explorer of things

Coping with Dementia Whether it’s your mom, dad, or partner who has dementia, it can be hard to understand and cope with. It can come on quickly or gradually. The causes and severity vary due to several factors. At first, symptoms may be so gradual and subtle that they are easily dismissed as typical cycles of mental tiredness, moodiness, or behavioral changes related to life changes or stressful periods.

Coping with Dementia

Whether it’s your mom, dad, or partner who has dementia, it can be hard to understand and cope with. It can come on quickly or gradually. The causes and severity vary due to several factors. At first, symptoms may be so gradual and subtle that they are easily dismissed as…

Dopamine and Our Sense of Purpose Our sense of purpose is based on the belief that we are here to perform some duties or undertake some divine mission. Our culture and even our parents often tell us that we are special and different, which can significantly influence our sense of purpose. However, the truth is not so simple, because achieving our purpose in life is not based on some destiny, but on our own input and efforts.

Dopamine and Our Sense of Purpose

Our sense of purpose is based on the belief that we are here to perform some duties or undertake some divine mission. Our culture and even our parents often tell us that we are special and different, which can significantly influence our sense of purpose. However,…

Self-Rebranding How we see ourselves plays a vital role in how we behave and make choices in our lives. The more negative views we have about ourselves, the higher the chances are that we will engage in self-sabotaging and emotionally depleting behaviors. Though we cannot wish ourselves to change, we can make a conscious plan of action to rebrand how we see ourselves.

Self-Rebranding

How we see ourselves plays a vital role in how we behave and make choices in our lives. The more negative views we have about ourselves, the higher the chances are that we will engage in self-sabotaging and emotionally depleting behaviors. Though we cannot wish ourselves to change,…

Hacking The Amygdala Our behaviors and beliefs are shaped by the events and situations we encounter, from the moment we are born, even before we develop language skills. The development of our behavioral patterns results from both social learning and our biological makeup, specifically our brains. Our ability to adjust and adapt to social cues is not entirely determined by the surrounding environment, but rather by a combination of chemical reactions to environmental triggers that are processed and stored in the brain's memory systems.

Hacking The Amygdala

Our behaviors and beliefs are shaped by the events and situations we encounter, from the moment we are born, even before we develop language skills. The development of our behavioral patterns results from both social learning and our biological makeup, specifically our brains.…

Assessing Your New Age Journey Many individuals are searching for personal meaning and inner peace. The journey to achieving personal harmony is not made of perfect affirmations or a nice cup of chai tea. It is a process that is personal and for many challenging because it involves working with both our darkness and light. Along our path, we also encounter individuals who claim to have discovered an easy route to achieving enlightenment through various New Age practices.

Assessing Your New Age Journey

Many individuals are searching for personal meaning and inner peace. The journey to achieving personal harmony is not made of perfect affirmations or a nice cup of chai tea. It is a process that is personal and for many challenging because it involves working with…

Understanding Dementia There are many layers to the development of Dementia, worth reviewing, especially if you are a potential candidate or someone you care for is at risk of the condition. First, it is essential to understand that Dementia does not occur solely with aging and that several factors contribute to its onset and its various categories. Dementia is a general term for cognitive decline that impairs clear thinking, memory, and judgment.

Understanding Dementia

There are many layers to the development of Dementia, worth reviewing, especially if you are a potential candidate or someone you care for is at risk of the condition. First, it is essential to understand that Dementia does not occur solely with aging and that several…

Self-Care As A Survival Tool Many of us are facing difficult times due to various factors that are not always within our control or subject to change. Regardless of your values or political or spiritual beliefs, our current world has presented new challenges that go beyond grade school lessons. We are witnessing a new era. For some, this new area alters the laws that once protected their safety, and for others, it results in erosion of economic stability.

Self-Care As A Survival Tool

Many of us are facing difficult times due to various factors that are not always within our control or subject to change. Regardless of your values or political or spiritual beliefs, our current world has presented new challenges that go beyond grade school lessons. We…

Designing Your Wellness Plan for 2026 In 2024, I wrote a blog about personal wellness, and I have decided to update the plans because we have been facing various layers of stress globally, some of which are due to social changes and personal views. It is essential to recognize that even if we are not very social, global events do have an impact on us, regardless of whether we avoid reading or discussing specific topics.

