Monthly Archives: December 2015

Friday Question – Yes and No

By | 2016-04-01T16:21:43-04:00 December 18th, 2015|Categories: Questions|Tags: , , |

Verbal assertion affects many parts of our lives. Whether we want to speak or voice an opinion, whether it be raising a hand to propose an answer to a complex problem or refusing a drink refill, it can be momentarily panicking to make a decision. We make so many decisions every day, more than we can probably mentally spend time being conscious of. Many things we choose to do are automatic. Others we think about very carefully. It can be just as hard to give or refuse yourself permission to do something, as it can be to give or refuse someone else permission to do something. Understanding the scope of the power of our words, our right to speak, and our right to set boundaries and be respected — that is a beginning foundation of successful communication.

Friday Question: Family

By | 2016-04-01T16:25:53-04:00 December 11th, 2015|Categories: Questions|Tags: , |

December is typically a month with a very strong theme of "family" and "togetherness," which can be quite tough for survivors and ace people alike, since both groups tend to be more likely to be estranged from family. So I've been thinking about family in several different ways lately, and I'm wondering if others have this on their minds, too. What does family mean to you?

Friday Question – Milestones

By | 2016-04-01T16:23:20-04:00 December 4th, 2015|Categories: Questions|Tags: , |

Sometimes we can't help knowing that a certain anniversary is coming up if it has emotional meaning. Sometimes the way we mark time is not even overly personal, but days that have meaning for many people, such as holidays, can still feel different depending on what you have been through and what you associate with those days. Also, sometimes a milestone does not have to happen by default or fall on a particular day. We set milestones or goals for ourselves all the time, telling ourselves, "I will finish this book" or "I will go to the grocery store," like to-do lists or bucket lists. It is important to remember to celebrate little accomplishments, and try not to become obsessed with possibilities of not handling something well or not doing something "right" or "in time." It can be helpful to have a mixture of short-term and long-term, easier and harder, goals, so you consistently feel like you are living meaningfully but you also always have things to look forward to.