Alicia Emamdee's Blog: For She Is Beautiful

Article originally appeared on the mental health counseling website
www.CreativeSolutions4Kids.com.

Whether it’s improving your self-esteem, eating and working out regularly, starting a new business, changing your career, etc., we all have goals we set for ourselves. Attempting to achieve those goals, however, may seem like an unreachable and intimidating task.

Here are 5 tips to help you fulfill your goals.

1. Just start.
Don’t allow excuses to get in the way, and although it may seem difficult getting over the hurdle, take that first step. Starting gets you closer to attaining your goals.

2. Schedule time out of your daily schedule.
Just like your job, your family and your hobbies, make the steps towards achieving your goals part of your routine. Even if you can dedicate only a few minutes a day, that’s still progress.

3. Break down your goals into smaller, more achievable ones.
Once you do that, attempting to fulfill your goals won’t seem so overwhelming. Also, reward yourself whenever you’ve accomplished one of the smaller goals. This will help motivate you even more.

4. Look at the progress you’ve made.
Instead of looking at how far you have to go, look at how far you’ve come. You’ll see as time goes by how much you’ve truly accomplished.

5. Do not give up.
You will face many obstacles and challenges along the way but how you respond to those obstacles and challenges is what’s important so don’t throw in the towel. Once you’ve gone through your feelings of frustration and anger, take a step back and refocus and then find the best possible solution to help you move forward.

Attempting to achieve your goals takes effort, persistence and patience. As long as you continue to dedicate your time and motivate yourself, you can accomplish anything. Need motivation techniques to help you achieve your goals? We can help. Give us a call at (954) 832-3602. We are located in Hollywood, Florida.

Alicia Emamdee is the author of the YA Romance novel, “Aloha Self-Esteem?” which is created specifically for teen girls and the challenges they face with regards to their self-esteem in our society today. Written as a love story, the book provides ways to help increase self-esteem and gain self-confidence.

Article originally appeared on the mental health counseling website
www.CreativeSolutions4Kids.com.

Dating in today's society can be a rollercoaster, especially for someone who hasn't been on the dating scene for a long time. Loving yourself is a key aspect to any relationship and if you find yourself sacrificing your wants and needs for someone else, it's time to take a look at your self-esteem and how it's affecting your dating life. Here are 4 ways to keep your self-esteem in check while dating.

1. Do not chase after the person in whom you are interested.
Don't let your eagerness to get into a relationship get in the way of your self-confidence. If the person you like is truly interested in you, then he or she will be as eager to contact and see you as you are for him/her. Tell yourself that it's his/her loss for not getting to know you better, and then move on.

2. Trust your instincts.
Sometimes we tend to cast aside certain signs or signals we instinctively feel that let us know if a person is not right for us. If your inner voice sets off those alarms with regards to the person you are dating, listen to it.

3. Don't make excuses for the person you are dating.
Check your self-esteem if you ever find yourself trying to justify your partner's behavior to family and friends. Ask yourself if that person is worthy of your love if he/she displays behaviors you feel don't align with your expectations.

4. It's better to be alone than in an unhealthy relationship.
Love yourself enough to realize when someone isn't right for you. Know that you'd be better off without that person in your life. You deserve only the best so don't ever put up with anyone or anything less than you deserve.

One of the most important relationships you can have is with your self-esteem. Just like any relationship, maintaining high self-esteem takes effort, but once you put in the work, the search for someone worthy of your love and respect becomes a lot less stressful. Remember to take the time to fall in love with yourself first. If you need help improving your self-esteem, we can help. Contact us at (954) 832-3602. We are located in Hollywood, Florida.

Alicia Emamdee is the author of the YA Romance novel, “Aloha Self-Esteem?” which is created specifically for teen girls and the challenges they face with regards to their self-esteem in our society today. Written as a love story, the book provides ways to help increase self-esteem and gain self-confidence.

Article originally appeared on the mental health counseling website
www.CreativeSolutions4Kids.com.

Learning to forgive is part of the healing process when it comes to coping with your past. Forgiveness does not come easily but can be a significant factor in helping you move forward with your life. Here are 3 tips to help you forgive people who have hurt you in your past.

