World Mental Health Day

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Today is the day! Let's gather and make the change. Create awareness by making social media green. Share a photo of yourself wearing a green ribbon, draw on your selfie and share or take a picture of something green and tag it #WorldMentalHealthDay

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Here are some interesting articles in honor of World Mental Health Day: 

Ex-footballer pushes for a "mental health revolution" after multiple suicide attempts

 https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2018/10/10/sport/world-mental-health-day-suicide-depression-clarke-carlisle-spt-intl/index.html

HOW SWIMMING REGULARLY CAN REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION

 https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/world-mental-health-day-swimming-anxiety-depression-swim-england-yougov-a8576876.html

World Health Organization

http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2018/en/

Let’s all try to be more compassionate toward each other, for you never know who is struggling with a mental health challenge. Be kind, be open, be there for those you love. Mental Health is not just a label to be ignored… it’s something we ALL need to care about! Let’s work together to end the stigma of mental health, which could make it easier for people silently struggling to reach out.

Life Transitions Group Starting 10/13/18

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DESCRIPTION: This 6 week class is for anyone experiencing a major life transition to include, but not limited to: retirement, empty nest, widow, divorcee, or physical limitations.  This is an interactive and collaborative class where participants will be encouraged to share their experiences so we may learn from each other.  Exercises and activities will be provided along with group discussions.

The objectives for this course include:  1) Teaching participants how to be comfortable in the transition phase of their lives. 2) Transforming participants’ beliefs about transitions from one of fear to one of opportunity 3) Developing a concrete vision and establishing goals for a smooth transition into the next phase of their lives and 4) Identifying the roadblocks that are getting in the way.

FACILITATOR:   Laura Garrett is a licensed professional counselor and has been in the counseling profession for over 25 years. She is a life transition coach and author of 2 self-help books. Ms. Garrett works with a diverse population in her private practice, ranging from college students to baby boomers all of whom are experiencing some form of transition in their lives. With the use of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral skills, Ms. Garrett helps clients identify their fears and roadblocks to a smooth transition as well as assists them in developing a concrete plan for the next phase of their lives.

LOCATION: 109 W. Olive St, Fort Collins, CO

DATE: Saturday, October 13th 2018- ends Saturday, Nov. 17th

TIME: 10:00AM-11:30AM

COST: $149 per person for entire 6 weeks due at time of registration.

Contact: Laura Garrett at 970-420-4526 to register.

REGISTER BY OCTOBER 6TH, CLASS WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS

Biochemical Nutrition Workshop

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Did you know that Nutrition CAN positively affect your mood?

Join Karli Lamb, LPCC, NCC to learn how amino acid therapy and nutrition can impact your mood. This presentation’s intention is to equip you with knowledge relating to the impact of depleted systems in the body which can occur from restrictive dieting, substance use, and stress. You will learn how to supplement your meals with amino acids and create awareness around what foods are most beneficial for recovering systems.

When: May 4th from 3:00-4:00pm

Where: 19 Old Town Square. Fort Collins, CO 80524 (Large conference room)

Cost: $20

To register, contact Karli at Karli.kindredcounseling@gmail.com 

Acupuncturist offering Free Natural Health & Wellness Class for Babies & Toddlers

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Glenn Fertility & Family Wellness (in the same office suite as A Purposeful Path) is going to be offering free health and wellness classes from time to time.  The first class is Saturday, February 17th from 11am-12:30pm and will discuss and demonstrate techniques for natural health and wellness for babies and toddlers. Topics covered: colds, cough, flu, ear aches/ congestion/ infections, digestive health and behavioral issues.

Montana Glenn, LAc., DOM will be teaching the class with the help of her two year old daughter, Aspen, who is beyond excited to demonstrate how they do "treatmenting." 

Space is limited to 10 people so please call and reserve your spot today!  970-305-4189
https://www.facebook.com/events/347762925724501/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Happy New Year!

