Some considerations on how to care for your partnered &/or single friends to consider to help you love well. What would you add?

Loneliness is Linked to Poor Health Outcomes

According to the US Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness & Isolation, lack of social connection poses significant risks to health & longevity including: Increased risks of premature death matching that of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, 29% increased risk of heart disease; 32% increased risk of stroke; Increased susceptibility to virus & respiratory illness and Increased risk of anxiety, depression & dementia.

Here’s some things to try to overcome & cope with Loneliness:

Contributed by Tina Rhodes, LPC, these book recommendations are selected to help you continue to explore the themes associated with loneliness.

1. The 100 Years of Lenin & Margot by Marianne Cronin

2. The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich

3. Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

The emerging research suggests that it is possible to live happy, thriving and fulfilling lives as a single person. Further, singles often benefit their friends, families and communities in unique ways. While their coupled counterparts tend to turn inward towards each other losing or loosening social ties over time, singles often engage in the relational work that build community and bind families. They often provide respite for parents, positive role modeling and supplemental socio-emotional support to children as well as essential care to elderly family members. Singles have the flexibility and resources to volunteer, engage in local politics, get involved in community organizations, and economically support local restaurants and entertainment venues.

Seasonal Depression is Real

If you’re struggling this winter, you are NOT at fault. There are hormonal shifts that are happening in concert with the seasons that impact all of us. In the winter, melatonin is increasing and serotonin is decreasing. Many of us experience a lag in our mood that can range from mild to clinical.

Here’s some things to try to overcome Winter Blues:

Contributed by Tina Rhodes, LPC, these book recommendations are selected to help you continue to explore the themes associated with winter.

1. Beartown by Frederik Backman

2. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

3. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivy

Dusty Rose is considering developing Personal Retreats & Growth Get-aways as an ongoing effort to our commitment of “Helping you Love & Live Well.”

We need your feedback to help us build out the best experience.

These are the dog days of Winter.  I keep hearing Kid Rock singing in my head “I ain’t seen the sunshine in…. 3 damn weeks.”  We’re all getting restless with the short bleak days and long dark nights, an absent sun and cold temperatures.   Truth is, it’s easy to hate on winter. 

Recently, I find myself compelled to take another view of winter.

What is the function of winter? How does it work in nature, in our lives and across the lifespan? How do we get the most out of this season both naturally and personally?

I have no idea what the future holds but I know I’m holding a few hopes and a few fears. I don’t know what the future will give or what it will take but I know what I’m giving up and what I’m taking with me.

I’m giving up blame, shame and unforgiveness. I’m going to forgive myself for being flawed, for past mistakes, for wasting time and opportunities. I’m not going to hold my friends and family hostage to unforgiveness either. I don’t have room to carry it or time to get stuck in it.

I’m taking five things with me as I face forward at fifty.