Designing Your Wellness Plan for 2026

In 2024, I wrote a blog about personal wellness, and I have decided to update the plans because we have been facing various layers of stress globally, some of which are due to social changes and personal views. It is essential to recognize that even if we are…

How the Concept of “Divide and Conquer” were Socially Weaponized I would like to state that my motivation for writing this is driven by the social behavioral patterns I have witnessed recently and throughout the years. I will admit, if I didn’t have a doctorate in Psychology and years of working directly with people, I would be baffled and probably distressed by all that is occurring. I have decided to share my observations and research on how many individuals have adopted the current mindset, because I know many people are struggling to make sense of the status many of us are enduring.

How the Concept of “Divide and Conquer” were Socially Weaponized

I would like to state that my motivation for writing this is driven by the social behavioral patterns I have witnessed recently and throughout the years. I will admit, if I didn’t have a doctorate in Psychology and years of working…

The Dark Side of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Psychological methods have always had two potentials, one to heal and one to hinder. The field of Psychology has always been at the core, designed to develop an understanding of how the mind works. The information obtained through Psychology has allowed us to develop tools to both change existing patterns and create new ones. Unfortunately, psychology, just like many fields, has been corrupted and exploited by individuals and agencies for the benefit of a few megalomaniacs with unquenchable desires to control as many individuals as possible. 

The Dark Side of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)

Psychological methods have always had two potentials, one to heal and one to hinder. The field of Psychology has always been at the core, designed to develop an understanding of how the mind works. The information obtained through Psychology has…

Menopause and its Impact on Couples Initially, I wasn’t too keen on adding this topic here because I didn’t wish to alienate the male readers. However, after an informative discussion with a good friend who does extensive educational work on the female mysteries of the cycles, I realized it is a topic worth tackling. Well, menopause, let’s talk about it, what it is, and how it affects, not just women, but their partners.

Menopause and its Impact on Couples

Initially, I wasn’t too keen on adding this topic here because I didn’t wish to alienate the male readers. However, after an informative discussion with a good friend who does extensive educational work on the female mysteries of the cycles, I realized it is a…

The Role Psychology Plays in Political Agendas Individuals seeking influential roles rely on human frailties, particularly when seeking dominance over others.  It is difficult and nearly impossible to control individuals who are mentally stable, well-informed, and insightful. Whether it's political or corporate control, those in power-centric roles need to know the weaknesses of those they view as opponents. Scandals such as unsavory conduct or illegal wrongdoing are not enough to gain control, since money or a good lawyer can wipe most records clean, along with payoffs.

The Role Psychology Plays in Political Agendas

Individuals seeking influential roles rely on human frailties, particularly when seeking dominance over others.  It is difficult and nearly impossible to control individuals who are mentally stable, well-informed, and insightful. Whether it's…

What Causes Social Media Burnout? Ever start your day feeling great, then you open your social media page, and your mood changes? The need to scroll and check out things on social media has taken its emotional toll on many. Too many individuals engage with social media excessively to the point that when socializing in public, they forget to engage with the people around them.  We tell ourselves we use social media to keep in touch with friends and their current events; however, many people spend more time on short videos and posts that are often not associated with most people in our current lives.

What Causes Social Media Burnout?

Ever start your day feeling great, then you open your social media page, and your mood changes? The need to scroll and check out things on social media has taken its emotional toll on many. Too many individuals engage with social media excessively to the point…

How to Create Inspite Your Inner Critic Our creative spirit hides in a genie bottle, waiting to be freed into action. However, you keep finding reasons to keep yourself from being fully creative. You have this idea that to be creative, you must have an ideal setting, loads of time, and endless funds so you can devote all your time to it. You also believe you need a purpose or an endgame to create something that pleases you.

How to Create Inspite Your Inner Critic

Our creative spirit hides in a genie bottle, waiting to be freed into action. However, you keep finding reasons to keep yourself from being fully creative. You have this idea that to be creative, you must have an ideal setting, loads of time, and endless…

Psychology and Its Social Influence Psychology, though it’s often referred to as a soft science, has powerfully impacted the development of social systems and the understanding of human behavioral patterns. It is constantly evolving, even though it has historically faced many critics throughout its expansive role in society. Psychology began as a curious exploration of human behavioral patterns and has since influenced social conduct and engagement.

