Enlightened Ways Therapy

01/16/2026

Radical acceptance is one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) skills in healing work. It doesn’t mean you like what’s happening or approve of it. It means fully acknowledging reality as it is, rather than arguing with it in your mind. When we stop fighting what we cannot change in the present moment, our suffering often softens.

A few key reminders about radical acceptance:

* It’s about recognizing reality as it is — not as we wish it were
* Letting go of the internal struggle reduces added suffering
* Acceptance is not resignation; you can accept reality and still choose change
* It asks us to notice emotions, thoughts, and sensations without judging them
* It’s a practice you return to again and again, especially during pain, loss, or injustice

Radical acceptance doesn’t make hard things “okay.”�It gives you back your energy, clarity, and capacity to respond with intention.

01/14/2026

Too often, we’re taught not to listen to our desires. Yet desire that comes from our most authentic self is often what directs us where to go—what to pursue and which step to take next. Cutting ourselves off from desire is like throwing away our inner compass.

To practice listening to your desires, begin by turning your attention inward and simply asking yourself, “Does this feel warm or cold?”

01/09/2026

The new year offers an opportunity to reset, reassess, and reflect on the space between how we are living and how we *want* to be living.

Setting intentions for the year ahead can help us bridge the gap between who we are and who we’d like to become. Intentions begin with curiosity and reflection, helping us get grounded in our lived experience and core values. To get started, try using guided personal reflection questions to get a clearer sense of your inner landscape.

For more information on intention-setting in the new year, visit our blog by clicking the link in our bio!

01/05/2026

As the new year approaches, many of us feel pressure to set goals: exercise more, be more productive, fix what feels broken. While goals can be motivating, they often come with rigid expectations and an unspoken belief that we must achieve something to be worthy or successful. For many people—especially those who have experienced burnout, trauma, or chronic stress—this mindset can feel discouraging rather than empowering. An alternative approach is setting intentions.

Read more: https://www.enlightenedwaystherapy.com/blog/welcoming-the-new-year-with-intention-not-pressure

12/29/2025

As the New Year approaches, a gentle reminder about resolutions ✨

You don’t need a complete reset to grow—change can happen anytime. Small, realistic steps are often more sustainable than big overhauls, and progress is rarely linear. Motivation will come and go, and that’s okay. Your worth is not measured by productivity or how well you “stick” to a goal. Consider setting intentions around how you want to feel, and give yourself permission to adjust or let go of resolutions that no longer serve you.

This year, let compassion, flexibility, and self-trust guide your growth.

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays from Enlightened Ways Therapy!

As the holidays arrive, we want to extend warm wishes to our community. This season can bring moments of joy and connection—and it can also stir up stress, grief, or complicated emotions. Wherever you find yourself, your experience is valid. We encourage you to move through this time with intention, gentleness, and self-compassion. Remember that support is available, boundaries are allowed, and rest is productive. From all of us at Enlightened Ways Therapy, we wish you moments of peace, grounding, and care—today and into the new year. 💙

12/23/2025

Holiday Strategy #4: Ask Self-Reflective Questions

Taking a moment to ask yourself reflective questions before a holiday event can be a powerful way to protect your energy and stay aligned with what truly matters to you. Instead of getting swept up in expectations or obligations, intentional self-reflection helps you tune into your needs, clarify your boundaries, and choose how you want to show up. These questions create space for mindfulness, reduce stress, and empower you to participate in ways that feel meaningful rather than overwhelming. By checking in with yourself ahead of time, you set the tone for a holiday season that’s more grounded, authentic, and supportive of your well-being.

1. What do I genuinely have the emotional and physical capacity for?(Am I energized, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between?)

2. What parts of the event feel meaningful to me, and what parts feel draining?Do I want to stay the whole time, drop in briefly, or skip certain activities?)

3. What boundaries would help me feel safe, grounded, or comfortable?(Time limits, topics to avoid, who I want to spend time with, etc.)

4. What do I want to feel afterward—and what choices now support that feeling?(Connected, rested, proud of myself, less stressed?)

12/16/2025

Holiday Strategy #3: Utilize Mantras

Using mantras can be a powerful way to steady yourself during stressful or emotional moments—especially around the holidays. A mantra offers a simple, grounding phrase you can return to when you feel overwhelmed, helping you regulate your nervous system and shift your internal dialogue. Whether it’s “I can handle this one step at a time” or “I deserve peace,” repeating a mantra can create a sense of calm, clarity, and emotional safety. It’s a small tool with a big impact, giving your mind something reassuring to hold onto when things feel chaotic.

Tip for success: Rehearse these mantras regularly in advance of the potentially stressful situation.

1. “I can pause before I respond.”�You don’t have to react immediately—taking a breath creates space for clarity and calm.

2. “My feelings are valid, even if others don’t understand them.”�Your emotional experience matters, and you don’t need external permission to honor it.

3. “I can choose what I engage in and what I step away from.”�You have agency—boundaries are an act of care, not conflict.

4. “This moment is temporary, and I know how to ground myself.”�Focusing on the present (your breath, your senses, your body) can reduce overwhelm and help you stay steady.

12/16/2025

FYI: Our phones will be closed 12/24-12/28 and 12/31-1/4 for the holidays! 🎄

12/08/2025

At Enlightened Ways Therapy, we know the holidays can bring both joy and challenges. Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing practical holiday strategies, coping tools, and gentle reminders to help you prepare for—and make it through—the season with more support and intention. Follow along for weekly tips to protect your mental health during the holidays.

This week’s focus is on planning ahead and communicating your needs clearly. Deciding what you will and won’t attend, how long you’ll stay, and what support you may need can reduce stress and prevent misunderstandings. Sharing your plan with trusted people helps set realistic expectations and protects your emotional energy.

12/06/2025

The holidays aren’t always happy—and you’re not alone if this season brings grief, family tension, or emotional overwhelm. Our newest blog, “The Holidays Aren’t Always Happy: Tools for Grief, Boundaries, and Healing,” offers practical coping skills, boundary-setting tips, and gentle reminders to support your mental health during the holiday season.

Read the full post and find tools to help you navigate the holidays with more care and compassion. https://www.enlightenedwaystherapy.com/blog/the-holidays-arent-always-jolly-navigating-grief-relationships-and-healing

12/03/2025