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  • Breanna Robinson

    Breanna Robinson is a writer based in New York City who covers lifestyle, culture, and human interest stories. When she’s not writing, she likes to go for walks, travel to tropical destinations, and spend time with her miniature Schnoodle.
Boss Hands an Envelope to Each Employee Gathered at Company Holiday Party - No One Could Have Guessed What It Contained
Uplifting News

Boss Hands an Envelope to Each Employee Gathered at Company Holiday Party - No One Could Have Guessed What It Contained

Everyone knows that at the end of every calendar year reigns the holiday season filled with wonderment and feel-good energy for family and friends.The season of giving also happened to not be missed by one real estate company who gave their employees a gift of a lifetime -- a $10 million bonus to share.A Memorable Holiday Party St. John Properties/VimeoIn 2019, Baltimore, Maryland-based real estate company St. John Properties hosted their annual holiday party filled with great vibes, food, drinks and great socializing for their nearly 200 employees.And while everyone was having a good time, they were handed red envelopes with their names on them. But no one could even guess what was inside each of them.The Surprise FortunesSt. John Properties founder Edward St. John hugging an employee following the announcement/ Vimeo."You're all participating in a bonus based on the number of years (of service within the company) of $10 million," said Edward St. John, the company founder and chairman.Many of the employees were surprised to discover that they’d be taking home a whopping $50,000 while the highest awarded bonus was $270,000.Fortunately, this whole moment was filmed and shared on St. John Properties Vimeo account, showing several employees overcome with emotion over the pretty penny they received at the party.“It is life-changing… it’s really amazing. Ed is so generous,” said one employee crying with tears of joy.“I was totally blown away when this happened,” another said.The Big Celebration of the Company’s AchievementsAccording to St. John Properties, the holiday bonus was given out to commemorate their massive achievement of creating and growing 20 million square feet of real estate, retail and office space within eight states at the time.What a way to add a dash of sweetness to the festive season!St. John’s Properties now has properties in 11 states: Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.More from Goalcast:Boss Thinks Man Is Joking When He Said He Walked 6 Hours to Get To Work – Then a Stranger Makes an Offer He Can’t RefuseBoss Catches Employee Cooking Rice in the Office – A Conversation With Him Reveals What He Actually Does His SalaryStruggling Employee Reveals the Bitter Truth About His Job to Undercover Boss – He Responds by Giving Him a $250,000 House

Single Mom of 6 Has Struggled With Homelessness - So High School Students Plot Together and Come Up With a Plan
Uplifting News

Single Mom of 6 Has Struggled With Homelessness - So High School Students Plot Together and Come Up With a Plan

Single parenthood is not easy. Having to play both parental roles while tending to the needs of their jobs and other life obligations has its obstacles. Single parents deserve any bit of help they can get.So when it became known that a single mom of six children in Charlottesville, Virginia, needed a mode of transportation for herself and her kids, a group of high school students and an organization with hearts of gold gave her the life-changing gift of a car.How High School Students Helped a Single MomMichelle Mendez is gifted a car by Louisa County High School students.Michelle Mendez, the mom of six, had financial upheaval.Before she received assistance from the nonprofit The Journey Home, Mendez was homeless and had stayed in and out of hotels across the area before getting help from the group.The Journey Home is a nonprofit that helps people recover from the struggles of homelessness with faith-based solutions.After getting help from the organization, the nonprofit Giving Hands also stepped in to offer assistance. Giving Hands was created by single dad Eddie Brown and his wife Ginny and focuses on providing help to single mothers who are facing periods of crisis, including car repair needs."The component that I look at is just the hope. And just seeing that in her eyes as she received that car and just the excitement and what it means for her boys too," Brown told NBC29 News.Giving Words also upped their support to a new level. They obtained a $10,200 grant from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, a local company, and worked with the high schoolers to get Mendez a vehicle.Students Worked on the Car for Some TimeReportedly, the students had been working on the car for the course of the year so that the car would be ready for both Mendez and her children.Mendez revealed that it's "been hard as a single mom" when you have a family to support, but she is grateful for the community's efforts."I really appreciate everything everybody's done to make this happen," she said.It's natural to believe that a school project that took a year to finish would become a memorable experience for students. And one for a great purpose will leave a significant impression on those who benefit from the act.Mendez received the car in a ceremony that included the high school students who worked on getting the car in the best condition for her. Brown and a representative from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, among others, were in attendance.Mendez’s Message for the High Schoolers Who Helped Maker Her Life BetterMendez has a short but impactful message of "hope" for the charismatic high schoolers as they've done a remarkable deed."[I hope they are] grateful that it gets to go to somebody who's really going to appreciate it and use it," she said.More from Goalcast:Ex-convict Stops for Breakfast at Denny’s – And Asks for a Waitress Who’s a Single Mom for This ReasonSingle Mom Cleans Four Bedroom Home Then Told She Gets to Keep It – Later She Finds Out It Was A “Prank”Judge Learns Single Mom Was Kicked Out of Her House at 13 Years Old – Then, He Reads a Letter in Front of the Court That Stuns Her

High School Teacher Shocks His Wife by Coming Up With a Secret Plan Involving His Best Student
Uplifting News

High School Teacher Shocks His Wife by Coming Up With a Secret Plan Involving His Best Student