So here we go!  Out with the old and in with the new!  With the newness of the new year, there is much talk about what newness people are creating in their lives...i.e. lNew Year's resolutions.  
Resolutions are something that date back to the age of the Babylonians, but this "tradition" can also be daunting or carry negative connotations.  Here are some suggestions to keeping your 2018 goals going rather than causing you more negativity once February hits:

-  Think about goals rather than resolutions.  Goals can be smaller, less transformative than resolutions.  But many smaller goals CAN add up to be quite transformative!
-  Keep your intentions realistic.  Goals that are legitimately out of your reach are really dreams!  This doesn't mean don't dream, rather just be mindful about goals that you can achieve, without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself/partner/children/colleagues. 
-  Have a plan to review your goals in March, then again in June, and again in October (think of the fiscal quarters to keep it easy).  Reviewing goals helps determine if you are being realistic or may need to set the bar higher because you're doing so well!  Remember: a little discomfort goes a long way in creating long-lasting, meaningful change! 
-  Seek professional help and guidance if you feel like you need additional support to assist you in determining your 2018 Purposeful Path!

So, here we go!  Cheers to an adventurous, meaningful and loving 2018!

Thanksgiving = Thankful?

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It is here...the HOLIDAY SEASON. With next week being Thanksgiving, many people are already suffering from holiday stress.  But don’t worry, because so many people suffer from holiday stress, we have many recommendations on what to do about it.  Here are some articles to help:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201511/why-its-hard-be-thankful-thanksgiving 

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/lifetime-connections/201611/8-tips-coping-holiday-stress-and-holiday-despair

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/making-grateful-kids/201511/choose-gratitude-your-own-way-good 

All in all, the research points to beating holiday stress with this simplified formula:

1. Take care of yourself first-mind, body, spirit.

2. Try not to stress about the small or big stuff-holidays are just another day in the year.

3. Remember that you have the power to harness the present moment-to be mindful in an instant, that you CAN get through even the toughest of moments: use mind-body awareness to center yourself. A really deep breath can help! 

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Life Lessons

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Psychology Today posted an article titled "16 Life Lessons" in December 2016.  I would like to re-post these lessons, for I feel they can make one think about things a little differently...and that's the nature of being in therapy at A Purposeful Path!  So I will post the "lesson" and also the corresponding author, if you'd like to read more, please use the hyperlink at the bottom to read more.  So here we go:

When Life Issues an Invitation, Accept:  Spontaneity is the best antidote to fear and habit.  –Joachin I. Krueger 

               Spontaneity is actually a VERY

               good thing from an emotional

               wellness perspective  

 Don’t Hold Back: Change demands full-on commitment. –Peter Kramer

              Change does take some work!  

 Value a Little Compulsion: The drive to discover brings deep satisfaction.  – Joe Herbert

                Curiosity may have killed the cat.    

                but it's something necessary for  

                 true satisfaction in life

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201609/16-life-lessons

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2017= Time to be Uncomfortable!

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The main reason people struggle to uphold their new year's resolutions is due to the fact that most people are not TRAINED or haven't learned yet how to BE UNCOMFORTABLE.  That might sound strange to some, but what psychological theories have proposed for many years is now what research is illustrating through advances brain imaging....in order to prevent complacency, mood shifting, lack of motivation, overall dissatisfaction with life, one just needs to find a way to keep the brain stimulated through trying new things AND working through discomfort in doing the new things. 

Simple enough right? Not really! But here's an article that may help:  

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/adaptation/201701/2017-the-year-break-outside-your-comfort-zone

If you find you are needing help with making some changes in your life, or need assisatance to learn how to be uncomfortable, feel free to contact us! We are here to help! Happy 2017! 

A Purposeful Path Wilderness Therapy

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Horsetooth Lake

Horsetooth Lake

What a perfect day...chance to do therapy in the wilderness (that's basically in our backyard)!  Wilderness therapy allows for psychotherapy techniques to be applied while experiencing a mind/body connection in nature.  For some people can benefit from being in nature in order to understand the full capacity of their ability to grow, change and improve in various areas in life. 

