Jenée Wilson, MS, LLPC, SST - A New Day CCC

04/06/2026

Post-Easter Reflection

For many people, the start of a new year is when they pause and reflect. Others do it around birthdays or major life events. For me, it has always been Easter weekend.

There is something about this time that invites a deeper kind of reflection. A chance to slow down and really ask:
Am I content with my life? Am I on the path I want to be on? How are my stress levels, my anxiety, my overall well-being? Am I showing up for myself the same way I try to show up for others?

One thing I have learned, both personally and professionally, is that happiness is not a one size fits all concept. It looks different for everyone. But there are some common threads. A sense of peace, manageable stress, meaningful connection, and moments of genuine enjoyment.

Interestingly, a lot of research and life experience points to this truth. When we step outside of ourselves and give to others, we often feel better. Not because our problems disappear, but because the weight of constantly analyzing ourselves gets lighter.

Sometimes we carry more than we are meant to. We assume responsibility for how others feel, how they react, or what they think about us. That kind of pressure can be exhausting. Letting go of that does not mean you do not care. It means you are recognizing what is actually yours to carry and what you should not carry.

Another important piece of this is being honest about what truly brings you peace. Not the quick fixes or temporary escapes, but the things that genuinely leave you feeling grounded and fulfilled.

If you are not sure where to start, try something simple. Pay attention to your day. When you notice a moment where you feel calm, happy, or at ease, pause and make a note of it. Over time, you will start to see patterns of what actually fills your cup.

Reflection does not have to happen just once a year. But having a moment to do a deeper check in can be powerful. So as this Easter season wraps up, take a moment for yourself.

Sometimes the answers are simpler than we think.

04/05/2026

03/31/2026

Maybe you were never broken… just hurting. And there’s a difference. Broken feels like something needs to be thrown away. But hurting… means something needs to be cared for. ❤️

God doesn’t look at you and see something to fix... He sees someone to heal. Someone to restore. Someone to gently bring back to wholeness. So if you’ve been hard on yourself lately, take a breath… You’re not beyond repair. You’re in the middle of healing. And God is patient with every step of it. 🙏 We’ve created devotionals and peaceful worship to help you slow down, heal deeply, and stay grounded in God’s love through every season. Worship + devotionals in bio.

What does healing look like for you right now?

#ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴇʏ

03/27/2026

Do you really know what a narcissist is?

Social media throws the word around like it means “selfish” or “a jerk.” But that is not accurate, and it matters.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Narcissistic Personality Disorder, is someone with a long term pattern of inflated self importance, a strong drive for success and recognition, a constant need for admiration, a lack of empathy.

They will probably never admit you or anyone else in their life are wrong. They NEED to be the most important person in their personal and work life because it comes from in inner insecurity that produces rage when they believe someone points it out.

Let’s be honest. We all have narcissistic tendencies at times. That is part of being human. But not everyone who hurts you, acts selfish, manipulates, or gaslights is a narcissist. Sometimes they are people with unhealthy coping skills, poor communication, or emotional immaturity.

Overusing the word creates a blame game, labels people too quickly, and pulls focus away from what actually matters, your ability to understand yourself, recognize your needs, and respond accordingly.

Instead of asking “Are they a narcissist?” ask yourself, do they respect me, do they take accountability, and do I feel safe, heard, and valued. If the answer is no, you do not need a diagnosis to justify your feelings. You need clarity, self awareness, and the confidence to honor your needs with healthy boundaries.

03/25/2026

When you look back on your life, does it feel like people were kinder, society had stronger morals, and everything seemed a little less stressful?

That feeling is very common. But what if your brain is not telling you the full truth? Not because it is trying to deceive you, but because of how memory actually works. Your brain does not store memories like a recording. It rebuilds them over time. And during that process, the difficult parts often fade while the positive parts remain easier to access.

Psychologists call this the positivity effect. As people age, they become more likely to remember positive experiences and less likely to focus on negative ones. Stressful moments, conflict, and uncertainty do not disappear, but they lose their emotional intensity. There is also something called fading affect bias. Negative emotions attached to memories weaken faster than positive ones. Over time, even difficult periods can feel calmer and more manageable than they really were.

Nostalgia adds another layer. It reshapes the past into something that feels meaningful and coherent. It highlights connection, belonging, and simpler moments, while leaving out much of the tension that was present at the time. So when you think that people were nicer, or that society had better morals, or that life was less stressful, you may not be remembering the past as it actually was. You may be remembering a version that has been gradually edited.

Every period has had conflict, stress, and uncertainty. The difference is that you are experiencing the present in real time, without the benefit of that editing process. Over time, your brain edits your past into a cleaner, more meaningful story, often removing messy or negative details.