Heroes come in all forms.And sometimes, you can find them in the form of an educator, as is the case of Toledo, Ohio, high school math teacher Eddie McCarthy.Without hesitation, he donated his kidney to his student suffering from a rare disease.McCarthy’s Discovery of His Student’s AilmentWhile watching the local news on any ordinary day, McCarthy, 35, saw a face he recognized on the screen.The familiar face happened to be one of his high school math students named Roman McCormick.McCormick's parents revealed they were looking for a kidney donor for him, as he suffered from stage 4 kidney disease.Sadly, no relatives of the teen were a match. And that sparked initiative within McCarthy to try and do something about it.McCarthy’s Initiative to HelpNBC News/ Washington Local SchoolsMcCarthy shared he didn't know much about 15-year-old McCormick other than the fact that he was a quiet student and the only freshman in his geometry class and was prompt with his work."He was definitely one of my best students," McCarthy said before adding that he was unaware that McCormick was dealing with a "serious" health condition.So after seeing the plea from McCormick's mother, Jamie Redd, McCarthy, who is also a parent (he has two young children), took a blood test to see if he was a match.McCormick's Rare Kidney ConditionMcCormick's kidneys were on the decline, and if he didn't find a living donor, he would have to be on dialysis. Dialysis treatment is around three days a week, lasting approximately two to four hours.He would also more than likely have to wait three to five years for a deceased donor kidney if he could live that long.Over 92,000 people are on the national kidney donor waiting list as well.When McCormick was one, he was diagnosed with Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, which can lead to kidney disease and hearing loss.His mom said they were told that he would probably need a new kidney when he reached 10 years old.McCormick's father said it saddened him to see his son become weaker with time because he couldn't play soccer, his favorite sport. And when his kidney function fell to "20 percent" while he was in junior high, McCormick's dad knew he needed a new kidney.The Search for a DonorKidney4RomanMcCormick's parents, who divorced when he was one, began a quest for a living donor when Roman was in 8th grade.They launched a website and took to Facebook in October 2021, as well as letting everybody in proximity know that McCormick needed a kidney.Redd, McCormick's mom, said many people did volunteer to get tested to see if they were a match, but to no avail.But in February, a silver lining occurred after McCarthy spotted the story on the news. He believed it would be challenging to see McCormick "every day" at school with the understanding that he needed a kidney and without knowing if he could be a potential match for him.With that, McCarthy went and got a blood test at a local clinic, finding out that he had O-positive blood like McCormick. This prompted McCarthy to keep going.He then went to the University of Michigan Transplant Center in Ann Arbor, which was also giving additional testing for people with McCormick's blood type.McCarthy explained that he spoke with his wife about it, which shocked her a little. However, she was supportive of the efforts.Towards the end of June, he heard he was a significant donor match for McCormick.McCarthy didn't reach out to McCormick's parents during the process or inform them that he was a potential match because he didn't want to give them hope if it wasn't the case.But when the hospital confirmed in June that the surgery was greenlit, staff alerted McCormick's parents that there was a donor. When they heard the news, they began to tear up.And the tears of joy didn't stop when they found out McCarthy was the donor.The Life-Changing SurgeryMcCormick said he was shocked to find out his math teacher was donating his kidney to him, citing that he is a "cool teacher." Still, he wasn't expecting him to give him a kidney because he received "decent grades in his class."On July 19, McCormick was wheeled into an operating room at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, the same place where McCarthy was having his kidney removed. Surgeons said both surgeries were two and a half hours long."Most of the time, living donors like Eddie will get something out of this themselves. It's a positive thing that boosts self-identity and self-esteem," McCarthy's surgeon, Randall Sung.McCormick's surgeon Michael Englesbe said his transplant went well, noting that he was discharged a week later on July 26.McCormick would have to be on medication for the rest of his life to prevent his body from rejecting the transplanted kidney.McCormick's mom also said he will probably need a new kidney in roughly 20 years.She also revealed that loved ones started a GoFundMe for him to help cover medical fees that insurance wouldn't. The University of Michigan Transplant Center entirely covered McCarthy's expenses."Everyone in our family will forever be grateful for what Eddie did," Redd said. Elsewhere, McCarthy said McCormick won't be in his class this Fall, but that won't stop him from running into him and showing compassion in the hallway.More from Goalcast:Woman’s Dog Saves Her Life by Sniffing Out 1-In-22 Million Kidney Donor During Trip to the BeachPastor Donates Kidney to Stranger He Just Met – During the Surgery, Doctors Make a Shocking Discovery

Mom Works Four Jobs for Five Years to Save Money for College - Now Her Son Has Received a Full Scholarship to His Dream School
Uplifting News

Mom Works Four Jobs for Five Years to Save Money for College - Now Her Son Has Received a Full Scholarship to His Dream School

Waiting and finding out whether or not you got accepted into colleges can be an exciting and nail-biting, anxious moment. This is emphasized when it comes to your dream school, as is the case of Amir Staten, a Pennsylvania teen who recently went viral for his exuberant reaction when he got accepted into his ideal university.And the joy has continued to elevate as he learned he would be attending the school with his whole tuition being paid via a scholarship.Getting Accepted Into a Historical UniversityThis past February, Staten, based in Philadelphia, sparked many people's attention across the U.S. for his exuberant reaction to the acceptance.In a video shared by Good Morning America, Staten can be seen leaping up and down and yelling with pure happiness after getting accepted into Morehouse, a historically Black all-male university in Atlanta, Georgia."Let's go! I just got in. Mom, I just got in," he could be heard saying in the video.A few months after that heartwarming moment was filmed, Staten also discovered that he received a full-ride four-year scholarship to Morehouse. According to the university's website, it costs nearly $52,000 per year to attend while living on campus.New Remarkable University DevelopmentKarlynne Staten, Amir's mother, shared a video where he can be seen crying out of pleasant surprise when he found out he was one of 15 Bonner Scholars through an email."You don't have to pay for college," Amir can be heard explaining to his mom.Founded in 1990 by the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, hailing from Princeton, New Jersey, the program aids the men of Morehouse by fostering service throughout the campus by helping them become accountable and honorable leaders while promoting positive changes in the world around them.Staten's mom revealed that he was an exceptional student as he received the honor roll and became head of his school's Black Student Union. He also was no stranger to sports as he was the basketball team captain.The Sacrifices One Mom Made for a Better FutureGiving back to the community, Staten's mom also said he completed 120 hours of community service."He has gone above and beyond of what is expected of him," Staten's mom told Good Morning America.Noting that Amir has a twin sister and that she fosters a young boy, Staten's mom took on other workloads to ensure they would be set for college."I have been working three or four jobs for the last four or five years so I could try to save up and maintain a household and still have some type of funding [for their college degrees]," she told the outlet.According to Kevin Booker, the dean and vice president of Morehouse student service, Staten, along with the other scholars in the program, will go to the Dominican Republic in their senior year of undergraduate studies. While there, they will work at an orphanage, fulfilling the scholarship's premise of helping those in need.More from Goalcast:She Was Born in Prison and Then Raised by a Single Dad – Years Later, She’s Going to Harvard on a Full Scholarship16-Year-Old Student Accepted to Over 186 Colleges — Receives More Than $10 Million in Scholarship Offers13-Year-Old Sells Tea on the Street in the Cold for Earthquake Victims – University Awards Him a Full Scholarship

