Light Behind the Mask

There is light even in the darkest places—even in the darkest parts of us. Mental anguish, regardless of its source, does not take the worth out of its victim. Accepting that reality frees us to own the light and be ourselves.

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Coping Through Creativity

What impact do the arts have on our mental health? I recently participated in a class titled “Coping Through Creativity,” led by my friend Stephanie Nicoletti. Despite my limited visual art skills, I found creating images that expressed my emotions liberating.
In this interview, Stephanie shares how creativity can help us heal.

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How to Honor Abusive Parents

How does honoring parents fit into the murky path of overcoming the pain inflicted by them? The first step is in re-interpreting honor to mean live honorably.  In that way, we are doing something good with the physical life they gave us. More importantly, it lifts and enables us to see beyond the abuse and focus on building a life we can thrive in. In living honorably, we can find our true selves and leave behind the worthless feelings that accompany abuse.

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Why Build on the Light?

I’ve been asked why the title Build on the Light? In this video, I share the ideas behind the phrase. If we look closely, there are pieces of light buried in the muck of the trauma we have suffered-pieces that can be used to rebuild our lives. Regardless of the pains and heartache we are…

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The Rippling Effects of Abuse

Recently, someone asked me, “How can you possibly heal and move forward when the people closest to you have been hurt by your own trauma-induced neglect and hurtful actions?” It is a question I’ve asked myself many times. Truly, the rippling effects of abuse reach beyond the victim. Its effects are felt profoundly by those…

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Reclaiming the Good

Reclaiming the good moments in our lives is critical in emotional and spiritual healing. But it is not enough to simply uncover the pieces of light. We have to own them.

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