Laura Carr, LMFT, Center for Mindful Relationships

We can stop at any time and reset. Close your eyes, picture yourself in tour favorite peaceful place (I love picturing myself in a meadow in the south of France). Take a slow full in breath, hold briefly and exhale slowly. Notice all the surroundings in your favorite place: feel the breeze, see the colors, hear the sounds of nature. Let yourself be fully immersed in the beautiful surroundings. Getting Here, in the moment, it’s one of the best tools you can use to settle your system. Now from this place can you offer yourself a reassurance? Give it a try. #youmatter

During these holidays, a gentle reminder to not go to comparison. You are enough. However you showed up is good enough. If something needs repairing, you can do that WITHOUT going to comparisons - shoulda, coulda, woulda. Don’t go there. Instead, take a deep breath, imagine someone you love wholeheartedly, and what support would you offer them? Now give that to yourself!

Change is the one constant in life.

Learning to listen to the inner guide. It’s kind of like a internal tickle. It’s nudging you in the direction that cares for you. We have been conditioned to ignore and dismiss it. Learning to listen to & honor that signal will change your life.

This is one of my most difficult behaviors right now - taking breaks from devices. And I know I’m not alone. It feels like a break but it’s actually taxing the brain which is taxing to the body which is taxing to the soul. So many of us I required to be on this for school, for work and connecting with people we care about. We need to ask ourselves, are we taking time away from devices? Away from distractions. Are we spending time with ourselves? In quiet. Our body needs qui...et. Our soul needs quiet. Schedule a break for your body and for your soul. Start with an amount of time that you can say yes to. Five minutes? 10 minutes? Go outside. Breathe in the fresh air. Look at the sky. Hug your fur babies. Lay flat on the ground, close your eyes and just let yourself enjoy the silence. Make the commitment and then once you keep it - celebrate! We can do this! See more

Comparison is the thief of joy. Theodore Roosevelt. Comparison is a tool to torture you. It fuels suffering. Listen for some tips of what to do instead.

Yes to all of this!! Great meme by @blackfemaletherapists

Get still. Close your eyes and allow yourself to listen to this beautiful duet. Be with the music. Allow your system to settle. This is grounding. This is self-care.

Don’t compare. Don’t compare.

Some helpful reminders.

These are difficult times, for everyone. How are you doing? If I were to do some Facebook lives What would you like to have me talk about? What would be supportive? This photo was taken by @DanMeyers (from splash)

This is frequently what we talk about! It’s hard (and humbling) AND it is all for our evolution!!

Two of our clinicians are now officially Licensed Marriage Family Therapists! We are celebrating their dedication, tenacity, skillfulness, and heart! Way to go Samantha Lumula, LMFT & Kristina Clancy, LMFT! These strong women are testaments of going after your dreams and doing the personal work that goes along with that! CFMR, our clients and the world benefits from their presence!

How is everyone doing?

A check in. From home, my new office!

What’s your self-care today?

Yes, yes, yes!!! #thereisnothingwrongwithyou

It’s so easy to get hijacked by worry...aka fear. Yet we can practice turning attention to reassurance, kindness, support for the part of us that IS afraid. Many don’t know how to do that because they didn’t grow up with that kind of modeling. Learning to be PRESENT and there with ourselves takes time and practice. Here are some examples to practice with when worry/fear tries to hijack you. I’m here with you. I love you. You are ok. You are not alone. No matter what, we’ll get through this. I won’t leave you. Another hint, what would you want your best friend to say to you? *Remember this takes PRACTICE. You are building a relationship WITH yourself. It takes time, commitment, persistence and patience. You can do this!