Delivery Man Sees a High-Speed Chase and Runs to Stop It - All Without Dropping His Pizza
Uplifting News

Delivery Man Sees a High-Speed Chase and Runs to Stop It - All Without Dropping His Pizza

Food delivery drivers deserve a lot more credit. Sometimes they drive out an hour while dodging the rain, hail, and other inconvenient forms of weather to deliver hot and fresh meals.But dropping off the food isn't the only heroic thing a courier can do, as evidenced by a Pennsylvania pizza delivery driver who stopped a high-speed chase from persisting.The Day a Delivery Shift Driver Stopped a CriminalPhoto by Norma MortensonTyler Morrell, the delivery driver in question who was delivering with Cocco's Pizza in Aston, used his eagle-eyed vision and sharp senses to help police put a stop to a high-speed chase.In a now-viral video, Morrell can be seen on the front porch of a customer's home, ready to deliver food.But as the customer began to open the door, he noticed a car going really fast. "A car just came up doing like 75; he beached on the side of this person's lawn and almost took out a couple of cars," Morrell told ABC11.It's safe to say this would be the moment he found himself in the middle of a police investigation.The Time the Incident Took PlaceThe Brookhaven police in Philadelphia were in the midst of chasing after a stolen Kia a little before 4 p.m.The stolen car eventually crashed, and the suspect hopped out to vacate the scene as fast as possible.And this is exactly when Morrell put his foot down, quite literally, helping the police during the process.He revealed that he started walking towards the road where he saw the chase unfold but couldn't do much with his hands because he had a pizza in his hands."So I just stuck my leg out," Morrell said.That's right.The brave man managed to stick his leg out and successfully trip the criminal, causing him to fall to the ground. This made it easier for the police to arrest him.Police praised Morrell's swift instincts. They said that because of Morrell's quick thinking they were able to make the arrest."He gave us the help we needed; by tripping him, it gave us the time to catch up with the gentleman," said Michael Vice, the Brookhaven Police Chief, in conversation with ABC11.Morrell further told the outlet that he was tired of the amount of crime happening and the area and was more than willing to assist the cops in any way.The Second Suspect in the High-Speed ChaseElsewhere, the incident caused the police to locate a second suspect in the stolen car debacle. They had been sitting in the stolen vehicle while the action went down.The identities are not mentioned, but police said the suspect in the passenger seat was 19 years old.The criminal Morrell tripped was a juvenile.After the commotion had settled, the pizza was delivered safely to the customer. And now, Morrell is being recognized as the champion he was in the situation, fighting crime AND providing delicious pizza.The two suspects have been confronted with numerous charges, such as resisting arrest and fleeing and eluding, to name a couple.More from Goalcast:25-Year-Old Pizza Delivery Driver Spots a Burning Home – Immediately Runs to Save the 5 Children Stuck InsideDeaf Domino’s Employee Delivers Pizzas on Foot After His Car Breaks Down – In Return, He Gets a “Tip” of $12,000

Woman Accidentally Flushes Her Diamond Ring in the Toilet - Years Later, a Stranger Makes a Dazzling Discovery
Uplifting News

Woman Accidentally Flushes Her Diamond Ring in the Toilet - Years Later, a Stranger Makes a Dazzling Discovery

Sometimes, we can lose items that are very dear to us. And in those times, we realize and come to terms with the idea that there may be a chance we will ever discover it again.But miracles do happen from time to time, as is the case of Mary Strand, a Minnesota woman whose anniversary ring was returned to her after it was flushed down the toilet 13 years ago.The Day a Woman’s Precious Ring Got LostAnniversary ringWhile in her home's bathroom, Strand noticed that her ring had slipped off of her finger, falling into the toilet.“It was swirling around. I truly dove for it, and it went down the drain,” she told NBC News affiliate KARE 11.Her ring was gifted to her by her husband, Dave, on their 33rd wedding anniversary, and she believed that he would “never” purchase another ring as a gift for her.“I felt really bad because it was a gift,” Strand added. The Dazzling Discovery One Man Made in the DebrisFlashback to March of this year, John Tierney, a mechanical maintenance manager for The Metropolitan Council's wastewater treatment plants in Rogers, and fellow employees were excavating the debris when they spotted Strand's sparkling diamond ring.Realizing that the ring was crafted distinctively, Tierney and the employees believed that their quest to return the ring would most likely result in some leads. As a result, the Metropolitan Council took to Twitter to share their "needle in a haystack" find."This is a rare occurrence, and we want to return the ring to its owner!" they wrote in a March 31 tweet, accompanied by a cartoon drawing of a diamond ring in a haystack. "Please contact us if you lost a wedding ring down the drain."How One Stranger Brought Back a Woman’s TreasureJust as expected, hundreds of phone calls flooded into the plant in response to the news that came from people who were informed to share photos of the ring. Officials involved noted that there was "only one" dazzler that closely matched what was seen among the debris. It was the exact one that belonged to Strand.Two local jewelers also confirmed that the photo of Strand's ring alongside the ring discovered was a match.Not too long after that, the ring was recovered from the plant -- which is remarkably situated on a road called Diamond Lake.How fitting!Elsewhere, KARE 11 said that she would be resetting the ring to fit her size as she gears up for her 46th anniversary with the love of her life.

