 Grandparents hold a sacred role in the emotional and spiritual landscape of a family. They are living reminders of where we come from—carriers of wisdom, resilience, and grace. Through their gentle guidance and steadfast love, they teach children the values that root a soul: kindness, honesty, faith, and compassion. In moments of uncertainty, their presence becomes a safe place—offering stability, reassurance, and a sense of belonging that soothes even the youngest hearts.
In a faith-centered home, grandparents often become the quiet prayer warriors, lifting their families before God with unshakable trust. Their faith is not only spoken but lived out in every act of patience, every shared meal, every story told from the heart. They teach through example that love is not just a feeling—it is an action, a daily choice to nurture, forgive, and give freely. For their grandchildren, this becomes the foundation of emotional security and spiritual strength. Therapeutically, the influence of loving grandparents can heal generational wounds. They model unconditional love, providing warmth where the world can feel cold and teaching that family is a sacred bond held together by grace. Their embrace reminds us that even when life feels overwhelming, God works through family to restore and renew. In their laughter, their cooking, their prayers, and their gentle correction, children learn what love in action truly looks like. Grandparents, through faith and love, become living instruments of God’s peace—reminding us that we are never alone, and that love, once given, echoes for generations. Grandparents have played an immeasurable role in the lives of our three children, Branden, Justen, and Kale. From the very beginning, they enriched their lives with a deep sense of love, faith, and family values that lined up seamlessly with our own. Because we all attended the same church, the lessons our children learned about morals, faith, and integrity were consistent, creating a strong foundation that shaped who they are becoming today. Beyond spiritual guidance, the everyday involvement of their grandparents gave them not only stability but also countless cherished memories. They were present in both the small, ordinary moments and the big milestones—watching, teaching, playing, cooking, and guiding with a kind of devotion only grandparents can bring. Some of the most treasured times were spent in the kitchen, where love and laughter blended with the smell of home-cooked meals. Their Gram had a special way of making even the simplest treat feel magical, creating ice cream sundaes in unique cups topped with sprinkles and whipped cream. These traditions were more than desserts—they were lessons in joy, togetherness, and celebrating life’s little pleasures. Their Papoo, with his strong yet gentle presence, would invite the children to stand on step stools so they could be part of preparing dinner. They mixed meat with herbs and rolled meatballs by hand, learning not only about food but also about patience, teamwork, and the gift of spending time together. Those evenings were bonding times, when stories were shared, laughter filled the kitchen, and the children learned firsthand what love looks like in action. On a personal level, my parents were also a lifeline to me. During the time I struggled with postpartum depression, my mother came up to New Jersey to help me when I could not manage on my own. She cared for me in ways only a mother can and eventually took me back with her to North Carolina so I could heal under her care. That decision, leaving behind my husband and children for a time—was one of the hardest choices of my life, but also one of the most necessary. I honestly believe it was what God intended for me, because through that sacrifice, I regained strength and peace. My husband and children would visit, and after a few weeks, it became clear that our family belonged near my parents. Moving down to North Carolina was not just a fresh start, but a step toward deeper family connection and healing. As the years went on, my parents, our children’s grandparents, became a steady, loving presence in their growth. They blessed our family in countless ways by giving of their time, their wisdom, and their hearts. Recipes passed down became moments of calm for the children, and even now I can hear the echoes of their laughter in the kitchen with Papoo, who has since passed away. His memory lives on in the strength, kindness, and love he poured into his grandchildren, and they hold those moments close. Gram, still actively involved despite the busyness of everyone’s lives, continues to show up with her love and her cooking. Family meals remain a treasured tradition, with each of us bringing a dish to share as we reminisce about the past, laugh about the present, and dream about the future. The journey with our children’s grandparents has been one of the greatest blessings in our lives. Through faith, food, play, and unconditional love, they helped shape our children into who they are today. We are grateful for the memories that continue to live on, for the traditions we still share, and for the enduring presence of Gram, who carries forward the same love she always has. Truly, our family has been blessed, not only in the past but still today, and we will always hold these relationships as a sacred part of our story. Papoo’s Handmade Meatballs A Family Recipe of Love, Patience, and Connection Ingredients:
Making meatballs together becomes more than a meal, it is a moment of emotional connection and generational healing. The act of rolling and cooking side by side invites mindfulness, cooperation, and love expressed through touch and presence. For the grandchild, it is a memory of safety and belonging. For Papoo, it is a legacy of love, passing down not just a recipe, but a piece of his heart. These small rituals ground a family in togetherness and remind us that love often shows up in the simplest acts, like a shared meal and laughter in the kitchen. 🍨 Grammie’s Special Ice Cream Sundaes A Sweet Memory of Love, Joy, and Togetherness Ingredients:
These moments with Grammie go far beyond dessert, they are an expression of nurturing love and emotional connection. The shared ritual of making sundaes teaches the children that love can be playful, creative, and safe. In therapy, such memories represent secure attachment, a child’s experience of being seen, valued, and cherished. Grammie’s patience and warmth help the grandchildren form inner models of love that heal and comfort through the years. Every sprinkle, every smile, every scoop becomes a sacred act of care. Through her, the children learn that joy is holy, love is abundant, and family is one of God’s sweetest gifts. 🌿 Proverbs 17:6 (GNT) “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. Tara Wynant, MS LCMHCA #FamilyLegacy #GrandparentsLove #FaithAndFamily #GenerationalBlessings #FamilyTraditions #SpiritualHeritage #LoveAcrossGenerations #FamilyBond #ChristianParenting #SacredConnections
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 The human psyche is a fascinating, intricate system—one that shapes every thought we think, every emotion we feel, and every action we take. Far from being a single, unified force, the psyche is made up of multiple interconnected components that together form the foundation of our mental life. From the conscious decisions we make to the unconscious influences we’re unaware of, understanding the psyche offers deep insights into human nature and behavior.
At the heart of this complexity is the division of the mind into different levels of awareness, a concept famously introduced by Sigmund Freud. He proposed that the mind operates on three levels: the conscious (what we’re actively aware of), the preconscious (information that can be brought to awareness), and the unconscious (the hidden realm of repressed memories, desires, and fears that influence behavior beneath the surface). This unconscious mind, though unseen, plays a powerful role in shaping our choices, relationships, and emotional patterns. Alongside these mental layers, cognitive processes like perception, attention, memory, language, and problem-solving play a crucial role in how we navigate the world. Cognitive psychology delves into how we interpret our surroundings, make decisions, and solve problems that seem automatic but are in fact incredibly complex. Emotions, too, are essential to the psyche. Feelings such as joy, fear, sadness, anger, and love color our experiences, drive our actions, and influence how we relate to others. Another key element of the psyche is personality, the distinctive combination of traits, thoughts, and behaviors that define who we are. Whether approached through Freud’s psychoanalytic lens, trait theories like the Big Five, or social-cognitive models, personality theory seeks to explain how we develop our individual styles of thinking and behaving. Closely tied to personality are the motivations and drives that push us forward. These can be basic biological needs like hunger or rest, or deeper psychological desires for achievement, connection, or self-fulfillment. As we grow and develop, our psyche evolves as well. Developmental psychology examines how people change over time—physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Theories like Jean Piaget’s stages of cognitive development and Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stages provide frameworks for understanding how childhood, adolescence, and adulthood shape the mind. Along the way, the psyche also learns to protect itself through defense mechanisms—unconscious strategies like repression, denial, or projection that shield us from psychological distress. Our inner world, however, doesn’t exist in isolation. Social and cultural influences play a profound role in shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and identities. Social