1. Forgiveness takes time.
Forgiving someone who has hurt you does not happen overnight and it may take a long time for you to overcome all the pain and anguish you feel, but that’s okay. Take the first step to forgiveness by saying out loud that you forgive the person, and as time goes on, you will eventually achieve forgiveness.

2. Learning to forgive does not mean you have to be in contact with those who have hurt you.
It is up to you whether that person(s) is worthy of your love and friendship. Go with your gut instinct and make sure you do what is best for you. Your feelings come first.

3. Forgiving yourself is also important.
Sometimes there are things that you do that you may regret, but remember, you are moving forward with your life, so don’t be hard on yourself for who you once were or what you did in your past. Learn from your mistakes and look ahead to your future.

Forgiving yourself and others can be quite challenging, but holding on to that anger and hurt can be detrimental to your overall health and mental well-being. By letting go of that pain, you have the power to change your life for the better. If you’re having difficulty with forgiveness and coping with your past, we can help. Please call Creative Solutions 4 Kids at (954) 832-3602. We are located in Hollywood, Florida.

Alicia Emamdee is the author of the YA Romance novel, “Aloha Self-Esteem?” which is created specifically for teen girls and the challenges they face with regards to their self-esteem in our society today. Written as a love story, the book provides ways to help increase self-esteem and gain self-confidence.

Article originally appeared on the mental health counseling website
www.CreativeSolutions4Kids.com.

Stress. We all have to face it on some level, and at times, it can be quite overwhelming- affecting our overall health and mental well-being. It's near impossible to avoid so how we cope is very important. Here are 3 healthy ways in which you can deal with the stress you face on a daily basis.

1. Exercise regularly.
Besides the wonderful effect of releasing those happy, feel good endorphins, working out is also a great way to help distract you from your stressors. Yoga is my stress relief since all I am able to focus on are my yoga poses and deep breathing. Find a workout that suits you best. You don't have to join a gym in order to reap the benefits of exercise. Doing something fun like taking a dance class can also be quite beneficial.

2. Talk it out.
Discussing what is stressing you out can be cathartic. The love and support you receive from a loved one can be a huge stress reliever. If you're feeling extremely stressed, look into counseling. A therapist can provide you with effective tools to help you cope and can provide a safe environment in which you can express your feelings.

3. Find something you like and go do it.
Balance is key to feeling physically and mentally healthy so just like you make time for your job, family, chores, etc., also make time to relax. Not only do you deserve it, but you need it too. Find a hobby or activity that can help you calm down and unwind. For example, reading a good book helps me to de-stress and escape from the everyday world.

Don't allow the stress in your life to take over and consume you. Knowing you have the power to help conquer your stressors is the first step in relinquishing them so don't wait or procrastinate. Take action today!

Alicia Emamdee is the author of the YA Romance novel, “Aloha Self-Esteem?” which is created specifically for teen girls and the challenges they face with regards to their self-esteem in our society today. Written as a love story, the book provides ways to help increase self-esteem and gain self-confidence.

Article originally appeared on the mental health counseling website
www.CreativeSolutions4Kids.com.

Remember the spark you felt for each other in the beginning of your relationship? That feeling you experience in the first couple of years in a relationship, as time goes on, can diminish into practically nothing. The everyday stresses of life- kids, work, finances, etc., can get in the way of being able to connect on an intimate level with your partner. Here are a 3 tips to help you rekindle that spark you once felt as a couple.

1. Schedule a date night every week. Sure, you can do the dinner and movie thing on date night, but every once in a while, try something new- something totally different. Stepping outside of your comfort zone together can help you re-connect with your partner on a deeper level.

2. It’s the little things that count. We all like to feel wanted and needed so take the time to show how much you appreciate your partner by doing something special just for him/her. For example, make your partner’s favorite breakfast, or make your partner his/her morning cup of coffee. These little gestures can make all the difference. Don’t just show your appreciation, tell your partner too. For instance, tell your significant other how much you appreciate his/her helping with the household chores or thank him/her for showing you love and support.

3. Laugh and have fun together. Don’t let the monotony of everyday life take over your relationship. Being playful and acting silly are also important aspects of a relationship so spend time doing just that- having fun.