The Stages Of Grief: A Guide to Understanding Your Feelings
Mental Health

The Stages Of Grief: A Guide to Understanding Your Feelings

Grief is a feeling many people will experience in life.The emotional pain can come in the form of losing a job you really enjoyed due to layoffs, losing someone close to you, the end of a toxic, long-term relationship, and many other instances that can cause profound sorrow.Processing grief is also a very personal thing. You may cry, feel incredibly angry, withdrawn, or subdued.None of these emotions are unusual.But how can you better understand this feeling of loss and change after experiencing it? Here at Goalcast, we spoke with Dr. Holly Schiff, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based clinical psychologist at South County Psychiatry, about the stages of grief, its duration, and how to navigate those feelings in your daily life.What Are The Stages of Grief? In 1969, Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross released a five-stage model for grief in her book On Death and Dying. Those five stages are made up of the following: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.Kübler-Ross’ model was initially created through her work with terminally ill patients.There was some debate and controversy surrounding the model as a result of people researching the model and believing there was a specific order people were supposed to grieve. However, each person experiencing grief does so as an individual. Due to their uniqueness, they may only go through some stages of grief instead of all.Below are those five stages of grief, as explained by Dr. Schiff.Demeter Attila/ PexelsDenial The denial stage essentially helps people “survive the loss” they experience because they are “living in a preferable reality” instead of “actual reality.”“Denial and shock actually help you cope and survive the loss you are grieving, almost acting as a defense mechanism,” Dr. Schiff says.“Once that initial denial and shock start to fade, you can start to heal since the feelings you were suppressing are now coming to the surface.”AngerWhile experiencing anger, Dr. Schiff explains that you question why this is happening to you.“You may actually redirect your anger to close friends and family and look to blame others,” she says.Dr. Schiff also notes that anger is imperative in the stages of grief and is encouraged to be felt.“The more you allow yourself to feel it, the more quickly it will dissipate; don’t suppress your feelings.”BargainingIn this grief stage, you don’t want to let go of “hope” in a situation where you feel “intense pain.”“You think you can avoid the grief through negotiation since you are so desperate to get your life back to how it was prior to the loss. You may also feel guilt during this stage.”DepressionIn this stage of grief, you start to “feel intense sadness and despair.”“You start to face the present reality and feel intense sadness and despair. This is a natural and appropriate response to grief,” Dr. Schiff says.“You may withdraw from life, not want to get out of bed or see your friends and family; you might even experience suicidal thoughts during this stage.”AcceptanceThe final stage in the grief stages model is acceptance.Although you aren’t okay with what happened, you learn to acknowledge “the loss” and learn to cope with life as it is.“Your emotions will begin to stabilize, and you come to terms with the fact of what your ‘new reality is,” Dr. Schiff says.Rachel Claire/PexelsAre There Additional Stages of Grief?Alongside the five stages mentioned above, other known models highlight grief.One of those popular models contains seven stages. Check them out below:The Shock And Denial StageIn this stage, you will be in complete and utter disbelief that this has happened to the point where you almost treat it like it isn’t a reality to avoid the pain.The Pain And Guilt StageAfter the shocking revelation, it is replaced with feelings of unbearable pain.You may have regret about things you have or should have done with the loved one.Sometimes, especially in the case of an affair, the realization also starts to set in that the choice could have been put to a stop, thus preventing any pain.The Anger And Bargaining StageFeeling defeat and frustration also leads to anger. Sometimes that anger can also lead to unreasonably pointing the blame at someone for the death. During this time, do you’re best to manage that, as it can cause your relationships to be altered to the point of no return.You may also feel like you want to push back on fate, questioning, “Why did this happen to me?” The Depression StageIn the depression stage, you begin to truly understand the significance of the loss, which is saddening.You may self-isolate and also reflect on times with your loved one, focus on the past, and feel a bit empty or in turmoil.Alison Leedham/PexelsThe Upward Turn StageAt a point, you start to learn to maneuver in life without your loved one, and things become a bit calmer.Physical symptoms of the pain lessen, and the depression starts to ease up a bit.In this stage, you’ll start to see a silver lining in your life which is a positive step in the right direction.Reconstruction And Working Through StageOnce your mind starts to be fully present and you function better in daily life, you will be seeking genuine solutions to issues that life throws your way without your loved one being there.The Acceptance And Hope StageIn this last grief stage model, you start to genuinely accept and live with the reality of what happened in life. Still, accepting the outcome doesn’t guarantee instant joy.With the heartache you have experienced, you will never be the exact carefree person you were. But you will find a way to move forward and be optimistic about the future.How Long Do Grief Stages Last?Grief is distinctive from person to person. However, these differences can sometimes be viewed as grieving the wrong way. But Dr. Schiff says, “there is no specific timeline or timetable,” as everyone is on a different path.