psychology explores how we’re affected by others—through group dynamics, conformity, persuasion, and social roles—while cultural psychology looks at how our environment, traditions, and values mold our worldview. And underneath it all, biology and the brain have their say. Neurological and genetic factors, including brain chemistry and structure, are critical in understanding behavior, mental function, and emotional regulation. Essentially, the psyche can face disruptions, and understanding mental health and psychological disorders is another key piece of the puzzle. Conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia represent complex interactions of biology, environment, and personal history. Psychologists and clinicians study these disorders to better understand abnormal behavior and to develop effective treatments that promote well-being and healing. All of these elements—conscious and unconscious processes, cognition, emotion, personality, motivation, development, social and cultural factors, biology, and mental health—interact in an ever-changing, dynamic way. This rich interplay is what makes the human mind both mysterious and endlessly compelling. While science continues to deepen our understanding of the psyche, it remains one of the most complex and intriguing frontiers of exploration. Tandy Hale, ATR-BC, LCMHC #HumanPsyche #InnerJourney #PsychologyExplained #Mindfulness #SelfDiscovery #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth #Neuroscience #InnerWorld #DeepThinking  Navigating Co-Parenting
Divorce is never easy. It brings with it a whirlwind of emotions, practical challenges, and the difficult task of redefining what “family” looks like. For parents, one of the most important and often most challenging parts of this transition is co-parenting. The truth is—while your marriage may have ended, your role as a parent has not. In fact, your children need you now more than ever to create a stable, supportive environment across both households. Why Co-Parenting Matters Children thrive when they feel safe, loved, and free from ongoing conflict. Research shows that high-conflict divorce can leave lasting impacts on a child’s emotional health. On the other hand, when parents commit to cooperative co-parenting, children are better able to adjust and maintain healthy emotional bonds with both parents. Common Challenges in Co-Parenting
Strategies for Healthy Co-Parenting Here are some practical tools that can help:
A Gentle Reminder Healing after divorce takes time. Co-parenting is a journey, not a one-time agreement. It’s okay if it feels messy at first. What matters most is your willingness to keep trying—for your child’s sense of safety and belonging. If you are struggling to navigate co-parenting, know that you don’t have to do it alone. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I help parents create workable co-parenting strategies that honor their children’s needs and reduce conflict. With guidance and practice, families can move forward in healthier, more connected ways. By Chasity Hunnings, MS, MFT #CoParenting #Divorce #CoParentingAfterDivorce #HealthyCoParenting #ParentingTips #DivorceSupport #CoParentingStrategies #HealthyCollaboration #ParentingAfterDivorce #ChildWellBeing  Deciding to start therapy is a big step, one that takes courage, curiosity, and maybe a little hope that things can feel different. If you’ve never been in therapy before, you might be wondering: What actually happens in those sessions? Will it be awkward? Am I supposed to lie on a couch and spill my deepest secrets? (Relax. You can sit in a regular chair, and you get to decide what you share.)
It’s Normal to Feel Nervous Almost everyone feels a little anxious before their first appointment, like the first day at a new job or meeting your partner’s family for the first time. Therapy is a new space, and it can feel vulnerable at first (you’re literally talking about you). But over time, as trust builds, that nervous energy usually fades, and the space starts to feel less like an interview and more like a safe, comfortable spot to exhale. You Set the Pace You don’t have to jump straight into the heavy stuff. Therapy isn’t a quiz show where you’re penalized for skipping a question. A good therapist won’t push you into anything before you’re ready. Instead, therapy is more of a team effort. You and your therapist decide together what feels right, when, and how fast. Think of it less like cramming for a final exam and more like reading a book at your own pace. You get to turn the pages when you’re ready. Expect Some Questions (But No Judgment) Your therapist may ask questions to better understand your experiences, feelings, and relationships. Don’t worry! This isn’t an interrogation, and there’s no “wrong answers.” The goal is to connect the dots and help you see patterns you might not have noticed. Sometimes, simply saying things out loud can feel like turning on a light in