Spirituality Archives

Choosing to be Grateful: Finding the Positive Amid Negativity & Conflict

Jennifer TzoumasNovember 3, 2022November 16, 2021Leave a comment

We’re living in uncertain times. Our world often seems dark, dangerous, and difficult. Needless to say, it’s not always easy choose to be grateful and to find the positive amid negativity and conflict.

But, gratitude can go a long way. There are still plenty of good things to appreciate in this world, and choosing to focus on those things can make a big difference in how you feel. It can also impact your outlook on life, and even rub off on others.

Still, that might sound easier said than done. So, how can you choose to be grateful? How can you practice intentional appreciation every day?

How Nature Soothes Us

Jennifer TzoumasApril 7, 2022December 19, 2021Leave a comment

Being out in nature is one of the best ways to destress and manage your mental health. Multiple studies have showcased the healing benefits of nature. It reduces stress, improves your mood, and can help with issues like depression and anxiety.

Body Image: Loving the Skin You’re In

Jennifer TzoumasMarch 10, 2022May 29, 2024Leave a comment

Body image is more than just body positivity and focusing on loving your appearance. An important part of body image goes much deeper. There’s nothing wrong with loving the way you look. When you see yourself in a mirror, you should be confident in your appearance and love yourself for exactly who you are. But, it’s even more important to honor the function of your body, not just the form.

So, what does it really mean to love the skin you’re in? How can you truly love every inch of yourself while focusing on what’s inside instead of strictly looking at your appearance?

Learning to “Practice the Pause”

Jennifer TzoumasJanuary 27, 2022January 23, 2022Leave a comment

There’s no denying that we live in a busy, hectic society that rarely slows down to take a pause. It’s easy to fall into the pressure “trap” of trying to always be "productive" or packing your schedule too full.

Unfortunately, that’s become the norm for far too many people. But, it can end up causing a lot of stress. That can quickly lead to feelings of anxiety or depression. It can also make you feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and not like yourself.

While it’s often easier said than done to “slow down,” one thing you can do to improve your actions each day and to find some relaxation is to “practice the pause.”

But, what does that mean, exactly?

Self-Compassion & Forgiveness Go Hand in Hand

Jennifer TzoumasDecember 16, 2021November 21, 2021Leave a comment

It takes a lot of courage and empathy to forgive someone after they’ve hurt you. Sometimes, we also have to forgive ourselves for the times when we’ve made mistakes. Forgiving ourselves for our past mistakes is one of the most challenging things we can do. But there will come a time in your life when you need to look in the mirror and say, “I forgive you.”

How can we be accountable while still being forgiving and gentle with ourselves? Can we learn how to move past our mistakes and the times we have let ourselves and other people down? And can we do the same for others? Yes, if we learn to practice self-compassion. Here is why self-compassion and forgiveness go hand in hand.

How to Choose to NOT be Offended

Anthony TzoumasOctober 7, 2021February 19, 2024Leave a comment

It is human nature and so easy to become offended. Someone may say something that rubs you the wrong way. Maybe what they say feels like an “attack” on something you’ve done or that you value. Sometimes it's necessary to evaluate your role in being offended.

Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones? How to Grow From Your Difficulties

Jennifer TzoumasAugust 20, 2021September 26, 2021Leave a comment

Stumbling blocks are a natural part of life. Some people struggle with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that feel crippling at times. Others have to deal with the pain of a chronic condition or illness. Even sudden or unexpected life changes can cause you to stumble. Whether it’s a divorce, job loss, or the death of someone you love, there are likely going to be things that make you feel stunted or blocked from your original path.

Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to get lost in those difficulties. In an effort to understand how and why it has happened, it is easy to start viewing them as failures. When you look at those difficult things that way, those stumbling blocks can feel like boulders.

So, why not view them as stepping stones, instead?

Inspirational Bible Verses for Grief & Loss

Jennifer TzoumasApril 22, 2021April 25, 2021Leave a comment

We are living in uncertain times, and it is okay to acknowledge feelings of grief and loss. However, if you are a person of faith, you can find comfort in turning to these specific scripture verses. While grief is often associated with the death of a loved one, you can experience the pain of loss in a variety of circumstances. Particularly now, in the midst of this pandemic, grief is quickly becoming commonplace. Not only are people losing others they care about due to the virus but they are losing experiences, jobs, relationships, and even just the sense of normalcy.

Nothing surprises the Lord. You can find verses on grief throughout the Bible because God knows the suffering of his people and the ache of loss. He wants to provide comfort.