“It is important to remember that coping with a loss is a very singular and unique experience [for] each person.”Additionally, Dr. Schiff says the brunt of the symptoms “tend to peak at six months,” but following the first year after the continued “loss,” “feelings ebb.”“Give yourself the time you need to recover,” she adds. Do The Stages Of Grief Happen In Any Particular Order?Grief is not necessarily a process that happens in chronological order. Dr.Schiff notes that you can go “between the stages,” which can even result in feeling that you are doing through several at once “as you cycle through a variety of emotions.”“ It doesn’t have a clear beginning and an end, it is a process that we endure, and the only cure for grief is to grieve. So don’t be concerned if you do not feel a certain stage of grief. Everyone mourns differently,” she says.Mental Health Conditions And GriefGrief can definitely pose a threat to mental health and wellness, so it’s essential to look for help and lean on loved ones for aid.But if those in mourning are consumed to the point that they can’t lead their day-to-day lives, it can lead to more complications.“If the bereaved [are] so overcome that they are unable to carry on with their lives after the loss, this becomes pathological; or that the persistence of grief reactions are exceeding what is normal,” Dr. Schiff says.“It becomes clinically significant when the symptoms interfere with your daily functioning, and you have challenges meeting social, occupational, and other important life functions. “If you remain preoccupied with the death or deny the death and actively avoid reminders of the person you lost, you may be trapped in grief, and it is intensifying,” she continues before suggesting professional health or getting involved in a “support group” as ways to cope if grief feels like it’s “taking over your life.”Liza Summer/PexelsProlonged Grief Disorder The grieving process is an ordinary reaction to the loss of someone closest to you.And over time, the feeling of grief can start to subside.But that’s not the reality for all.Some people experience an extended period of grief, with symptoms that are extreme enough to cause mental health conditions such as prolonged grief disorder.This can make it hard for them to do their best in life. Prolonged grief disorder is identified as a continuous feeling of grief that causes disruptions in everyday life.Symptoms Of Prolonged Grief DisorderSomeone suffering from prolonged grief disorder could experience a longing for someone who has passed away or becomes absorbed in the thoughts of the individual in question.In both children and adolescents, that preoccupation of thoughts may focus on the situation surrounding the death.The person experiencing grief may also face anguish or issues tending to work obligations, taking care of the home, and more.How You Can Help Someone Who Is GrievingK. Mitch Hodge/UnsplashThe grieving process can be a bit challenging for many, especially when dealing with complex emotions.And the healing process is not that much different. However, with a bit of encouragement and empathy, you can help others begin to understand and cope.“Acknowledging that the process will not be linear and that it is a messy jumble of highs and lows, ebbs and flows, steps forward and backward helps you realize that you can’t control the process. So then you can start to focus on the things you can control,” Dr. Schiff says.“It’s important to understand that grieving comes in waves, and in order to grieve properly, give yourself the time and space to grieve whenever, and however it decides to present.”Dr.Schiff further notes that self-care can help make the process smoother.“Taking care of yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually is vital to our psychological well-being and ability to cope with stressors and manage feelings of grief,” she continues.Additionally, Dr. Schiff suggests that receiving support from those closest to you can make a world of difference.“Getting support from others during a time of grieving is also going to make the process easier. This can be through empathetic friends, other family members, professional help, or bereavement support groups – so you know that you are not going through this alone. Keep your loved ones' memory alive and create whatever rituals you feel will best honor the deceased.”Resources For People In Stages of GrievingGrieving can be a tumultuous time, but th there are resources available that can help you as you continue your healing process journey.Sometimes, you may need immediate telephone communication over the phone to seek help about the feelings you’re experiencing. That’s where hotlines come in. Some of those hotlines include Depression Hotline and the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.And if you’re looking for resources on the go, smartphone apps such as Grief Works, Actively Moving Forward, and Untangle, to name a few can be a great help.The Grief Works app is based on the book Grief Works: Stories of Life, Death, and Surviving by English psychotherapist Julia Samuel.It has some interactive tools and activities such as meditation, breathing exercises and more. There is even a personal journal feature so you can write down your thoughts about healing.Actively Moving Forward is a fabulous app for those who want to talk with open-minded people and connect with others in the grieving stages.The app also highlights events and communities you can join to build bonds with people.The Untangle app is welcoming and has a sense of community to help you not feel alone on your quest for healing.Similar to Actively Moving Forward, you can connect with people who are experiencing something similar to you. There are also trained experts available to help and chat with you if you need them.The app further provides services such as finding a therapist and getting in contact with a funeral director and things in between that you would consult during rough times.