It’s not easy maintaining your connection as a couple and there will be times when you feel like giving up on your relationship, and that’s okay. If you are looking for Couples

Counseling Hollywood, FL, we can help. Every relationship has its ups and downs, but putting in the extra time and effort to make your loved one feel special might just be the spice you need to help make your relationship work for the better.

Alicia Emamdee is the author of the YA Romance novel, “Aloha Self-Esteem?” which is created specifically for teen girls and the challenges they face with regards to their self-esteem in our society today. Written as a love story, the book provides ways to help increase self-esteem and gain self-confidence.

If you need assistance with couples therapy in Hollywood, Florida, please call Creative Solutions 4 Kids at (954) 832-3602.

Article originally appeared on the mental health counseling website
www.CreativeSolutions4Kids.com.

Life can get pretty hectic, especially if you're a full-time working mom or dad while simultaneously trying to raise a happy and healthy family. Attempting to balance it all may seem like an impossible task and the guilt that comes along with not spending enough time with your family can be overwhelming, but don't throw in the towel just yet. It's not the quantity of time you spend with your loved ones that's important, but the quality. Here are five ways in which you can spend quality time with your family.

1. Schedule a game night at home.
Quality time includes having fun with your family so try to plan a game night once a week. Board games, card games and video games are great ways to enjoy family time together. These fun activities can help bring your family closer together.

2. Dinner time is quality time.
With such busy schedules, it might be difficult to have dinner together on a regular basis, but make sure you do at least once a week. One very important rule should be no electronics (no cell phones or tablets) at the dinner table. Also, encourage your kids to talk about their day by asking open-ended questions, such as "so tell me about school today."

3. Schedule family outings.
Instead of just shuttling kids from one activity to another on the weekends, plan a family excursion as well, even if it's only once or twice a month. Going for a drive or a walk, visiting a museum or park, or going to family festivals or events in your town or city are great ways to spend quality time with your kids.

4. Driving can turn into bonding time too.
Your children don't always have to be on their cell phones or tablets while in the car so once or twice a week, while taking your kids to or from school or to different events, spend the time engaging your children in conversation or playing road trip games together like "I spy."

5. Schedule time for just you and/or your spouse.
Take care of yourself too so make sure you schedule some alone time just for you. Couple's time without your kids is also important and can also help strengthen your bond with your spouse.

The hustle and bustle of everyday life can be overwhelming at times. That's why it's so important to plan events and activities for you and your family to do together. Family time is precious and even though they may not show you now, your children will appreciate those special moments they spend bonding with their family- and so will you.

Alicia Emamdee, RMHCI (Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern), is the author of the YA romance novel, "Aloha Self-Esteem?" which provides ways for teen girls to improve their self-esteem. Alicia is currently working on her second novel in her self-esteem series for women in their 30s and 40s.

Article originally published on the mental health counseling website, www.CreativeSolutions4Kids.com

I have fibromyalgia, a chronic illness which causes extreme fatigue, overall pain, muscle stiffness and muscle weakness- just to name a few of the symptoms. Dealing with a chronic illness is no easy task, to say the least, and although there are times when I feel like giving up and falling into the deep, dark abyss, for the most part, I am able to cope well. It’s taken me a few years to get to where I am today, and truthfully, it hasn’t been easy, but I no longer allow my illness to consume me. I have learned ways to help me cope, and as a result, I have become better at dealing, not just with my illness, but with other aspects of my life as well. Here are a few tips that I’ve learned that may be helpful to you as well.

1. Acceptance is key. When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia back in 2001, I used to separate my “normal” healthy self from my “fibro” self. It was extremely difficult to see this illness as being a part of me, but once I accepted it as a part of my life, my ability to cope, especially with the really bad days, increased tenfold. My new “normal” includes my fibromyalgia and that acceptance has given me, not only peace of mind, but the strength to help me deal with my illness on a daily basis.

