When We Get in Our Own Way: Understanding Self-Sabotage
Sometimes the greatest obstacle in our lives is not another person or a difficult circumstance—it is a pattern within ourselves. Self-sabotage happens when our choices repeatedly interfere with what we genuinely want or value. We may desire healthy relationships but push people away. We may want peace but continually return to conflict. We may pray for change but avoid the uncomfortable steps that change requires. We may want to succeed but procrastinate, quit, or convince ou
Premarital Counseling: Don’t Just Prepare for the Wedding—Prepare for the Marriage
Couples can spend months preparing for a wedding and surprisingly little time preparing for the marriage that follows it. They discuss venues, dresses, flowers, photographs, food, invitations, and honeymoons. Yet some of the most important conversations of their lives may remain unfinished: How will we handle money? What happens when we strongly disagree? What do we expect from each other emotionally? How involved will our families be? What does commitment mean to each of us?
When Anxiety Starts to Spiral: Grounding Yourself in the Present
Anxiety often begins quietly. One concerning thought leads to another. We start imagining what might happen, replaying what already happened, or trying to solve a problem that cannot be solved in this moment. Before long, we are no longer simply thinking about a concern—we are caught in an anxiety spiral. One of the most helpful skills we can develop is learning to recognize the spiral before it gains momentum. You may notice your thoughts speeding up, repeatedly asking “What