Anxious Attachment Style: What Are The Signs & How To Cope
Relationships

Anxious Attachment Style: What Are The Signs & How To Cope

What is an anxious attachment in relationships?In a romantic, polyamorous, or platonic relationship, feeling a sense of support, attention, and acknowledgment is worth experiencing.Essentially, people want to feel adored. RELATED: What Should I Do Today? 10 Fun, Productive, and Effective Ideas For Tackling the DayWe all want to feel included in the loop. It's common to want to get approval, emotional connection, and help from friends, family, and others held in high esteem.On the opposite side of the coin, it's also not farfetched to be scared of losing people's love.So what happens when the fear and anxiety of losing these needs become consuming? Can this apprehension towards the fear of being abandoned and lacking safety control how you act in and view relationships? Maybe you're an anxious person or you have low self-esteem and you're on the mend to try and build a healthy relationship — or several of them. If so, you're in luck. Today, we will break down the causes of an anxious attachment behavioral style, and offer tips on how to notice it and more importantly, how to begin to cope with it so you can better navigate relationships.What Is An Anxious Attachment Style And The Attachment Theory?The attachment theory was founded in the 1950s by John Bowlby, a British psychoanalyst, and later expanded upon by American-Canadain development psychologist Mary Ainsworth.Anxious and (avoidant) attachment highlights how your connection with your primary caregivers, such as parents, grandparents (and more) dictates how you deal with maneuvering in your relationships.Those with this attachment style yearn for intimacy, but they stay anxious about the prospect of whether, for example, romantic partners will meet their emotional needs. There are three other types of attachment behavioral styles in relationships: avoidant, secure, and disorganized -- let's break them down. AvoidantAvoidant (or dismissive) attachment is an attachment style that is associated with issues in intimacy and little emotional investment in relationships.SecureSecure attachment is associated with feelings of safety and trust in relationships. Children who have this style of attachment feel safe and supported by primary caregivers. Adults with this style of attachment can form more long-term relationships.DisorganizedDisorganized (or fearful) attachment is developed when caregivers of children become a source of their fear. Those with this type of attachment style have significant inconsistencies in their behavior and struggle to trust people out of fear of being hurt.How Does Anxious Attachment DevelopNathan Dumlao/UnsplashAlthough there is no clear answer for the exact origins, signs of behavioral expression occur during childhood. Some of those factors can include the following:Emotional Separation A child won't feel protected or secure if a caregiver is neglectful of their needs.Children whose emotional needs aren't met can become specifically anxious and on edge or more prone to experiencing escalated levels of said emotions and overall emotional distance. This behavior can also be present in other parts of their life as they get older, in terms of romantic relationships and friendships where these people don't give the anxiously attached people the comfort they expect.Unstable Parenting Styles The anxious attachment behavior tends to be correlated with inconsistent caretaker and parenting behaviors.It becomes inconsistent when the child's needs are being responded to in one instance, while in other moments, it's the complete opposite.In that case, the caretaker can come off as emotionally unavailable and rude.The hot and cold behavior can make it difficult for the child to understand what their caretaker's behavior means and what kind of reaction they can expect.This then creates anxiety and instability.Caregivers With Anxious TendenciesThis doesn't really have to do with genetics. It's more an association with consistent behaviors repeated by a lineage throughout generations.And without proper management, anxiously attached children could possibly grow up to have their own children who have the same attachment style.What Are the Evident Triggers of Anxious Attachment Behaviors?When navigating this attachment behavior, what are some of the most noticeable triggers in partnerships?Tina Fey, a relationship expert and founder of Love Connection, gives Goalcast the scoop.Constant Search For AttentionPeople may feel low and insecure about how their partner truly feels about them and "frequently seek validation and attention.""They usually go to great lengths to ensure their partner's affection and resort to manipulative or dramatic behavior to get their partner's attention," she says.Codependency In Partnerships Often, codependent people will depend on their partner for "emotional support, validation, and a sense of identity.""They may sacrifice their own needs and desires in order to please their partner, and feel lost or empty without their partner's presence," she says before adding that the behavior can harm "mental health" and create "unhealthy" energy in a relationship. Dương Hữu/UnsplashFear Of Abandonment "People with anxious attachment have an intense fear of being left alone and may feel devastated by even minor signs of rejection or criticism," she says.She also said anxious people tend to "cling" to their significant other "and constantly check in with them to ensure the relationship is secure."Reading Too Much Into Conversations Those who have an anxious attachment style can sometimes think the discussions with their loved ones have "hidden meanings or subtext.""This makes people read too much into minor comments or become preoccupied with their partner's tone of voice or body language," she says.What Are The Subtle Signs of Anxious Attachment?On the surface, it might not always be easy to spot an insecure attachment. Still, there are some particular indications of it.Rachel Nithya Karat, a clinical psychologist and sexual wellness therapist at Allo Health, broke down those subtle instances below for Goalcast.The Need To Be Close To A PartnerAnxious people could feel compelled to be "physically close" to their significant other"[They] may have a strong desire to be physically close to their partner, such as sitting close, touching, or holding hands. They may also have difficulty spending time apart from their partner, even for short periods," she tells Goalcast.Constant Communication Throughout The Day"Anxious individuals may feel the need to maintain constant communication with their