The Center for Courageous Living Blog

By TeKeesha Fisher, Master's Level Counseling Intern   Spring hasn’t fully sprung here in the Midwest, but many of us have already been tempted to pull out that tote with last Spring’s clothes to see what still fits. You know the routine. You stand in front of a mirror trying on piece after piece, wondering “does this still work?”, or maybe you perform this act in front of another person. Your own thoughts or the other person’s words urge you with statements such as, “I hate

By, Katie Kroening, LCSW; CADC Tip-of-the-Day:  Avoid No More To those of you who have a difficult time sharing your thoughts, experiences and opinions, those that may avoid and withdraw from discussions, arguments and conflicts, I'd like to empower you to: “ Avoid No More! ”  I’d like to help you on the path to find  your voice, be brave and courageous as you share what you have to say. Your thoughts opinions, feelings and emotions matter. Problem:   Avoiders and Withdrawer

Written by Kaitlin Armon, LPC Change: The only thing that is ever constant! If that is the case, why are change and transitions so difficult for so many of us? We feel like a fish out of water. Change is uncomfortable. I nsights about why change and transitions are so hard for us : Many people thrive from routine and consistency. These things provide structure and order to our days and our lives. However, what happens when we cling too tightly to them? We don’t have the an

FAITH STEPS: Step into your fear area, be brave and take steps! Carpe Diem, Seize the day that is upon us! What is holding you back? Courageous movement toward a life of self-respect, freedom, love, a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose is literally steps away. If you need help taking first steps and finding your courage, we can help. We have been afraid, too. We are with and for you! Don't settle for a life of disrespect, mediocrity, emptiness, loneliness, sadness, abuse,

PROBLEM: Sometimes we are mistreated by others: our kids, our spouse's, our bosses, coworkers, random strangers, businesses, parents, siblings, you name it, mistreatment is a human experience. The problem is that we often act similarly with our own bad behavior because we are hurt and feel mistreated. "Hurt people Hurt people." Then, things can really explode: WE HAND OVER THE KEYS TO OUR REACTIONS. When we have bad behavior, we end up hurting our pride, our relationships, lo

PROBLEM: Have you ever made a decision and then proceeded to "Should" all over it? Example : You and spouse make a decision to go on vacation or to purchase a car. Then, right after vacation or purchase, the conversation goes something like this: "we shouldn't have____, you should have thought about____, we should not have______." · "SHOULD'S" ARE JOY ZAPPERS AND FIGHT STARTERS!! · "SHOULD'S" INCREASE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY!! · "SHOULD'S" ARE REGRET BUILDERS!!" "Should" s

• OVER-THINKING: wasting valuable time thinking about things you cannot control (past mistakes, regret, hurts), or current things for which you're afraid to take action. • TIME WASTERS binge watching TV (okay, sometimes this is a MUST-lol); surfing the web for ______? • SLACK SYSTEMS: At WORK or HOME, what are you doing that isn't producing a big benefit and drains time and energy? Focus on eliminating time wasting processes that don't produce the Bang for the Buck!! • RELATI

1: Identify the most important value! 2: Create a DAILY discipline toward that goal 3: Be sure goal/discipline is a SMART-specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time sensitive) 4: Prioritize that goal 5: Identify and remove barriers; seek counseling for help if needed (847)809-8494. 6: STOP over-thinking and Do it!! 6: Identify a projective date and time goal will be accomplished. 7: Put your brave on and Go!! Work Hard!! Take courage!! Embrace faith!! Go!! Blessings