Psychology and Its Social Influence

Psychology, though it’s often referred to as a soft science, has powerfully impacted the development of social systems and the understanding of human behavioral patterns. It is constantly evolving, even though it has historically faced many critics throughout…

Handling Rejection Few people can truly handle the idea of rejection.  It is entirely normal to have an emotional reaction to being rejected by someone we like or not being selected for an opportunity we desire. For many individuals, rejection is often viewed as a failure or some character defeat that implies we are not good enough or worthy of acceptance. There is a tendency to personalize rejection or not being chosen by others for either friendship or romantic relationships. 

Handling Rejection

Few people can truly handle the idea of rejection.  It is entirely normal to have an emotional reaction to being rejected by someone we like or not being selected for an opportunity we desire. For many individuals, rejection is often viewed as a failure or some character defeat…

The Many Layers of Journaling Journaling has many practical uses, especially if you are struggling with challenging cycles. Most folks see keeping a journal as something kids do or as an activity often recommended by therapists. Although journaling is popular with kids and therapists, there are many alternative ways to use it, which we will explore. Before we can explore the different journaling techniques, we need to acknowledge that one key element in journaling — often overlooked— is the physical use of a notebook and pen or pencil. 

The Many Layers of Journaling

Journaling has many practical uses, especially if you are struggling with challenging cycles. Most folks see keeping a journal as something kids do or as an activity often recommended by therapists. Although journaling is popular with kids and therapists, there are…

Yup

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection There is no mystery that the gut, or technically known as the gastrointestinal tract, is linked to the brain.  The gut-brain connection is known as the "Second brain", also known as a region where vital neurotransmitters are produced in the gastrointestinal tract. The body has a built-in alarm system that gets activated whenever we experience intense emotional reactions triggered by events or emotional recall.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

There is no mystery that the gut, or technically known as the gastrointestinal tract, is linked to the brain.  The gut-brain connection is known as the "Second brain", also known as a region where vital neurotransmitters are produced in the gastrointestinal…

Demystifying Resistance in Mental Health Treatment When it comes to mental illness, many folks assume that the label itself means a person is crazy and completely broken to the point of no repair. The misconceptions of what the term mental illness implies often create a stigma that keeps many individuals from seeking help when struggling with mental disorders. The truth is that mental illness is far from being untreatable.

Demystifying Resistance in Mental Health Treatment

When it comes to mental illness, many folks assume that the label itself means a person is crazy and completely broken to the point of no repair. The misconceptions of what the term mental illness implies often create a stigma that keeps many…

Understanding Relationship Disharmony Relationships can be super tricky. As social beings, we yearn for love, attention, and meaningful partnerships. However, many people avoid relationships due to negative experiences or poor relationship models. It's essential to understand that poor relationship models are not limited to dysfunctional home life but also based on fairy-tale-oriented concepts depicted in the books or romance comedy movies we binge-watch. Yes, our imagination plays a significant role in shaping what we desire from a relationship, often creating blueprints for an unrealistic love life.

Understanding Relationship Disharmony

Relationships can be super tricky. As social beings, we yearn for love, attention, and meaningful partnerships. However, many people avoid relationships due to negative experiences or poor relationship models. It's essential to understand that poor…

Managing Social Fatique Too many of us burn the candle at both ends, meaning we often over-commit to activities and projects that deplete us both mentally and physically. In general, some of us have no idea of how to balance our personal and working lives. In short, we don’t know how to relax. On top of being unable to relax, many of us spend way too much time scrolling online or going out often, to the detriment of our mental well-being.

Managing Social Fatique

Too many of us burn the candle at both ends, meaning we often over-commit to activities and projects that deplete us both mentally and physically. In general, some of us have no idea of how to balance our personal and working lives. In short, we don’t know how to relax. On…

Food and Our Well-being We have become so disconnected from our bodies because we are constantly in a survival and stress mode of operation. We learned to function in dysfunction and typically only take care of ourselves when things fall apart. We tend to focus on our body when it starts yelling at us with pain and discomfort. We feed our bodies food because, without it, we basically crash and burn.