 

Have additonal questions, or how wilderness therapy could benefit you or a loved one, please let us know! 

Identity versus Purpose

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Carl Jung wrote: "I am not what happens to me.  I choose who I become".  Many people find at times they struggle with their purpose in life, while others struggle to understand their true identity.  Therefore, it can be helpful to attempt to tackle both scenarios at the same time.  Thich Nhat Hahn said, "Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet", and Hellen Keller wrote, "We would never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world".  Today, try finding a way to bring awareness to the beauty of seeking purpose in life while also opening to the nature of our true self.

How to give yourself a little peace TODAY!

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So Christmas is done and now we have one more holiday to get through!  New Year's Eve may not be a big deal for you, but it is an excellent time for reflection and planning.  It can also be a wonderful time to have fun and create peace for ourselves! To help create some peace for your life today (and any other time you pause to do this), try reciting this mantra: 

May I be safe-May I be happy-May I be healthy-May I be at peace.

Repeat this as many times as necessary and in as many situations as you want!  This type of mantra is designed for promoting relaxation and focused attention at the same time... Two things we all could use more of! 

So enjoy the last few days of 2015, and let's all try to bring in the New Year with more peace and happiness for ourselves and those around us! 

It's Holiday Time!

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It may just seem like we are counting down to Christmas, but it's easy to overlook that we are in the final month of 2015!  Try to make the most of it while you can... that's the one thing we can never get back is TIME.  So, while enjoying prepping for the holidays, try and find some time to reflect on this year; try to find time to be fully aware and present with your spouse, family, children, friends, coworkers; try and enjoy each and every moment you have, for this is all we have.  Buddha wrote, "We are what we think.  All that we are arises with our thoughts.  With our thoughts, we make the world".  What good can you do with your thoughts today?

Countdown to Christmas

OMG! It's ALMOST October!!

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With the days getting shorter, and the official start of Fall, this is a time of year where many people experience a shift in their mood.  Not to worry... because many people struggle with this, we have MANY ways to assist in maintaining healthy emotional balance!  Here are some suggestions:
-  Make sure to get some sunlight EVERYDAY-15 minutes is ideal.  This can be opening your blinds at home or work or sitting outside to check your email/do homework.
-  Don't forget to EXERCISE!  Remember: exercising actually CREATES more energy!
-  Ensure to eat well-balanced meals: with the arrival of Fall comes the arrival of many Fall harvest items.  Get creative and try a new Fall recipe!
-  Meditation anyone?  Try to incorporate mindfulness or guided mediation each and every day!  Struggling with inspiration?  Here are some good websites to help you start being more mindful everyday: http://www.wildmind.org/meditation   
http://www.pocketmindfulness.com/6-mindfulness-exercises-you-can-try-today/    http://www.the-guided-meditation-site.com/mindfulness-exercises.html

Shifting mood... that's okay!  With these suggestions, you'll be able to prevent your mood from sinking any lower.  If you're still struggling, know we are always here to help.  We'd welcome the chance to create an individualized treatment plan for you!  Call us today!  970.682.8844.  

Enjoying this heat??

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It's August and here in Colorado, we have been experiencing some pretty hot days!  This can make some pretty energized to get out and do summer things, while for others, this heat can be miserable!  Whatever side you fall on, the question is: Have you fully enjoyed this summer?  If so, that's GREAT!  If not, then now is the time to get creative in doing things to promote your emotional well-being!!  Here are some ideas: play in a sprinkler; read a new book; Go to the pool; go the lake; get up in the high country; go to a museum; see a movie (or 3); work on a house project; rearrange a favorite room; try cooking something new; play crochet; go to the river; play disc golf; go listen to a live show; adventure to a town you've never been; watch the sunrise/sunset; eat ice cream/gelato/custard.  

Just know that August marks our last chance to fully engage in summer activities - so try to do something for yourself and enjoy it while it's still here!!