Articles
Motivation and Effort
The 34th President of the US, Dwight D Eisenhower, once said, “Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” Motivation is an internal energy force that influences all elements of our behaviour, as well as how we think, feel, and interact with others. High motivation is usually considered a necessary condition for players to reach their full potential in sports.
Social anxiety
Having social anxiety is becoming more and more prevalent amongst our youth. This can be contributed to the fact that there is so much more pressure to be included; to belong and to fit into a specific mould. A mould created by unrealistic ideals on social media and society’s high expectations for success. The added anxiety to excel not just academically but socially, is becoming one of the leading causes of depression and anxiety conditions amongst our youth.
Anticipatory Grief
Most of us know what it feels like to lose a loved one to a terminal illness. Grief is unpredictable and loss can feel like white noise or earth-shattering pain. Living with a parent, partner or child diagnosed with a terminal illness literally rips the ground from beneath our feet. Knowing how, but not how much longer, can take us on a journey of acceptance, denial, depression, indescribable fear and complete dissociation from the current reality. Loss, no matter the circumstances, is life altering.
Marriages and Relationships Can Work – Part 6: Building The Relationship
Working at our relationship in my opinion is a balance of give and take, a balance between having our needs met and being selfless. We will at times feel vulnerable and at other times need to be strong. We will at times be wrong, and at times make correct decisions. It is about shifting our focus from “I” to “us”.
Marriages and Relationships Can Work – Part 5: Intimacy
All of us are unique. Therefore, every couple is different. And so too, are our relationships. Intimacy. Emotional or physical connection? Or both?
Marriages and Relationships can work – Communication 2
In assisting couples with communication, we explore their “love language”, skills in expressing themselves more constructively as well as ways to deal with conflict. Once you recognize the conflict pattern you're stuck in, you can begin to learn the skills needed to change it. Communication can be easy and effective, let’s not complicate it.
Marriages and Relationship can work – Part 4: Communication
We have two ears and one mouth. This is no coincidence. We usually avoid difficult conversations when we feel good, but when we are stressed or tired, we deliberately or unintentionally let slip what is deep inside because we can’t keep it in. Marital communication helps us to connect with each other emotionally, but how is the right way to go about it?
Marriages and Relationship can work – Part 3: Respect
In a marriage or relationship respect is about viewing and treating ourselves and our partner in a positive light, as someone who brings value to me as person but also the relationship we share. "Respect is earned, not given…" But what does this mean?
Marriages and Relationships can work – Part 2: Partnership
Partnership describes the functionality of our relationship. A marriage partnership does not bluntly imply the “terms and conditions” of our relationship, and although, like in business, we may be bound by a verbal or written agreement and follow similar principles, relationships refer to the guidelines we follow on a day-to-day basis.
Can Marriages and Relationships work?
All of us are unique. Therefore, every couple is different. And so are our relationships. There is no one-size-fits-all magic formula for “living happily ever after”. Marriage requires commitment, effort, and sacrifice. Marriage and relationships can and do work, despite the overwhelming reports of divorce or breaking up and its implications on our social and emotional well-being. The issue at stake is not the marriage or relationship. The issue is whether we as individuals have what it takes, or at least try to contribute towards developing and sustaining a meaningful partnership, making this work. And when we struggle, are we willing to seek support or guidance?