partner, such as sending frequent texts, calls, or emails. They may also become anxious if their partner does not respond promptly," says Karat. Priscilla Du Preez/ UnsplashSeeking Validation DailyIt's possible for an anxiously attached person to seek encouragement from their partner on a "regular basis.""They may look for praise or positive feedback to boost their self-esteem and feel secure in the relationship," continues Karat.Feeling Uncertain About Your WorthConcerns about the unknown and self-doubt about worth in a relationship can present in the relationship."They may worry that they are not good enough or that their partner will leave them for someone else," she says.Quick Emotional Reactions"Anxious individuals may be prone to emotional reactivity, such as becoming easily upset, angry, or hurt in response to perceived rejection or criticism from their partner," says Karat.Idealization Of Partners' Behaviors Good Or BadAnxiously attached people can put their partners on a pedestal, disregarding "negative qualities or behaviors.""They may also have a strong desire to please their partner and may avoid expressing their own needs or opinions to avoid conflict," she says.Anxious Attachment Styles in DatingThose with an anxious attachment style could hold others in high esteem but think very low of themselves.They tend to be highly aware of their significant others' needs. But, they tend to have insecurities and anxiousness about how much value they add to the relationship.They may also blame themselves for not being deserving of love if a cherished one rejects them or doesn't respond to their needs.Additionally, the fear of abandonment could also cause anxious people to feel jealous, act clingy, or question their partners.Tips on How To Maintain A Relationship With An Anxious Attached PersonIf you are in a relationship with an anxiously attached person, there are a few ways to help them feel heard and appreciated.Show AppreciationEven if you believe you are showing your appreciation for an anxiously attached person, they may not notice those cues.In order to make the gratitude more apparent, explicitly expressing things such as "I am grateful for you" or "Thank you so much for showing me…" can be helpful.Pay Attention and Provide Reassurance While Communicating Because anxiously attached people have self-doubt and insecurities, they will still tend to seek reassurance that all is okay.But, if you directly express your love and adoration, they will be more open to accepting that love from you instead of just assuming they know their true feelings.As stated before, verbally assuring them that they matter to you as a partner will help them see you are in the relationship for all the right reasons and are more inclined to be receptive to their needs. Etienne Boulanger/ UnsplashLearn Their Attachment StyleReading more about attachment theory, attachment triggers, and familiarizing yourself with your significant other's attachment style can help you better understand how your partner operates.It's always a great thing to do this when you have hopes for your partner to be in your life for a long time.Be True To Your WordPeople with anxious attachment struggle to trust others and worry about abandonment.To better prevent this, you have to show them why they are the person to be vulnerable with.If you make a promise to do something or go somewhere, be sure to fulfill that.Promises can also coincide with boundaries. When doing things for your significant other that you said you would, you should also set evident boundaries and expectations for what you will and will not accept.Can You Fix Your Anxious Attachment Style?Fortunately, attachment styles can change.The changes can also occur by themselves through experiencing a connection with someone who has a securely attached style. They could foster significant emotional closeness, peace, and security.The newfound experience can also cause perceptions to be altered, bringing in new patterns and habits that benefit your spirit.In other cases, you might need to try a bit harder to change your attachment style.You can't control what happened in the past, but you can make your future a different reality.How To Cope With An Anxious Attachment Style Sasha Freemind/UnsplashAccording to Dr. Jessie Stern, psychologist and Research Scientist at the University of Virginia, the very first step towards developing a secure attachment style is self-awareness."Reflect on your past relationships: What experiences in childhood made you feel like you had to work to feel loved? Did you experience loss or separation from a caregiver? How are you treated in your current relationships, and does this trigger or soothe your attachment anxiety?" she tells Goalcast.Below are some other ways Dr. Stern can help build more security in your relationships.Therapy For Attachment Consider going to a therapist to explore and get assistance on better ways to cope with feelings."Seek out evidence-based, attachment-focused therapy such as Emotion-Focused Therapy for couples," she says.Take A Small Step Forward Each Day To Reduce AnxietyWhen you find yourself feeling a bit anxious, take a center to recenter and take "one small action to calm your anxiety."If your partner doesn't call you back right away, think about some possible non-threatening reasons that give them the benefit of the doubt (for example, 'they're probably busy at work, or enjoying lunch with their friends')," she says.Learn To Be Comfortable By YourselfThere is nothing wrong with spending some time in solitude from time to time."Do some solo activities that soothe you, align with your values, or remind you of your self-worth, independent of a relationship," she says.Examples of this would be listening to some music, reading a book, or cooking your favorite meal.Reflect On Who Is Reliable In Your Life"Think about a person you can depend on to be there for you when needed. Research shows that simply calling to mind a dependable 'secure base' boosts attachment security, especially if done repeatedly," she says.Keep Friends And Romantic Partners That Make You Feel The Most Secure Around YouYou can't choose the family that you were born into, but you can choose the people you spend time with when you are an adult."So choose those who make you feel safe, loved, and valued unconditionally; choose those who are dependable and follow through; choose the people who leave you feeling happier, calmer, and more settled in your mind and body," she says.All in all, putting consistent effort in, such as reading, working with people close to you, and seeking the assistance of a therapist, is fundamental to changing your attachment style.

