empowerment Archives - Custom Calm

Why Me?

Posted by Ellen Sichel on May 9, 2012

I have heard this question asked when facing painful experiences. My answer is always, why not? This is the harsh reality and I in no way want to seem heartless. I think that when we realize that it is not personal, even when it feels that way, we can take a bit of space needed when in the midst of a difficult situation.

After settling into what challenges you have been presented with, then you have a choice on how you want to live life. In my work I meet many people that are living with cancer and other serious challenges.

I see the difference in those who live an attitude of empowerment and those who live as a victim of their circumstances.

Viktor Frankl spent 3 years in various concentration camps during World War II. We can learn from his inspiring words: Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.

No matter what we are living through, there is always choice in the attitude we bring to our day. Embrace each day as best you can and you will be surprised at how life unfolds.

Let me know in the comments below how you view the challenges in your life?

Tags: attitude, cancer, choice, empowerment, victim

Posted in: A Calm Perspective

1 Solution to Caregiving Challanges

Posted by Ellen Sichel on January 16, 2012

Lately I have spoken with many who are caring for a sick loved one or aging parent. There is one thing that they all have in common: They deeply care and love the one who is struggling.

We want to fix the situation or make them see how they can help themselves, with no avail. We wonder why they will not do what they need to do- we know if they did, they would feel some relief. We get frustrated, angry, depleted and sad and try again and again to get them to do what is needed.

The one thing we need to remember is that we are absolutely Powerless over the other person.

It is their life and their path and nothing we do or say will change them. The only thing we can do is to remember that we are powerless and once we know this, we can let go of what we want them to do, lighten up and meet them where they are at. Your shift in attitude will empower you and your relationships.

Let me know in the comments below how realizing you are powerlessness can help you.

Tags: angry, attitude, caregiver, depleted, elder parents, empowerment, frustrated, powerlessness

Posted in: Technique of the Week

Child Anxiety Helped by Mindful-Based Stress Reduction

Posted by Ellen Sichel on August 17, 2011

Child Anxiety Can be a Big Issue: Fears and worry seen in kids today.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution Living Section, August 8 2011 article focuses on the rising stress symptoms seen in children of all ages.

Psychologists are giving symptoms serious attention as anxiety is causing panic attacks and other symptoms.

The use of Mindfulness Based stress-reduction programs including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy has helped children see clearly what is happening in the present, where choices can be made to not react emotionally. The practices include breath, movement, activities, touching, tasting, smelling seeing and listening.

More and more the medical community is advocating the use of Mindfully Based stress-reduction practices to help a multitude of conditions.

The work of Custom Calm targets anxiety caused by consequences of stress, pain and illness using the proactive approach of Mindfully Based stress-reduction practices, The individual is supported and empowered to take charge of their reactions, which immediately lowers stress and anxiety.

Tags: breath, child anxiety, empowerment, fear, lower stress, mindfully based stress reduction, stress, worry

Posted in: This Stuff Works