2. Stop being hard on yourself. There are times when you may have a certain task or goal you’d like to accomplish, but due to not feeling well, you just aren’t able to achieve it. Stop being so hard on yourself when you’re not feeling well. Take it day-by-day and learn to pace yourself. In terms of chores, do only as much as you can and rest when possible. Your house does not need to be completely perfect and neither does your life.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Admitting you need help is not easy, but when you do need it, ask for it. Your loved ones are more than willing to you help you so accept and appreciate it when it is given.

4. Find an outlet for your feelings. On days when I feel extremely frustrated, I write in my journal- totally uncensored. Talking to my loved ones regarding my feelings is also quite helpful. Yoga, also helps, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Find something that works for you. Join a support group in your area or online. Seeing a therapist to discuss your frustrations can also be quite cathartic.

5. Say goodbye to friends who don’t try to understand or show their support. Friends and family may not completely understand what you have to deal with when it comes to your illness and that’s okay. Appreciate those who do show you the love and support that you deserve and need, and say good bye to friends who aren’t willing to understand or accept that your illness is real.

6. Be thankful for all the good in your life. Instead of allowing my fibromyalgia to overwhelm me, especially on really bad days, I show gratitude for all the positives in my life. Make a list of all that you are grateful for and read them out loud to yourself on a daily basis.

7. Enjoy your life. My Mother’s friend once told me that all I can do now is enjoy my life. That one little statement made such a huge difference because before embracing that attitude, I used to feel guilty on days that I felt well, especially if I wanted to do something fun that day. Let those feelings of guilt fall to the wayside. You have to take care of you too and it’s okay if one day you just want to get out and have some fun.

Life with chronic pain or a chronic illness can be quite difficult so make sure you maintain a positive attitude as much as possible, and even though you may not have complete control over the physical aspects of your body, you do have control over your thoughts and your overall attitude. Know that as long as you stay as positive as you can and accept yourself the way you are, life will be much more enjoyable. Here’s to living life to the fullest!

Alicia Emamdee, RMHCI (Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern), is the author of the YA romance novel, “Aloha Self-Esteem?” which provides ways for teen girls to improve their self-esteem. Alicia is currently working on her second novel in her self-esteem series for women in their 30s and 40s.

Sometimes it can be really hard to start your day off with a great attitude, especially when life gets in the way. Issues can occur at any time, whether you're dealing with pressure at work, financial issues or trouble in your marriage/relationship or with your children, so staying positive may be the last thing on your mind, but that's exactly when having a positive outlook can be most beneficial. Here are 4 tips to help you start your day off with a great attitude.

1. Get a good night's sleep. If you have a lot to do the following day, set up and prioritize your "to do" list the night before. Also, keep a pad and pen handy to jot down any worrying thoughts that may pop into your head during the night. In addition, maintain a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. All of these tips can help you sleep better at night and help you feel rejuvenated in the morning.

2. Take care of your body by eating right and exercising. Begin your day by eating a nutritious breakfast. Eating healthy and working out on a regular basis can help you feel energized and revitalized, not just in the morning, but throughout your day as well. If your body feels good, then so do you.

3. State positive affirmations to yourself and change your negative thoughts into positives. It's easy to go down the negativity road when you first wake up in the morning. You may be tired or grumpy or just not in the mood to get up and start your day, but all that negativity, whether it's towards yourself, others or your job or career, just brings you down and makes you feel worse about everything! Stating affirmations in the morning helps set up your day to be a great one. For instance, saying something as simple as "today is going to be a great day" helps to change your mindset to one that is positive.

4. Be grateful for all the good in your life. This last tip ties in well with stating your affirmations. Showing gratitude by stating what you are thankful for can help curb any negative thoughts you may be experiencing so instead of dreading your day, focus on all the positive aspects of your life.

Beginning your day with a great attitude will require some effort on your part. But remember, the same energy it takes to complain and engage in an overall negative attitude can be applied to one that is much more positive. Here's hoping you have a great day today!

Alicia Emamdee, RMHCI (Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern), is the author of the YA romance novel, "Aloha Self-Esteem?" which provides ways for teen girls to improve their self-esteem. Alicia is currently working on her second novel in her self-esteem series for women in their 30s and 40s.

Article originally appeared on the mental health counseling website
www.CreativeSolutions4Kids.com.

