Author Archives: Amanda Bowers

A boundary is how we define the limits of where I end and you begin. Oftentimes when we have experienced childhood trauma, these lines are blurred or unclear. We feel responsible for others suffering, or guilty for asserting a sense of self. Or on the other end, we close ourselves off from others, we isolateContinue reading “Boundaries”

We talk a lot in Western Culture about getting there. And by there, I mean, anywhere but here. Only three more hours left in my shift My assignment is due tomorrow and then I can breathe again I just need to get through this month of crazy scheduling and then it will all be worthContinue reading “Our Obsession with Getting There”

How would things change for you if you really, deep-down-heart-space knew that you were enough. Would you make different decisions? Would you keep different relationships? Would you spend your time differently? Would you say no more? Would you value yourself more? We humans, are like quilts. Woven with our experiences, stories, beliefs, past, knowledge. TheseContinue reading “If You Knew You Were Already Enough”

Really showing up is hard. Allowing yourself to be seen is hard. Its also deeply transformative. This is what I struggle with in sharing things about my personal life on social media. That said, its what happens in therapy -exposure. Though in a therapists office, that exposure is met with an empathetic, holding presence andContinue reading “Human First, Therapist Second.”

Recently, I have been nostalgic for the carefree days of childhood. I was privileged enough to have most days feel free and fun, filled with crafts and creation. Whether that be in my imagination, with friends, or alone for hours at a time caught up in a project. When we get older and have moreContinue reading “An Ode to Play”

Often, we fear change. Humans seem to be incredibly adaptable. We get comfortable, get used to something, and we enjoy that predictability, even if we don’t like what it is we’re doing. Often, change knocks us off our feet, takes us by surprise, and shifts our footing. Most of the time, we don’t want it.Continue reading “The Power of Change”

When it comes to negative thoughts, illnesses, defeating the “bad guy”, monsters or what have you, our culture is obsessed with fighting. If you’re reading this, I bet that fighting your thoughts hasn’t worked for you. When we consistently try to ignore, suppress or push away something, it only gets stronger. The same goes forContinue reading “How to Deal with Negative Thoughts”

This evening I tucked myself into my favorite corner by the window, a few candles lit, sitting cross legged on my bed. I was studiously listening to the Bliss and Grit podcast with my notebook opened in front of me so that I could write down the little tidbits of gold that come out ofContinue reading “There is No Perfect Way To Live”

When we sacrifice ourselves to please others, be it saying yes when we mean no, or listening to your friend rant when you don’t have the mental energy to really be there, we do a disservice to ourselves. Often we see these self sacrificing behaviors as admirable, when we put another’s needs before ours. ItsContinue reading “Why Taking Care of Yourself is Not Selfish”

You are not required to be anything for anyone but you. When we hear this, we start to come up with reasons why we can’t be who we want to be, usually because of other peoples needs. And this is understandable. We get into patterns of being things for others to survive when we’re little,Continue reading “Who Are You Doing This For?”