Shortly after Halloween, many people start to feel anxious about the holidays. They might feel like everybody else talks about the excitement of the holiday season, but for them, this is a dreadful time of year. Sometimes family gatherings may involve tension and competition. There things you can do to survive the experience without cutting off your family altogether.

During the holidays when Christmas season is in full swing a spirit of excitement fills the air and people begin to seek ways to gather and celebrate. Many families gather their loved ones to participate in traditions to build new memories… traditions that have been passed down through the decades. Studies show that traditions play a significant role in keeping families close by creating consistent, shared experiences that connect generations.

Conquering social anxiety is a gradual process that often involves a combination of gaining knowledge and an understandng of the disorder, self-help strategies, and professional support.

Humility is sometimes mistakenly perceived as a weakness, but in reality, it is a profound strength. This misconception often arises because humility involves qualities like modesty, admitting mistakes, and putting others first, which can be misunderstood as passivity or a lack of confidence. However, true humility requires a great deal of inner strength and self-assurance.

While anger itself is normal, how we express it and deal with it is crucial. When managed well, anger can be constructive, helping to set boundaries or bring about positive change. But if it’s left unchecked or expressed in harmful ways, it can lead to problems in relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Do joy and happiness carry the same meaning? They are often used interchangeably, but when defined, you will see they are distinctly different terms.

I am often asked how to handle discussions about religion or politics. People want to know what to do when the discussion gets heated and everything spins out of control. A common solution seems to be to avoid topics of religion and politics at all costs. Well, maybe you enjoy healthy debates, and you don’t want to avoid those conversations. I believe with a certain amount of personal preparation by both you and your friend or loved one, you can indeed have that stimulating conversation.

Do you find yourself struggling to find motivation to complete challenging tasks? Maybe you look at your daily to-do list and your eyes glaze over as you contemplate how to find the energy to even begin. The danger is that the shame of your lack of motivation becomes a block to re-commitment and becomes a negative cycle of personal paralysis and discouragement. 

You are sitting with a group of friends at lunch, and one of them spontaneously brings up some new information about someone that could not join your group that day. The news is shocking, and you feel sick to your stomach the moment they began to disclose such awful news. The biggest problem is this person they were talking about has become a very dear friend to you.

Social comparison or playing the comparison game can be painful and detrimental to our overall well-being. Relentless social comparisons are almost guaranteed to lower feelings of self-worth and can block self-acceptance. The comparison trap is a viscous cycle in which people compare themselves to others, cultivating low self-worth, loneliness, and loss of motivation.

Something most of us don’t do intentionally on a regular basis is slowing down long enough to access peace and calm. Regular journaling fosters mindfulness and encourages you to stay present and aware of your daily experiences. Writing about thoughts and feelings also reduces stress and can serve as a stress management tool by providing a way to unload worries and process stressful events.

If self-doubt has caused you to feel discouraged or stuck it is important to understand that you are not alone. Even the most powerful world leaders have struggled with self-confidence at certain points in their lives. However, the techniques and tools outlined in this article are key to overcoming the paralysis of self-doubt, and when implemented in your daily lives you will cultivate new levels of confidence, self-awareness, and self-compassion.

When attachment needs are not met, individuals may experience feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and loneliness, which can have a significant impact on their emotional and psychological health.

Do you feel guilty or shameful in those moments when you strongly disagree with your spouse’s opinions on something? Do you find yourself wanting to shy away from your own opinion for fear you will seem controlling or inflexible? You are not alone. So often couples ask me how to handle situations in which both partners strongly disagree. “If I see things dramatically different, am I the contentious one?” or “If I disagree with him, am I being disrespectful and argumentative?”

Couples who identify and focus on shared goals are ultimately more satisfied with their relationship over time, and experience greater resilience when facing the challenges of married life.

In the process of communication, the listener has the most difficult job of any parties involved. The role of the listener can be frustrating and exhausting, or it can be fulfilling and rewarding. The power of listening is profound and plays a crucial role in various aspects of personal and professional life.

Love is a continuous journey that requires intentional steps to preserve and nurture its growth. Love requires effort from both partners. Regularly assessing and addressing the needs of your relationship can help foster a strong and lasting connection.

If you were able to really understand and embrace the reality of your divine identity, would it change how you think and act today? Would it change how you act around your family, your friends, your neighbors? Would it change how you serve in your ward or stake calling? Would it change how you feel when you look into the mirror? Would it cause you to stop comparing yourself to others, and instead, look to God to understand the measure of your worth?

Do you find yourself wishing that life wasn’t so complicated, or wanting a break from the seemingly endless challenges that hit you or your loved ones with a force that is at times unbearable? Do you wish for peace, or at least a break in the storm?

Sometimes we become so overwhelmed with our challenges and trials, we are blinded to our own gifts and blessings, and we can even become blinded to the pain of those around us. However, there is a powerful antidote to our own personal pain…