We all go through difficult times in our lives- stress from work, depression, loss of a loved one, anxiety, marital problems, divorce, trauma, etc.,- and for the most part, we are able to cope with these issues on our own. When those difficulties begin to affect our lives in detrimental ways- whether socially, mentally and/or physically, it may be time to seek professional help.

Sometimes the love and support you receive from your family and friends may not be enough, and at times, it may be easier to talk about your feelings with someone you do not know on a personal level. Therapists are trained to be objective and can become your sounding board for any issues you may be experiencing. They can also provide you with beneficial therapeutic tools to help you cope with your difficulties.

There are so many different types of psychotherapy (therapy for short), and choosing the right therapist may seem like a daunting task. Feelings of embarrassment or the stigma attached to seeking professional help may prevent some people from obtaining the assistance that they need. But don’t let those issues hinder you from getting the help that you deserve.

When looking for a therapist, do your research. Find out the qualifications of different therapists and find out what types of therapy they utilize with their clients. Most therapists use an eclectic therapeutic approach, incorporating different therapeutic models while catering them to each client’s particular needs. Once you have found a therapist with an approach/approaches that you believe best suit you, make sure you feel comfortable enough talking to your therapist about your issues. The client-therapist relationship is one of the most important aspects of therapy since you will be discussing intimate and personal aspects about yourself and your life. If you feel like your relationship with your therapist is not working, know that it’s okay to move on and find someone new.

The benefits of therapy are endless and once you find the therapist that is right for you, discussing your feelings will become easier as your sessions progress and your relationship with your therapist grows stronger. Remember, you are worthy of being happy, so take that next step towards helping you feel whole and balanced once again.

Alicia Emamdee, RMHCI (Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern), is the author of the YA romance novel, “Aloha Self-Esteem?” which provides ways for teen girls to improve their self-esteem. Alicia is currently working on her second novel in her self-esteem series for women in their 30s and 40s.

If you need counseling in Hollywood FL, please call Creative Solutions 4 Kids at (954) 832-3602.

Article originally appeared on the mental health counseling website
www.CreativeSolutions4Kids.com.

Hi, my name is Alicia, and I like to be in control....of everything! At least, that's how I used to be. My need for control stems from my anxiety, which stems from having the chronic illness, fibromyalgia, a condition that causes extreme fatigue, overall pain, cognitive dysfunction, muscle stiffness and weakness- plus so much more.

Sometimes, my need to be in control is okay, especially with regards to my illness. Symptoms can come on at any time so planning ahead and making sure I have everything I need is very important. My problem, however, was when that need for control spilled over into other aspects of my life in which being in charge was not a necessity. And when things didn't go exactly according to my ridiculously well mapped-out plans, my anxiety would increase tenfold, and in my head, everything would be ruined. Now, for the most part, I've learned to let go control and just "be."

With summer vacation almost upon us, the warm, sunny weather tempts us to get out and do something fun. Family outings and vacations come into play, but so does that "Mommy Instinct" to be in charge of everything- making sure your plans turn out perfectly. But sometimes you need to learn to just let go. Allowing someone else to take control can be quite freeing. There's no worrying about whether your event will turn out exactly as you planned. Besides, sometimes, no matter how much you prepare, things don't work out the way you expected them to, and guess what? That's okay. Yes, you read that right. It is alright if things don't go as planned. It's impossible to have control over everything that life throws at you. Plus, letting go control allows you to actually enjoy what's happening around you while setting you free to just have fun with your kids.

Every once in a while, try being spontaneous too. Please don't be freaked out by that statement! Sometimes the best experiences in life end up being ones you didn't initially plan- moments that you and your family can cherish for the rest of your lives. There are instances, of course, in which you have to take the wheel, but learning to let go by trusting others to take charge can help relieve you of unnecessary stress and anxiety. So the next time you feel that incessant need to control everything to do with your fun-in-the-sun summer activities, take a step back, take a deep breath in and let it all go, and take pleasure in knowing that you don't have to worry about a thing!

Alicia Emamdee, RMHCI (Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern), is the author of the YA romance novel, "Aloha Self-Esteem?" which provides ways for teen girls to improve their self-esteem. She is currently working on her second novel in her self-esteem series for women in their 30s and 40s.