Food and Our Well-being

We have become so disconnected from our bodies because we are constantly in a survival and stress mode of operation. We learned to function in dysfunction and typically only take care of ourselves when things fall apart. We tend to focus on our body when it starts yelling…

Exploring Emotional Connections In pursuing romance, we often go through a rollercoaster ride of emotional reactions such as excitement, shock, and sometimes even disgust when meeting new people. Although we may barely know most people we meet, we often express a variety of internal reactions and thoughts. The emotional reactions we experience upon meeting someone new can lay out the foundation for what may happen in the future.

Exploring Emotional Connections

In pursuing romance, we often go through a rollercoaster ride of emotional reactions such as excitement, shock, and sometimes even disgust when meeting new people. Although we may barely know most people we meet, we often express a variety of internal reactions and…

What is NLP? Throughout the history of Psychology, there has always been an effort to create systems that provide the best clinical results. However, as much as psychology has tried to make one foolproof system, there have always been some aspects of therapeutic techniques that did not help specific individuals manage critical issues. Due to the natural limitations of many methods, someone is always attempting to create a new system that promises to deliver significant results.

What is NLP?

Throughout the history of Psychology, there has always been an effort to create systems that provide the best clinical results. However, as much as psychology has tried to make one foolproof system, there have always been some aspects of therapeutic techniques that did not help…

Grief and Abusive Relationships There are times when we think of someone who is no longer in our lives, even though they caused us loads of hardship and, in some cases, emotional turmoil on many levels. We miss them to the point of feeling an emptiness and sense of grief induced by their absence.  We may even minimize the memories of the hardships and tears they brought into our lives, focusing only on the vacant space they left behind.

Grief and Abusive Relationships

There are times when we think of someone who is no longer in our lives, even though they caused us loads of hardship and, in some cases, emotional turmoil on many levels. We miss them to the point of feeling an emptiness and sense of grief induced by their absence.…

Why Movement is Necessary for All Ages There is a tendency to think that working out serves primarily two purposes: 1. To look good, and 2. to prepare the body for sports. Since some individuals struggle with self-esteem issues, they often view working out for the sake of looking good as an unattainable and hopeless goal. At the same time, many folks do not care to engage in physical sports, and logically, for those folks, working out is unimportant.

Why Movement is Necessary for All Ages

There is a tendency to think that working out serves primarily two purposes: 1. To look good, and 2. to prepare the body for sports. Since some individuals struggle with self-esteem issues, they often view working out for the sake of looking good as an…

What is Dark Psychology All About? When most people hear the word "psychology," they often think of famous figures like Freud or Jung, or their therapists. In general, psychology is frequently viewed as a safe and benign Soft Science that primarily focuses on understanding human emotions and behavioral patterns. Since psychology has become proficient in understanding human patterns, it has assumed a vital role in the development of systems designed to enhance and influence social change.

What is Dark Psychology All About?

When most people hear the word "psychology," they often think of famous figures like Freud or Jung, or their therapists. In general, psychology is frequently viewed as a safe and benign Soft Science that primarily focuses on understanding human emotions and…

Closing Old Chapters When is it time to let go and move forward?  How much must one endure before taking the leap into a new chapter and letting go of stagnant situations or connections?  Some conditions are clearly damaging to our well-being, and justifying letting them go is only a matter of time.  However, not all situations are clearly defined as detrimental, yet they do not bring much joy.   

Closing Old Chapters

When is it time to let go and move forward?  How much must one endure before taking the leap into a new chapter and letting go of stagnant situations or connections?  Some conditions are clearly damaging to our well-being, and justifying letting them go is only a matter of…

Finding Balance in A Polarized Reality Never in all my years in the US as a natural-born citizen have I ever encountered so much anxiety and disharmony being expressed by so many Americans, regardless of nationality, religion, or citizenship status. I will admit, being a brown-skinned Hispanic, I did encounter loads of racially oriented challenges and concerns, but nothing like this current period. For the most part, folks were able to express their dissatisfaction and frustrations without being overly concerned about political backlash.

Finding Balance in A Polarized Reality

Never in all my years in the US as a natural-born citizen have I ever encountered so much anxiety and disharmony being expressed by so many Americans, regardless of nationality, religion, or citizenship status. I will admit, being a brown-skinned Hispanic, I…