a dim room. Suddenly, things make a little more sense. Therapy Isn’t Always Heavy Sure, therapy can go deep but it’s not all tissues and serious faces. There can be humor, creativity, and moments of genuine relief. Sometimes a laugh in session is just as therapeutic as a breakthrough. Therapy doesn’t have to feel like homework. For many people, it becomes one of the few hours in their week where they can breathe a little easier. Progress Takes Time Therapy isn’t a quick fix (unfortunately, no “instant results” button). It’s more like training a muscle. You notice small changes first, like catching yourself thinking differently or handling stress in a new way. With consistency, those small shifts stack up into lasting change. Patience really is part of the process, even when it feels slow. Starting therapy can feel a little intimidating at first, but it’s really about giving yourself a space to be heard, understood, and supported. There’s no “perfect” way to do therapy. It’s simply about showing up as you are. Over time, most people find that therapy becomes less about the nerves of starting and more about the relief of having a safe place to unpack life. Whether you laugh, cry, sit in thoughtful silence, or all of the above, it’s part of the process. So, if you’re on the fence, think of therapy as an investment in yourself, like hiring a personal trainer for your mind and relationships. It may just turn out to be one of the most rewarding steps you’ll ever take! By Nicole Rose, MFT #StartingTherapy #TherapyBeginner #TherapyJourney #Therapy101 #MentalHealthTips #TherapyExpectations #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCareAndTherapy #TherapyAwareness #FirstTherapySession #TherapistInsights #MentalHealthSupport #EmotionalWellness #MentalHealthTherapy #TherapyMyths #TherapyAdvice #MentalHealthBlog #TherapyTips #MentalHealthResources #MentalWellnessJourney #MentalHealthEducation #TherapyQuestions #BreakingTherapyStigma #MentalHealthCommunity  As a counselor, a mom, and a wife, I have come to see cooking not just as a chore, but as one of the most accessible and enjoyable forms of mindfulness and self-care. It can be as simple as stirring a pot or tasting a sauce, those little moments where you are fully present, engaged with your senses, and taking a break from the noise of the day. When I was homeschooling our kids, we often turned to the kitchen as a way to teach mindfulness, health, and real-life skills all at once. Our 2 sons and daughter would help plan the meals, go shopping with a budget, and work together to create something delicious. It was more than just food prep, it was teamwork, learning, laughter, and connection.
During that time, I was also navigating my own journey with postpartum depression, which eventually deepened into major depression and anxiety. Some of our children struggled with this as well. Cooking became a lifeline, something we could do together that brought a sense of calm, purpose, and joy. It helped us build routine without pressure and confidence without perfection. To this day, our now adult children still love to cook and even host meals with their friends, something that began as a healing rhythm in our home. Cooking has become a deeply meaningful form of self-care for me. Now, as an empty nester, time in the kitchen stirs memories of beautiful moments with our children, times that taught all of us the value of being present. Cooking helps me quiet anxious thoughts about the future and gently release the pull of past ruminations. The focus and sensory awareness involved in preparing a meal helps me regulate emotionally, reconnect with myself, and care for my well-being in a way that feels nourishing, not demanding. Cooking, for me, has become both a therapeutic outlet and a mindful ritual that strengthens my ability to show up fully, for myself and for my clients. I often encourage clients to try this practice, not because it solves everything, but because it invites presence, connection, and care. And sometimes, that is exactly what we need most. Here are some mood-boosting recipes: These recipes are chosen to be easy with low stress, nutrient-rich for brain health, soothing or energizing, and grounded in whole ingredients! Enjoy! Omega-3 Breakfast Bowl Ingredients:
Why it helps: Omega-3s (from chia/walnuts) support brain function; probiotics (yogurt) support the gut-brain axis. Golden Lentil Soup Comforting, grounding, anti-inflammatory Ingredients:
Dark Chocolate Banana Bites For when you need comfort or a little joy Ingredients:
Why it helps: Dark chocolate boosts serotonin and dopamine; bananas have tryptophan (precursor to serotonin). Evening Calm Tea Blend (DIY) To unwind at the end of the day Blend equal parts:
Why it helps: Natural herbs calm the nervous system and aid sleep. By: Tara Wynant, MA, LCMHCA, NCC #MentalWellness #MindfulCooking #RecipesForWellbeing #ConnectingThroughFood #SelfCare #InnerSourceTherapy #NewBernTherapy |