Opinion: Six Traits When Confronting a Narcissist
Six Undeniable Traits That Surface When You Confront a Narcissist. If you have dated a narcissist or someone with very strong traits, you know. It is a life-changing event that changes you and leaves you wiser for the experience but shattered emotionally and mentally.
Read full storyThe Difference Between Borderline and Narcissism
Dating someone with a Borderline Personality can be brutal. They can come across the most loving, affectionate person ever one minute, but if you trigger their insecurities ( and there are many), they can be the meanest person and use every insecurity you have against you. They will fight hard. You may confuse Borderline with narcissistic personality disorder because they have many similar traits. Both can be very manipulative and hurtful. Both are damaging.
Read full storyOpinion: Escaping Narcissism: How to Safely Leave
Realizing you are with a narcissist or extremely manipulative person is one thing, but exiting the relationship for good is another problem in and of itself. The narc will not let go easily. You will likely be trauma-bonded due to their cycles of intermittent love-bombing followed by bashing you down and then baiting you back in.
Read full storyThe Cycle with a Narcissist
I heard these phrases often from my last boyfriend. Although he was not clinically diagnosed as a narcissist, it was abundantly clear by his love of himself, disregard for others, lack of empathy, covert tendencies, and projection/victim mentality.
Read full storyManipulation: A Losing Game
If you have ever been in a relationship with someone you thought you loved but later discovered was manipulative beyond measure, you will feel the pain in every word I type.It begins with love bombing. They say everything you have always dreamed of hearing.
Read full storyOpinion; Separation Is An Illusion
Life, like water, is constantly flowing and changing. And yet, as humans, we are naturally resistant to change. But I ask myself time and time again: why? We inherently know things will continually change. Said another way, everything is temporary. And, when things are difficult, that is very handy. I am often reminded of the force much bigger than I out in the universe. It keeps me humble. But it also allows me to embrace the seeds of change free from fear, and that is because I am a creature of love.
Read full storyMerkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery: Arizona's Unique Gem
Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria features impressive views of Old Towne Cottonwood as well as the vineyards themselves. They offer award-winning high-elevation wines and a farm-to-table fresh seasonal menu. In addition to their large indoor and outdoor dining areas and central round bar, they provide a private tasting area in their exclusive Caseceus Cellars VSC Ventura Room by Appointment.
Read full storyA Wild Stroll at Phoenix Zoo
The pools are closed for maintenance in my condominium subdivision, so I decided to go out and enjoy this gorgeous, mild fall day in Arizona by visiting our local zoo. I have been to zoos all over the country. In fact, my daughter now works for the number one zoo in Conservation- the Omaha Zoo in Nebraska.
Read full storyLive the Life You Love: Step out of Autopilot
Weekends are a great time for adventures. It is the perfect time to recalibrate the body and mind. My dad always used to say, “Work hard/ play hard, but stay balanced.”That was some of the best advice I have received. My new friends in my condominium joke that I must live quite a lavish lifestyle to be out by the pool each day by approximately two in the afternoon. But I had a serious conversation with my new friend Deb yesterday. She joked, “Oh, cut out of work early, did you?” I quickly responded, “Well, kind of. I put in a ten-hour day; my hours look different than many.”
Read full storyAn Ego Driven Life is One of Scarcity
Fear holds us back, whereas love propels us forward.I view it as the devil on one shoulder and the angel on my other shoulder. The devil willdiscourage you from reaching your full potential.He will thwart your best plans and sabotage you.Conversely, the angel will cheer you on when you are courageous and encourage the best side of you to come forward and shine.
Read full storyHealing From Shame: Understanding & Letting Go
If you have childhood wounds from being raised by someone who was neglectful or abusive, or if you were bullied or rejected by classmates, you likely have deep feelings of shame. Shame can also be a result of adult abuse or rejection. Shame and guilt are similar feelings. The difference is that shame is far more detrimental becauseguilt implies you did something morally wrong, whereas shame means you are wrong.So instead of thinking I did something monumentally stupid (guilt), with shame, you believe I am monumentally stupid.
Read full storyOpinion, The Five Biggest Wastes Of Time
Time is our most precious commodity, yet people waste it daily. I am far better today at time management and productivity than I was a few years ago; thank goodness for awareness. How often do you see someone scrolling on their phone — literally index finger or thumb, moving up the screen so fast that they are not absorbing what they see? How often do you see a couple out to dinner and one, if not both, busy on their phone rather than being present with one another? Would you spend time and align priorities differently if you knew your expiration date?
Read full storySimple Semi-Homeade Recipes
Cooking is a creative outlet for me. I also love the flavors of food and learning how to elevate each dish to its full potential, just as I desire to reach my full potential. However, it is like holding a wonderfully tempting treat before me and slowly pulling it out of reach, so I must keep moving forward.Just as my own life is a constant journey of growth, cooking is also a continuous journey of exploration and experimentation.
Read full storyManage Anger Before it's Destructive
Anger is a normal emotionthat we all experience from time to time. It has its role in protecting, motivating, and giving us a sense of control.But, when the anger is out of balance and turns to rage, it can disrupt life and damage relationships.Anger triggers the fight-or-flight response, sending us into a heightened state of emotion.
Read full storyUnrest in the World: Stay Informed & Prepared
It is essential to stay informed, but the news can be oppressive and cause anxiety. The events in the Middle East between Hamas and Israel are heartbreaking. Israel is the holy land. Regardless of what your religious beliefs may be, these people are experiencing barbaric suffering. Women are being raped and murdered, and children are being gunned down. People are losing their homes as well as families.
Read full storyMagical Fall Beauty in the Desert
When I moved to Arizona, I delighted in the fact that I would no longer have to suffer through the long, cold winters of the Midwest. However, this also meant I would sacrifice season changes, or so I thought. It turns out I can have my cake and eat it too!
Read full storyDesert Magic: Exploring Phoenix's Botanical Garden
Phoenix has its own little desert paradise at the Desert Botanical Garden. Locals should buy a membership because it feels like magic from the moment you walk through the gate. Bunnies hop around you without fear, and glass sculptures glisten between the cacti; colorful sculptures grace the paths, but the plants themselves are beautiful.
Read full storySavor Southwestern Cuisine at Ghost Ranch
Do you prefer "day dates" or traditional evenings out? Lunch dates, whether with a significant other or with a group of friends, can be a fun and refreshing way to break up the day, especially if you have a job that allows flexibility. Day or lunch dates are also a great way to visit places that may otherwise have long waits at night. Sometimes it is less expensive as well. I love day dates because then I have my leftovers for dinner.
Read full storyForgive & Find Freedom
You may be holding on to repressed feelings of shame or guilt, holding onto remorse or a grudge. Sometimes, these feelings are buried deep in our subconscious — especially if they are from childhood or a profoundly traumatic event. The problem is that these negative feelings you harbor, consciously or subconsciously, poison your body and soul until you finally release them through forgiveness. Ask yourself the following questions:
Read full storyThe Battle of Bruschetta at Postino
You have until September 4th of Labor Day Weekend to vote for your favorite Brucshetta, but I will warn you it is not for the faint of heart. Go hungry. It is a tough decision. There are so many delightful and tasty options. They range from spicy and savory to sweet and dessert-like.
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