Full Acceptance Counseling

The 360 Blog is where you get answers to people’s questions. What questions? Frequently asked questions are around dilemmas, morals, ethics, frustrations or perhaps something else. Wondering what to do about your in-laws that you feel like don’t really accept you? Perhaps you would like a second opinion about what to do about a conflict with a neighbor? Have a co-worker you don’t get along with? You overheard juicy gossip and are contemplating what to do with it? It’s like asking a friend for advice, it’s simply that. Another opinion to consider about the conflict or moral dilema. What it is not, is legal or professional advice. I like to say, and I’m sure you will see me say it again, let’s look at this 360. Meaning, let’s look at the situation from a different angle. This of course, is not to say it’s the right angle, for your situation, but it may help you look at it from a different perspective. So, let’s get started!

If you would like to write in a question, send your question to fullacceptancecounseling@gmail.com with the subject line; 360 Blog question By writing in, you give The 360 Blog permission to use your first name and to publish your question, in full. Please only share information in your question that you are comfortable with, being included in the blog. I invite you to use pronouns instead of first names, if that feels more comfortable and/or leave out identifiable details.

2/18/2024

We have received our first question everyone, so let’s dive in. I want everyone to know that there’s no wrong question and you're welcome to write in under the veil of being anonymous.

Dear 360,

My best friend’s spouse unexpectedly passed away a few months ago. I’m absolutely devastated for her! She put together a very nice funeral. Family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors were all in attendance. I brought her over a card and nice dinner, but I simply don’t know what to do now. She’s no longer my fun full of energy friend that always brightens my day. I feel ashamed to say, I now avoid her. She never calls or I would respond. What should I do with this friendship?

Thank you for taking the time to write in and be vulnerable. The fact that you are asking this question, tells me you value your friendship. As for the question, what should I do with this friendship, I would suggest reconnecting and preserving your friendship. It sounds like she has always brought you joy and happiness. I wonder how she is feeling? I would wonder if she is in too much grief to reach out to you. I get it, it can be hard to know what to do with a friend or loved one’s grief, it can feel overwhelming. I would suggest reaching out to her and asking her, how are you doing? Listen to her. Accept where she is at. Ask her if she would like to meet for coffee, lunch, or something the two of you would typically do together. She may be needing a friend more than ever right now.

1/21/2024

While I wait for the word to get out about this new blog, The 360 Blog. I wanted to share in more detail why I chose The 360 to be the name of my blog. In life it can be normal to see the world through your own lens. Your life experiences, your outlook on life, your moral and ethical values, they all help you define and develop your unique outlook on life. As you go through life, sometimes your perspective can change and sculpt the way you view life. A close death in your life can cause resentments and anger. Falling in true Love can feel like you are looking at the world through rose-colored glasses and life is beautiful. Milestones in our life can change our outlook. If you're lucky enough to have a mentor come into your life, they can be very influential to your worldly perspectives. As you walk through life, thoughts and opinions change. A simple example would be when you are a child perhaps one of your parents told you never to talk to strangers, now you wouldn't think twice to talk to somebody you don't know. While that's a silly example, I'm sure you can think of real life scenarios where earlier in your life, you would have believed a life value to be unconceivable that today looking back on your life you would find it completely normal. Perhaps your view on spirituality, marriage or sex?

3/10/2024

Hello, I'm a single parent of two amazing kids, they are my absolute world! They are both in elementary school. My youngest just started kindergarten this year and my oldest child is in the second grade. We have very close bonds and are a healthy loving family. However, between work, managing the household, helping with homework, cleaning, making sure my children are well taken care of, cooking, paying the bills, and everything else. Recently, I am finding myself overwhelmed, drained and exhausted. I want to be the best parent I can be and I also want to have some time for myself. Could you give me some suggestions on how I can create a little balance between my family responsibilities and having some time to replenish myself? Is it even possible as a single parent?

Thank you for writing in today. It is definitely possible as a single parent. I’m so happy to hear that you have created a loving family, that is admirable. It sounds like you have a busy family life! Being a mom can definitely feel overwhelming at times. I will share with you some ideas for a good starting point. One consideration I would suggest is optimizing the moments that may already be available to you. Do something enjoyable on your lunch break at work. Perhaps calling a friend, reading a book, taking a walk or similar resetting activity. Another time some parents are able to maximize space for themselves is after your children’s bedtime or before they wake up in the morning. For example, after your children fall asleep put on a face mask and take a relaxing bath, put on some calm music and journal, do what feels replenishing. The next thing I would encourage you to consider is utilizing your resources. Is there a family or friend that would love to have quality time with your children? Make arrangements for a loved one to have the children once a month, giving you that time to replenish. Even if you are only able to find small moments of time for yourself in the beginning, make them count! Consider treating yourself to purchasing a self-care item that bring you enjoyment like bubble bath, a nice body lotion, a yoga mat, some herbal tea, or other self-care item that will feel like you are indulging. Another aspect to reflect on would be social support. Healthy supportive relationships. It’s so important to have one or more person in your life you can talk with. If you don’t have that, consider joining a mom’s group or other supportive group.

Disclaimer: Your use of this website and reading of this blog does not make you a client. This website and blog include opinions and different perspectives. It is not professional advice. This general information is not intended, and must not be taken, as professional advice under any circumstances.