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RECOVERY SELF HELP

Being authentic

Being authentic means being true to oneself and living in accordance with one’s values, beliefs, and desires. It involves being honest with oneself and others, and not pretending to be someone or something that one is not.

Living authentically can be a powerful way to cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It can help individuals feel more connected to their own experiences and the experiences of those around them, and can lead to deeper and more fulfilling relationships.

However, living authentically can also be challenging, as it often requires individuals to confront their fears and vulnerabilities, and to take risks in expressing themselves and pursuing their goals. It can be tempting to hide behind a facade or to conform to societal norms and expectations, but doing so can lead to feelings of disconnection and dissatisfaction.

Ultimately, living authentically requires courage and a willingness to be vulnerable. It involves being true to oneself, even in the face of adversity or criticism. By doing so, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment that can lead to greater happiness and well-being.

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LINDA C J TURNER Q & A with #LindaCJTurner RECOVERY SELF HELP

Q & A – Someone is provoking me

Not responding to provocation is a common advice given to people in many situations, and it refers to the idea of avoiding reacting emotionally to someone else’s attempt to anger or upset us.

Provocation can take many forms, including insults, criticism, taunts, or intentionally rude behavior, and it is often aimed at getting a reaction out of the person being provoked. However, responding in an emotional or aggressive manner can often escalate the situation and make it worse.

By not responding to provocation, we can prevent the situation from escalating and maintain our emotional balance. This can also prevent us from saying or doing things we might regret later. Instead, we can choose to respond calmly and assertively, or simply ignore the provocation altogether and move on.

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RECOVERY

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the act of releasing feelings of anger, resentment, or bitterness towards someone who has wronged you. It involves letting go of the negative emotions that you may be holding onto and finding peace within yourself. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting what happened or condoning the actions of the person who wronged you, but rather it is a decision to move forward and not let the hurt control your life.

Forgiveness can have many benefits, both for the person who forgives and the person who is forgiven. For the person who forgives, it can lead to greater emotional well-being, decreased stress and anxiety, and improved relationships with others. For the person who is forgiven, it can provide a sense of relief and the opportunity to make amends and repair the relationship.

Forgiveness is a personal decision and may take time and effort to achieve. It may involve acknowledging and processing the hurt, practicing empathy and compassion, and choosing to let go of negative emotions. It is important to remember that forgiveness is not always easy, but it can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.

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LINDA C J TURNER Q & A with #LindaCJTurner RECOVERY SELF HELP

Q & A – can a friend or family member be your therapist?

It is not recommended for a friend or family member to serve as your therapist or primary mental health provider. While it’s natural to seek support from loved ones during difficult times, therapy requires a level of professional training, skill, and objectivity that is not typically present in personal relationships.

There are several reasons why it is not recommended to rely on friends or family members for therapy:

  1. Lack of objectivity: A therapist is trained to remain objective and non-judgmental in their interactions with clients, which is difficult for someone who is close to you to do. A friend or family member may have their own biases or opinions about your situation, which can influence their ability to provide unbiased support.
  2. Boundaries: Therapy involves establishing clear boundaries between the client and the therapist, which can be difficult to maintain in personal relationships. A therapist is trained to set appropriate boundaries around confidentiality, communication, and expectations for the therapeutic relationship, which can be challenging for someone who is not trained in therapy.
  3. Lack of training: Therapists undergo extensive training and education to develop the skills needed to provide effective therapy. While a friend or family member may have good intentions, they are unlikely to have the same level of training and expertise needed to address complex mental health issues.
  4. Potential strain on the relationship: Relying on a friend or family member for therapy can put strain on the relationship and may create an imbalance of power or expectations. It can be difficult for a friend or family member to serve as both a support system and a therapist, which can create conflict and strain in the relationship.

Overall, it’s important to seek support from trained mental health professionals when seeking therapy or treatment for mental health issues. While friends and family can provide valuable support and encouragement, they are not a substitute for professional therapy.

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LINDA C J TURNER PARENTAL ALIENATION Q & A with #LindaCJTurner

Q & A – What is empathy?

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand their perspective. Here are some examples of empathy in action:

  1. Listening to a friend who is going through a difficult time and offering support and encouragement.
  2. Recognizing when a coworker is struggling with a task and offering to help or provide guidance.
  3. Acknowledging the feelings of a family member who is upset about a situation and expressing understanding and compassion.
  4. Taking the time to truly understand the needs and concerns of a customer and working to find a solution that meets their needs.
  5. Recognizing the challenges faced by people from different cultures or backgrounds and making an effort to understand and appreciate their perspective.
  6. Showing kindness and understanding towards someone who is going through a difficult time, even if you don’t know them personally.

Overall, empathy is a crucial skill that allows us to connect with others, build strong relationships, and create a more compassionate and understanding world.

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RECOVERY SELF HELP

Being Authentic takes Courage

Being honest about one’s true identity refers to the act of openly and authentically expressing one’s personality, values, beliefs, and experiences to others. It involves acknowledging and accepting one’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as being comfortable with one’s own uniqueness and individuality.

Being honest about one’s true identity is important because it allows individuals to build genuine and meaningful relationships based on trust and respect. It also promotes self-acceptance and self-confidence, which can lead to better mental health and well-being.

However, being honest about one’s true identity can also be challenging, especially in situations where there is pressure to conform to social norms or expectations. It can be scary to reveal personal information or to express oneself in a way that may be perceived as different or unusual.

In order to be honest about one’s true identity, it’s important to cultivate self-awareness and self-acceptance. This may involve exploring one’s own values, beliefs, and emotions, and practicing self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, or journaling. It may also involve seeking support from trusted friends or family members, or seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.

Ultimately, being honest about one’s true identity is a process that takes time, effort, and courage. However, it can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life, as well as deeper and more meaningful relationships with others.

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SELF HELP

The Dark Cloud

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SELF HELP

How Many Can You Tick?

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RECOVERY

Mistakes were made(But not by me)

In an interview with the New York Times, social psychologist Carol Tavris, who wrote the aptly-named book “Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me),” said that the problem comes when our sense of self is under attack. “Cognitive dissonance is what we feel when the self-concept — I’m smart, I’m kind, I’m convinced this belief is true — is threatened by evidence that we did something that wasn’t smart, that we did something that hurt another person, that the belief isn’t true.”

https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/why-admit-when-you-wrong/

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SELF HELP

You are not your thoughts