Resolve to Rise

Boost Your Mood Through Simple Movements: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Relief Did you know your posture and movements can significantly impact your mood and perspective? The way we hold stress in our bodies—whether it’s in our neck, shoulders, hips, hands, or feet—can leave us feeling tense, drained, and disconnected. The good news? Small, intentional movements can shift not just your body, but your state of mind. Simple Movements to Enhance Your Mood 🦸 Superman Pose Standing tall with your hands on your hips, chest lifted, and feet planted wide can be a game-changer. Studies show that this power pose can: Boost confidence by increasing testosterone (the confidence hormone). Reduce stress by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone). Just two minutes can enhance self-esteem and help you feel more empowered. 😊 The Power of Smiling A smile is more than a facial expression—it’s a powerful tool to uplift your mood. When you smile, your brain responds by: Releasing neuropeptides that help ...

You Are Not Alone: The Power of Sharing Your Story Have you ever faced something so painful that it felt like the world was moving on without you? You're not alone. Did you know? Around 70% of adults worldwide experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. In the past three years, 57% of Americans have faced a significant loss. Despite how common suffering is, when it’s happening to you, it can feel like everyone else is moving forward while you’re standing still. The isolation that often comes with pain can make healing even harder. A Day That Changed Everything One brisk, cold afternoon, I was exhausted from a long day at work and 34 weeks pregnant with my second child. After picking up my son from daycare, he started screaming from the backseat—hungry and impatient. Desperate to soothe him, I leaned over to grab his crackers from the passenger-side floor. In that split second, everything changed. I felt a thud. An 18-year-old young woman was on my hood, her body ro...

Trauma affects more people than we might realize, but what exactly is trauma, and why does it impact us so deeply? The Three Types of Trauma Trauma is any experience that terrifies us and makes us fear for our safety or the safety of someone important to us. It can take different forms, including: Acute Trauma : A single, isolated event (e.g., a car accident). Chronic Trauma : Repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events. Complex Trauma : Multiple, varied traumatic events, often in close relationships (e.g., child abuse, domestic violence). Trauma isn’t limited to firsthand experiences. It can also arise from witnessing, learning about, or even being exposed to distressing details of a traumatic event. How Trauma Impacts the Body and Mind The foundational symptoms of PTSD persist for 30 or more days after a traumatic event and can significantly affect daily functioning. Common symptoms include: Re-experiencing the trauma : Nightmares, flashbacks, or triggers. Avoidance : Steer...

Healing from Complex PTSD is a journey that requires patience and persistence. What works for one person may not work for another, and it can take time to discover the most effective strategies for your unique needs. However, creating a strong foundation for healing through daily practices can significantly support your progress.   Here are 10 daily habits to help you on your healing journey: Eat a Nutritious Breakfast : People often skip breakfast; however, skipping meals can impact your energy and mood. Prioritize Self-Care : Give to yourself first—rest, reflect, and recharge—so you are equipped to give to others. Move Your Body : Regardless of the activity, regular exercise helps release stress and improve mood. I love a good hike! Practice Mindfulness : Take moments throughout the day to reconnect with your body and surroundings to stay centered. Seek Inspiration : Find inspiration, whether it’s a book, video, or music, to uplift your spirit. For me the mountains and oceans cal...

  Getting treatment right is crucial for healing from Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Too often, people aren't directed to the most effective therapies, leaving them feeling irreparably damaged and beyond hope. My journey from surviving repetitive trauma to working as a healthcare executive and clinician has shown me that healing is possible and resilience is within reach. Let’s explore why CPTSD is so challenging to treat and how effective approaches can make a difference. Why CPTSD is Hard to Treat CPTSD is challenging because it stems from repetitive traumatic experiences, leaving you in a continual state of fight or flight. This means you are: Re-experiencing the trauma through memories, nightmares, night terrors and/or flashbacks Organizing your life to avoid trauma reminders Struggling with negative changes in your thinking and mood Dealing with dysregulated emotions  Experiencing difficulty with relationships Suffering from a poor self-concept These issues arise from fundamental ...