A Match Made in Heaven: 6 Signs You've Found Your Kindred Spirit
Mental Health

A Match Made in Heaven: 6 Signs You've Found Your Kindred Spirit

Have you found your kindred soul? Picture going to a coffee shop, poetry event, or music festival or attending a class at university and meeting someone you instantly connect with.You know, the kind of conversations and engagement you would with trust and years familiarizing yourself with said person.And with this person, you feel an incredible bond filled with understanding and care would be considered a kindred spirit, almost as if you met them in a past life. It’s a beautiful thing when this occurs, forming a deep understanding with someone. RELATED: Healthy Life: Improve Your Spiritual Wellness With These 10 Fulfilling TipsBut on the other hand, people don’t always share the same perspectives as you do, which can spark curiosity and interest in developing friendships or romantic relationships.Still, clicking with a kindred spirit is a unique thing, as they will understand aspects about you that nobody else can. Ivana Cajina/UnsplashRead on to get the scoop on what a kindred spirit is, the signs you know you’ve met your kindred spirit, and the role this potential other half can play in your life.What Exactly are Kindred Spirits?Kindred spirits can be described in ways by people looking to have a better understanding of why they feel the way they do about those they feel swiftly drawn to.And according to a definition shared by Collins Dictionary, kindred spirits are people with “the same view of life or the same interests as you.”A genuine union with a kindred spirit feels very familiar and analogous when it comes to energy, emotion, and mentality.This divine connection can happen in any relationship, which predominantly includes platonic and romantic.With that, it’s safe to say that you’ve found someone worth being around and cherishing.Are Kindred Spirits Soulmates or Twin Flames?Kindred spirits are similar to the metaphysical concepts of twin flames, soulmates (also spelled soul mate), or karmic relationships, but with some subtle differences.Soulmates are said to be two individual souls that have an intense connection and are deeply drawn to one another, while kindred spirits feel very similar to one another. On the other hand, twin flames are considered to be one soul that is split into two bodies.Twin flames are also considered "mirrors" when it comes to the soul.When you meet your twin flame, it's as if you immediately become complete again.But this feeling of fulfillment can also come with challenges.As your mirror, your twin flame reflects your energy.Essentially this means unhealthy behaviors, weaknesses, and destructive traits, will be amplified and toxic for you both.Additionally, if the energy is positive, areas of growth and the most significant capabilities will be the focus, producing a beneficial partnership.Can Kindred Spirits Fall In Love With Each Other?Yes, kindred spirits can fall in love. It is worth knowing that not all kindred spirit connections are romantic.Because of how drawn to each other and confident kindred spirits can be in each other, it’s easy to get into a romantic relationship even if they aren’t meant to have that path.RELATED: 4 Signs You’ve Found a Kindred Spirit, Not a SoulmateIf you do end up falling in love with kindred spirits, they tend to come into your life once you’ve done inner work for growth.When they do pop up, your firm inner knowing will prompt you to be more open to meeting those special people.Signs You've Found Your Kindred Spirit in Life Adobe StockHow can you tell if the person you met and hit it off with is authentically supposed to be in your life?Well, there are a series of ways you can know for sure. Check out some of those down below.You Feel an Instant Connection With Someone Like You've Known Them Your Whole LifeMore times than not, kindred spirits feel they know each other through and through the exact moment they meet or a little after.It'll spark thoughts in your mind such as "I know exactly who you are!" or "I could talk with you for hours!" to name a couple.You Feel Safe and Sound With The PersonNaturally, when you are comfortable and engaged, it quells fears allowing you never to feel like you don't matter or question the relationship you have with said person. This ultimately helps promote a sense of balance and tranquility.You Have More Than One Thing in CommonKindred spirits will have an exciting amount of things in common, especially when it comes to outlooks on life.For example, you'll have similar values, such as integrity in relationships, polite mannerisms, and a sense of humor. You may even get shocked to find out how you dislike the same things or find each other completing each other's sentences when chatting. Toomas Tartes/UnsplashYou Discover More Things About YourselfWhen a kindred spirit enters your life, they sometimes come in and get realigned with your wisdom and your energy.The more you come around your kindred spirit, the more you see yourself and remember who exactly you are.They could be holding up a metaphorical mirror to see you for who you are or championing you to continue going after your goals and passions.They Support You, and You Would Do The SameYou can count on a kindred spirit to respect, love, and honor this person no matter what choices you've made.They will know exactly where you're coming from and help you make the best decisions.Your Connection With The Person Will Be The Same No Matter WhatIt can be days, months, and years since you've last spoken with your kindred spirit. But when you do, it's like the time and distance didn't cause the bond to break.But just like any relationship worth pursuing, kindred spirit relationships need care and attention to go the long haul. Jed Villejo/UnsplashMotivation For Each Other Is Always PresentAn imperishable bond between two people is produced through encouragement and motivation.Essentially, being there for each other when the going gets rough and offering uplifting words. In the same way, you both are willing to help in times of need and champion each other’s achievements.Encouragement and motivation make a stronger bond, helping your relationship flourish.Respect For Each Other’s Unique Quirks No one is exactly the same all the time. We all have traits and qualities that make us uniquely who we are.A strong bond needs two people who appreciate each other’s differences.Fully embrace each other and celebrate the things that make you different. This also provides opportunities to take on new experiences and learn some things from one another.How To Encounter A Kindred Spirit In Life Saiph Muhammad/UnsplashEven if you feel a connection like this is not in the cards for you, always remember that anything is possible as long as you put your best foot forward.Get Out Into The World and ExploreOne of the main ways to meet a kindred spirit is to get up, go outside and explore your surroundings. There are so many unique individuals out there, and you’ll have a hard time finding someone if you stay in hibernation mode.Take on volunteer opportunities with your community, go to a new destination, and explore new interests.The more you allow yourself to experience new people and experiences, the more you increase the chances of finding someone you can connect with on a deeper level.Don’t Shut Yourself Off From Meeting New PeopleIf you want to find your kindred spirit, you have to be willing to get out there and interact with people.No need to shut anyone out before you have the opportunity to get to know them. They may add to your life, changing it for the better.Even if it is a little uncomfortable at first, it will be well worth it!Be Your Authentic SelfNever try to be someone other than yourself, even when society is set up in that way.You have to tap into honesty with yourself if you want to be with someone who appreciates and receives you with open arms. Don’t be afraid to let your cards all out onto the table.Don’t Settle for Less Than What You DeserveWhen looking for someone to have a purposeful relationship with, it’s important that they share your core values and respect you as a fellow person.You’ll be confident around your kindred spirit and foster the notion of being yourself.Trust Your Gut IntuitionAs soon as you meet someone, immediately focus on your gut instinct.If something feels suspicious, it probably is. But if you have a positive feeling about someone, pursue it.You never know who you can connect with on a deeper frequency.Be Open To Many OptionsGypsieThe willingness to meet up with new people is essential. But not at the expense of spreading yourself too thin.It’s okay to be particular when on the quest for your kindred spirit. You don’t necessarily have to engage with everyone who comes your way, especially in romantic partnerships.Get to know people before you decide if they are potential matches. Take your time and don’t leap into something, and don’t rush into anything.Practice Patience On The JourneyDon’t feel defeated if you don’t find your kindred spirit soon. Coming across that person takes time and steadiness.Continue to explore, and eventually, you’ll find that special someone with whom you can have a fantastic relationship.Gear Up For Compromise and Take The Journey For All It IsShutterstockAlthough your kindred spirit is a divine connection based on similarities, it doesn’t mean there will always be an agreement on how things are conducted.Prepare yourself to accept and honor each other’s opinions, even when you aren’t on the same page.Finding a kindred spirit is a rewarding feeling, but again, enjoy the journey that you are on — it’ll make it an easy feat!Overall, your kindred spirit will have a vital role in your life as it will offer a sense of security and belonging, allowing you to feel at ease and at home, regardless of where you are on your life path.