A Keen Perspective

Have you ever had someone doubt your capabilities, questioning your ability to achieve something? I recently found myself in a courtroom, listening to someone who was supposed to love me, tell a judge that I'm incapable. Those words could have broken me, but they ignited a fire within me. I realized I'd been doing what he claimed I couldn't do for a year and a half. What do you do when something like that happens? Here are 10 Steps to Handle Negative Talk: 1. Acknowledge the Emotion:  Recognize how their words make you feel. Anger, hurt, disbelief, or frustration are normal reactions. 2. Assess the Source: Consider the person's credibility and motivations. Are they trying to control or manipulate you?  Some people have to make you look bad to get what they want.  It doesn't mean there is an ounce of truth to what they say. 3. Focus on Facts: Remind yourself of your accomplishments and capabilities. I'd been doing what he claimed I couldn't do for a year a...

As I step into my garden, I'm surrounded by a tapestry of colors, textures, and life. It's a space where I embrace the beauty of imperfection, let go of control, and allow nature to take its course. My garden reflects my soul - wild, free, and unapologetic. I delight in the volunteers that sprout up, unexpected and uninvited. They're the rebels of the plant world, refusing to be confined to neat rows and tidy beds. I let them grow, spread, and flourish, because they remind me that life is full of surprises, and sometimes the best things come from unexpected places. And in years when money has been tight, these volunteers have been a lifeline. I've had seasons where tomato and tomatillo plants sprouted up in abundance, providing enough fresh produce to keep us well-fed.  And then there are the mini-pumpkins that sprout up, allowing me to decorate for my favorite season without spending a dime. It's a reminder that abundance can be wild and free and that sometimes the...

This post contains affiliate links. By clicking any of the links,  if you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Today, I watched the movie " Enough " starring Jennifer Lopez, and it struck a chord deep within me. The film's themes of resilience, self-reliance, and empowerment resonated strongly, reminding me of another favorite, " Where the Crawdads Sing " by Delia Owens. Both stories feature strong female protagonists who have faced trauma and adversity, and their journeys toward healing and triumph are a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and transformation. As Evy Poumpouras notes in her book " Becoming Bulletproof ," "Research shows that watching a movie can set complex processes in your brain to work toward shifting your psychological mindset. This is what allows us to get swept up in a movie, to internalize the struggles of a protagonist we relate to and rejoice in their victories." This is precisely what happ...