Years ago in grad school, my counseling professor said to me, “Renee, stop thinking so much. Allow yourself the ability to react authentically in the moment. Trust your emotional response.” I had two reactions to that. First, this was graduate school; I thought I was suppose to be thinking! Secondly, I was studying to beContinue reading “Living Ourselves Into A New Way of Thinking”
Tag Archives: gratitude
Deck the Halls with Expectations! Fa-La-La-La-La Let’s Take a Breath!
It snowed in Charlottesville all day yesterday. When it finally eased off around 10pm, we had close to 8 inches of snow. The white blanket looked festive and sparkling surrounded in the neighborhood Christmas lights. I had been slow to feel much in the holiday spirit this year, but having “real snow” in Virginia beforeContinue reading “Deck the Halls with Expectations! Fa-La-La-La-La Let’s Take a Breath!”
The Scientifically Proven Emotional Benefit of Experiencing Collective Joy (Yes, Even Royal Weddings)
Yesterday I saw someone lament on social media that we were still talking about the royal wedding a whole four days later. He was over it, people. Let’s get back to the real world with its runnels of car-engulfing lava and stomach churning political climate! Part of me could absolutely relate. I, too, get consumed withContinue reading “The Scientifically Proven Emotional Benefit of Experiencing Collective Joy (Yes, Even Royal Weddings)”
The Sneaky Problem with Gratitude
Gratitude is the foundation of living a life that is wholehearted and joyful. I believe this even in the midst of feeling less than grateful. I understand the truth of it because I can’t think of a time when I’ve felt joyful and not also felt grateful. No gratitude, no joy. Google the word “gratitude” andContinue reading “The Sneaky Problem with Gratitude”
Renee Branson 