Author: wendyblanchard044

“The psychology of forgiveness has various definitions. The broadest definition is an adaptive human instinct activated in certain social situations (McCullough, 2008). By this definition, forgiveness does not require a future relationship with someone who has wronged you. It frees you instead of the instinct for vengeance.

The psychology of self-compassion has been empirically backed through the work of Kristin Neff. Self-compassion is conceptualized in three components” (Neff, 2003):

1. Expressing kindness toward oneself and viewing one’s shortcomings with a nonjudgmental attitude.
2. Connecting one’s experience of suffering with that of the collective human experience.
3. Become mindful of suffering without becoming attached or making it a part of one’s identity.”

For many of us, it is usually self compassion and self forgiveness that challenges us. We get stuck where self love and self respect that is necessary to let ourselves off the hook has not been our experience, and we come from an emotional mind/response, rather than our logical/wise mind.

“These two virtues of forgiveness, and self-compassion are found in all areas of religion in various ways. Spirituality and science overlap in foundational ways to allow for the human experience to bond us in a collective experience. Interventions that value the unique worldview of each individual will be more impactful, as they allow for individual belief systems to be enhanced by science.”

Love and blessings,

Wendy

When God tells you that you must unlearn unhealthy behaviors and learn to be “like a rock” in order to lead your family and to live your own best life, and then your son turns to you during, and in the aftermath of a family emergency and says, “Mom, you are my rock,” I recognize the blessing that God has bestowed upon me. My daughter speaks similar sentiments and says, “Mom, you have changed so much over the last decade. You are so calm and filled with insight and wisdom. I need you.” 

Although it took years of deep and intense inner work over the years, and I continue this work, I have recognized myself “like a rock” in order to lead my family as God has asked of me, and in order to remain in a wellness mindset for myself.

Last night, after 36 hours of complete confusion and heartbreak, I too marveled at the order and zen that I felt and displayed at work, and for my family in the middle of one of the most heartbreaking and frightening times as a family…

My precious granddaughter, Rosie, age 15, has Leukemia.

Blindsided and devasting for all of us. She will receive treatment immediately, and we know she WILL beat this.

The gift of recovery (from addiction, now over a decade of sustained wellness for me) is finding oneself through God/Spirit/Universe/Divine, and then using that power of self to lead by example. And of course, gently sharing my Spiritual beliefs with my children so that they understand that in times of adversity and challenge, for me, it has been God and my faith in God that has carried me through.

As I write about in my book, Write Pray Recover:A Journey To Wellness Through Spiritual Solutions and Self Care, God is at the core of every word that I speak, and every action that I take. And, the first chapter of my book is entitled, “Look Up, Child.”

Amen.

Look Up, Child.

Love and blessings,

Wendy

Upon learning about the “love scam,” cheating, deceit and lies, I went from feeling a spiritual love and connection second to none, to full disdain.

It is always the “truth” that sets you free, no matter how unpleasant and disdainful it turns out to be, and Spirit is always surrounding us with the love, support and guidance that steers us back to pure love.

Love,

Wendy

My spiritual beliefs and the way in which I practice spending time with God and hearing His message is very personal.

And I have heard God speak to me, and have seen Him show me information that I would have never seen if I had not been open to a spiritual relationship…one where I hear, see and feel beyond my physical limitations.

He is the foundation on which I continue to build my life.

I experience His message every morning in prayer, and all throughout the day as I continue to seek Him as my guide and teacher.

God/Spirit/Universe/Source is a subjective and personal experience for each of us as we align with a spiritual relationship that brings us joy, love, peace and a deeper understanding of the Divine individual purpose in our lives.

Love,

Wendy

Any relationship takes work. Two people must be committed to love, and allow the Universe/God to lead us. We must trust. We must embrace the connection. We must take a leap of faith.

And when two people are brought together by the Universe/God, we are certain that this is a deeply blessed spiritual connection. We give deep praise and gratitude, and we know that any challenges, even time and distance, are never a barrier to love.

Our paths are so clear. Sometimes we are like two kids in a candy store! Our hearts and bodies dance. The smile and deep connection is found in the windows to our connected souls…our eyes.

God is the strength at the foundation of our bond.

Love,

Wendy

Take a moment to assess your own spiritual wellness by asking yourself the following questions:

1. What gives my life meaning and purpose?
2. What gives me hope?
3. How do I get through tough times? Where do I find comfort?
4. Am I tolerant of other people’s views about life issues?
5. Do I make attempts to expand my awareness of different ethnic, racial and religious groups?
6. Do I make time for relaxation in my day?
7. Do my values guide my decisions and actions?

Allow these reflection questions to drive your actions each day to achieve “faith based wellness.”

Love,

Wendy

In the depths of my pain, this wonderful man put me at ease where I felt comfortable to sit in my vulnerability and allow him to see me, eye to eye, as I struggled with Lupus.

He sees “me.”

Through the respect and love of each other, through the moments of laughter, and authenticity of the tears, he is always there in the true meaning of unconditional friendship and love.

Love,

Wendy

When Divine love shows up in the form of a beautiful and close friendship, I understand the spiritual meaning and beauty of the journey.

We both immersed ourselves in our respective inner work until God was certain that we are ready, and He places us face to face to share our experiences in order to grow and evolve…independently, and together.

“Love is a friendship set on fire.”

He is the God of “Already.”

Love and blessings,

Wendy

Even those of us who have a wealth of training in understanding and unpacking mental health, and who are certified trainers in the field, one that also includes training certification in suicide safety, experience mental health symptoms that can debilitate us.

When this happens, I use my self created program, SPEAR and SWIM into Wellness as I write about in my book, Write Pray Recover:A Journey To Wellness Through Spiritual Solutions and Self Care. (See Chapter 6 of my book for guidance on SPEAR and SWIM components). Here is an excerpt of the explanation on page 55:

“You can choose right now, in the very second that you are reading this, to create a change, one little change, that will put you on the path of wellness, and begin whatever new journey you desire. It is through spiritual solutions and daily self-care practices, with a renewed commitment, and with patience and faith, that you can access all that you desire.

It is always a choice.

S.P.E.A.R. and S.W.I.M. Into Wellness!

When you feel triggered, or you feel your symptoms escalating,

S.P.E.A.R. first.

This is a non-linear recovery plan that is specific to your health and wellness goals.”

This program is for everyone as a guide to wellness as “We All Have Mental Health.” We all experience some type of symptoms (anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, etc.) and it exists on a continuum.

Read my book to learn more, and know that you are never alone. There IS help available.

My book is a wealth of knowledge using an integrative approach to wellness. Whatever it is that resonates with you that is a healthy practice, implement that into your daily living activities to promote wellness.

Click on the link to purchase, or purchase on Amazon and all online bookstores worldwide. www.writeprayrecover.com

I am taking new clients for my one-on-one coaching program, and I am available to provide mental health trainings as seen here on my trainings page: https://harmonioushealth4life.com/mental-health-wellness-trainings/

Love and blessings,

Wendy

#letsnormalizementalhealth #weallhavementalhealth

See resources below for NYS and National resources. All other states/countries/counties in NYS, please reach out to your local mental health facility or nearest emergency room.

There is nothing more to say when you are staring into the face of the truth.

Love, Wendy