Make the most of today. Create moments worth remembering, because those are what your mind carries forward into tomorrow. As we get older, the brain holds on more to what feels meaningful and what we truly notice. This is your advantage. You have the perspective to recognize what matters and the ability to choose where your attention goes. So be present, appreciate where you are, and let today count.

03/22/2026

Lately, I have been thinking about how much our focus shapes our reality.

Research in positive psychology shows that when we intentionally look for the good, such as small wins, kind moments, and things going right, it actually changes how our brains work. Through neuroplasticity, we begin to notice more of those things automatically.

This does not mean ignoring the hard parts of life. Life is still challenging. But it does mean we do not let the negative be the only thing that gets our attention.

Studies, including the work of Martin Seligman, have found that simple habits, such as writing down a few good things each day, can improve happiness and reduce stress over time.

It reminds me of the movie Pollyanna and the idea of the “glad game.” At first, it can feel unrealistic, like something made for Hollywood. But what stands out is the ripple effect. One person choosing to look for the good begins to influence how they speak, how they respond, and how they treat others. That shift spreads. It lifts conversations, strengthens relationships, and can even change the tone of a home or community.

So what does it actually look like to play the glad game?

It is simple, but not always easy.

When something disappointing or frustrating happens, pause and ask:
What is something I can still be glad about here?

Sometimes it is small.
You missed an opportunity, but you learned something.
A plan fell through, but you gained time.
A hard day reminded you what really matters.

The goal is not to pretend everything is good. The goal is to train your mind to notice what is still good, even when things are not perfect.

Over time, this becomes a habit. And that habit shapes your mindset, your relationships, and the energy you bring into every space.

03/22/2026

Some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet are quietly fighting battles you know nothing about. Yet they still choose to help others. They still choose kindness. They still choose love. That kind of love is rare… and beautiful.

03/12/2026

The link is fixed. I am proud to work for such a compassionate and intentional leader. My office is featured in the video.

With their diverse clinical team, A New Day Counseling doesn’t just treat symptoms; they empower individuals and families to build resilience and start their...

03/11/2026

Why Do We Argue - And Can We Actually Stop?

Have you ever said something like, “You made me so angry I couldn't help it" or defended an argument by calling it passion?

Most of us believe anger just happens to us. But the science suggests something different.

Anger Isn't Automatic

Research in cognitive neuroscience shows that between a trigger and a response, there is a small gap. In that gap lives choice. Your prefrontal cortex — the part of your brain responsible for reasoning and self-control — doesn’t simply shut off when you're upset. More often, we override it. In other words, anger may feel automatic, but we are usually participating in it.

Proof You Already Know This

The Phone Ring Test

Have you ever been in the middle of an argument when your phone rings — and suddenly it’s your boss, your mom, or your pastor? In less than a second, your entire demeanor changes. Your tone softens. Your words become measured. No cool-down period. No breathing exercise. Just an instant shift. That moment reveals something important: you had control the whole time.

The Pre-Planned Fight

Sometimes the argument doesn’t even start in the moment. We rehearse it beforehand. We replay conversations in our heads. We build our case. By the time the discussion happens, we’ve already decided it’s going to be a fight. But the same mind that can rehearse conflict can also rehearse patience, curiosity, and understanding.

So What Can We Do Instead?

A few simple shifts can change the entire direction of a conversation:

Lead with curiosity, not accusation.

Start with a question instead of a verdict.

Listen to understand, not to reload your next point.

Most arguments continue because no one feels heard.

Know yourself first.

Your triggers often say more about your history than about someone else's intentions.

Stop personalizing everything. Other people’s flaws are rarely a private plot against you.

Name what you actually need. We have not mastered mind reading yet. If something matters to you, say it.

Choose the relationship over the win.
Arguments rarely produce winners, usually just two people who feel worse.

Pause before you pour. Ask yourself: What do I actually want from this conversation?

The Real Goal. The goal isn’t to eliminate conflict. Conflict is part of being human.
The real goal is how we treat each other when tension shows up. Healthy relationships aren’t built by people who never disagree. They’re built by people who practice humility, patience, and empathy when they do. People who slow down before they react. People who care more about understanding than proving a point. People who remember that the person across from them matters more than the moment they’re in.

Arguments can tear relationships apart.
But handled differently, those same moments can deepen trust, strengthen respect, and remind us that at the end of every disagreement is still another human being.

Closing Note

For some people, anger may be connected to a diagnosable condition that deserves professional care. Others may need support learning healthier ways to manage their reactions. And many of us already have the capacity. We simply need to be more intentional in how we show up during difficult moments.

If anger feels hard to manage or is affecting your relationships, speaking with a qualified health professional can help you better understand what is happening and explore helpful treatment or support options.

03/06/2026

Maybe in a more supportive message, but still a good one. Failure should be replaced with learning. It is what makes us grow. ❤️