How to Show You're Really Listening

I love the lacy foliage of our Japanese maple. It has nothing to do with the content of this post.

Today, I'm going to share a communication skill that, I believe, could be one of the secrets to happy relationships.

Radical Acceptance

One of the most powerful things we have learned through participating in and now leading a Family Connections program is the concept of radical acceptance. It is an approach that can take one from powerless suffering to building a happy life despite pain.

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Most people who have struggled with mental illness, either themselves or a loved one, will talk about "the stigma," the sense of shame that keeps us from seeking help, finding support or compassion.

When You Live With a Sensitive Butterfly

Some weeks ago, I mentioned that Stephen and I had decided to become leaders for a Family Connection program that had helped us understand and help a family member who struggled with Borderline Personality Disorder, also known as emotion dysregulation. Last weekend, we attended that training.

Up Next

Back in May, I highlighted Borderline Personality Disorder and mentioned that a family member struggles with this disorder. What I didn't mention in that post is that Steve and I have decided to become leaders (trainers) for the Family Connections course for people who have a loved one with the disorder.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Have you heard of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? Probably not. I hadn't until a relative was diagnosed following a suicide attempt. A person with BPD has a suicide rate 400 times greater than the general population.