differently. It made me realize that what I thought was keeping me safe was actually keeping me stuck. Today, I’m learning to relate to control in a new way. I don’t see it as the enemy it’s a part of me that once tried to protect me. But instead of letting it run my life, I’m learning to hold it more lightly. Control can serve me when it helps me create healthy boundaries, when it supports me in building habits and stability. But it doesn’t have to dictate how I connect with others. What really heals is vulnerability, acceptance, and trust..all the things that control used to cover up. I share this because I know I’m not alone. Many of us use control in one form or another whether it’s controlling ourselves, situations, or others thinking it will keep us safe. But often, it just keeps us from the love, connection, and freedom we actually want. I’d love to hear from you: - How has control shown up in your life? - Has it helped you, or has it gotten in the way of love and healing? - What does “healthy control” or letting go of control look like for you now?

There’s a powerful truth that’s been passed down through spiritual teachings, personal development, and even modern psychology: You become what you think about all day long. The words you use after “I AM” are some of the most creative forces in your life. They shape your beliefs, your energy, and how you show up in the world. Think about two people who wake up in the morning. One says, “I am exhausted. I am stressed. I am unlucky.” That energy colors their entire day. The other says, “I am grateful. I am strong. I am capable.” Same morning, same world.. but completely different experience. Each morning, before you look at your phone or get pulled into the noise of the day, complete this sentence with three uplifting words: 👉 “I am ______. I am ______. I am ______.” For example: - I am healing. - I am worthy. - I am love. Say them out loud. Write them on a posty note for your bathroom. Write them down. Let them become the lens through which you experience your day. What are YOUR three “I Am” statements today? Drop them in the comments.. not only will it anchor them for you, but it might inspire someone else who needs those exact words today.

Inside every one of us lives that little kid… curious, playful, wide eyed, and full of wonder. But as we grow older, responsibilities, stress, and “being an adult” often cover that part of us up. Think about it… remember when you were a child, and the simplest things…like chasing fireflies, building forts, or asking big questions about the universe felt magical? That part of you hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s still alive, waiting for permission to come out and play. When we reconnect with that inner child, life becomes lighter. Problems don’t feel as heavy. We dream bigger. We laugh easier. And we live with more curiosity and joy. Something we must always remember is that we’re always children of mother earth always children of God… No matter what age we are. The more that we can lean into that child within us the more we can stay humbled and stay curious and always learn more about ourselves and the world. Simple Practice: The “Wonder Hour” Set aside just 10–15 minutes today to do something purely for fun… no outcome, no productivity. It could be doodling, dancing, playing outside, or even asking yourself, “What would 7-year-old me do right now?” Question for You: Where in your life do you feel your inner child wanting to come out more.. at work, in relationships, or in your alone time? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s remind each other how to bring back that innocent one who just wants to play and enjoy this life. The Healing Circle

Most of us are trained to notice what’s missing, what’s wrong, or what needs fixing. I want to let you in on a little secret my friend... what you focus on expands. What you focus on, you find. What you focus on, you become. If you constantly focus on problems, you’ll feel weighed down. If you focus on gratitude, your brain literally rewires itself to see opportunities, beauty, and connection. Gratitude shifts you from survival mode into a state of abundance. Think about it for a moment... when was the last time you paused and really appreciated something as simple as a warm cup of coffee, your partner’s laugh, or the fact that you woke up breathing today? These small moments, when acknowledged, create a ripple effect in your mood, your relationships, and even your health. Let's Talk About Why Gratitude Works - Rewires your brain: Studies show gratitude strengthens neural pathways that support positivity and resilience. - Improves relationships: Appreciation makes others feel seen and valued, which deepens connection. - Boosts energy & mood: Gratitude floods your system with dopamine and serotonin..your brain’s natural "feel good" chemicals. Easy Gratitude Practice You Can Start Today: The 3x3 Gratitude Method - Every morning or evening, write down 3 things you’re grateful for. - Then, for each one, write WHY you’re grateful for it. (The “why” is what makes it powerful & what makes it stick .. creating those new neural pathways of evidence for the brain.) Example: - I’m grateful for my morning run → because it clears my mind and sets me up for a focused day. - I’m grateful for my partner’s support → because it reminds me I’m not alone in this journey. - I’m grateful for my challenges → because they’re shaping me into someone stronger. Bonus Practices (try one today): - Gratitude Text: Send one quick message to someone, telling them why you appreciate them. - Gratitude Pause: Before a meal, silently give thanks for the food and everyone who played a role in - bringing it to your table. - Gratitude Anchor: Pick one daily trigger (like brushing your teeth or starting your car) as a reminder to think of one thing you’re grateful for.