Edwards Counseling and Coaching

Please discuss this with people, but especially children, of all ages.

It is great to be back to work after a wonderful week off spending some relaxing time in NWA. Bentonville/Rogers have some of the best trails. Had some fantastic food and a lot of rest. Finished Arthur Brooks book “Strength to Strength” which I highly recommend for anyone approaching or already arrived at middle age. Speaking of Arthur Brooks I also recommend his podcast from way back in March of 2019 in an interview with Simon Sinek. Even more relevant now maybe than then. Also recently completed Brant Hanson’s book, “The Men We Need”. Also highly recommended, particularly if you are a young man or are a boy who wants to be a man, or if you are a woman who knows a young man or a boy who wants to be a man.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

There are three kinds of people: Wise people, foolish people, evil people. Talk to wise people, give them resouces, and you’ll get a return. Stop talking to foolish people about problems, because they aren't listening anyway. Evil people? Walk...no, run from those who would bring evil upon you. (Henry Cloud)

Julie and I were able to participate in the Hope is Alive 5k in Andover KS Saturday night August 29. It was great to be able a get out a enjoy a competitive run and support a great cause at the same time.

Gratitude: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness

What are you grateful for? During this time of having movement restricted, risk of contamination, loss of income, etc., it may be easy to become disgruntled, stressed, fatigued, anxious, depressed, or all of the above. But, did you know there are seven scientifically proven benefits to being grateful.
1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
2. Gratitude improves physical health
3. Gratitude improves psychological health
4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression
5. Grateful people sleep better
6. Gratitude improves self-esteem
7. Gratitude increase mental strength

Suggestion: Take a few moments to focus on all that you have. Developing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the simplest ways to improve your satisfaction with life.
(Source: Psychology Today)

I want to encourage you to have a good self-disciplined self care plan in place. Essentially, that means 1. Eating in a healthy way (avoiding starch and sugar that is craved during stress), getting reasonable exercise (20 minutes at least three times a week), and adequate sleep. 2. Exercise and stimulate your mind by listening to a good podcast or audible book, creating art, listening to positive music, etc, and giving your mind some rest. (The World Health Organization is recommending that you check the news (or your portfolio) no more than twice a day. 3. Set good emotional boundaries by knowing your personal limits while being helpful and cooperative to those around you. and 4. Have a sense of purpose or mission.
Write out your plan and review it daily.
Stay safe and healthy and let me know if I can help in any way.
"This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all of his troubles." Psalms 34:6 NIV