self care Archives - River's Journey Counseling

Tips for Dissolving Fear with Love

March 15, 2022 by Mary Madsen-Heskin Leave a Comment

Typically, in Chicagoland there is an unpredictable period between Winter ending and Spring beginning. The temps warm up enough to melt snow and ice and for men to wear shorts and hoodies to stores and women ditch their winter parkas. We get overly confident that Winter is done. Quickly the temperature plummets and it freezes […]

Filed Under: Anxiety, Change, Coaching, Counseling, Fear, Gratitude, Healing, Issues for Women, self-love Tagged With: action, affirmations, change, fear, inspired action, love, self care, self-love

Meditation with Fresh Eyes

November 3, 2021 by Mary Madsen-Heskin Leave a Comment

I have been practicing this new thing. Well, not an actual new concept to myself or the world. But new because I am practicing it with fresh eyes. After I finish my meditation, I have been journaling. (That part isn’t new.) Not about hopes and desires. Not about dreams and wishes. Not about intentions and […]

Filed Under: Anxiety, Change, Gratitude, Healing, Inspiration, meditation, Self-care, self-love Tagged With: anxiety, healing, inspiration, journaling, meditation, personal growth, self care, stress management

8 Easy Tips: Time Management

September 17, 2021 by Mary Madsen-Heskin Leave a Comment

I would not typically consider myself a time waster (*cough* don’t ask my husband what he thinks). But when it’s a task I do not feel super motivated to complete, I tend to get sidetracked with all the “oooh shiny” things in my world. When it’s not a task I am not super excited to […]

Filed Under: Change, Counseling, Self-care, Stress Tagged With: change, procrastination, self care, stress, time management

Mindfulness Benefits and Practice

August 21, 2021 by Mary Madsen-Heskin Leave a Comment

Benefits, Insights and Practice of Mindfulness In this fast paced and often stressful world, we are often running on autopilot or even worse allowing our worries and fears to shape not only our decision making but also our resulting emotions and actions. Coasting on autopilot or reacting from a place of worry or fear can […]

Filed Under: Anxiety, Change, Counseling, Depression, Self-care, Stress Tagged With: anxiety, change, counseling, depression, mindfulness, mindfulness benefits, mindfulness exercises, self care, STOP

A Twist on Gifts for the Holiday Season

December 4, 2020 by Mary Madsen-Heskin Leave a Comment

I have been staring at an empty sheet of paper, this year’s Christmas List. I am a list maker. I come from a long line of list-makers. It helps me stay organized and on track. It draws down wispy inclinations into concrete ideas. I feel creative and productive. My lists sometimes even embolden me to […]

Filed Under: Holidays, Inspiration, Self-care, self-love Tagged With: Christmas, gifts, holidays, self care, spirituality