Today, CELEBRATE YOU!

I CELEBRATE ME

I am worth celebrating. I am worth everything. I am unique.

In the whole world, there is only me.

There is only one person with my talents, experience and gifts.

No one can take my place.

God created only me, precious in His sight.

I have immense potential to love, care, create, sacrifice,

if I believe in myself.

It doesn't matter my age, or color or whether my parents loved me or not.

(Maybe they wanted to but didn't know how.)

It doesn't matter what I have been, the things I've done, mistakes I've made, people I've hurt.

I am forgiven.

I am accepted. I am okay.  I am loved in spite of everything.

So I love myself and nourish seeds within me.

I celebrate me. I begin now, start anew.

I give myself a new birth today.

I am me, and that's all I need to be.

Today is a new beginning.

A new life given freely.

So I celebrate the miracle and

I celebrate me!

Take some time today, this week, and month to celebrate you.  Celebrate who you are and who you would like to be.  Celebrate your goals and aspirations.  You are important and worth celebrating over. ;)

If you are feeling sad, blue, or down about yourself, Provide 4 can help with teaching you skills to improve your self-esteem.  Please give our professional counselors at 954-800-0108.



Communication Styles

Communication - the human connection - is the key to personal and career success. ~ Paul J.  Meyer

This week's theme is the three different prominent communication styles: assertive, aggressive, and passive.  I will provide education about each of the three different styles and you can determine which category you fit in.

Assertive communication is a straightforward, direct, and firm approach that allows for open expression of your needs, thoughts, and feelings.  This involves advocating for yourself while respecting the needs of others.  An example of assertive communication is: " I need help with folding laundry."

Aggressive communication is a method of expressing one's needs without taking into consideration the needs, thoughts, and feelings of others. People who express themselves with the use of assertive communication are often viewed as selfish or uncooperative. An aggressive communication style is usually linked to poor emotional development or a intentional desire to hurt another person.  An example of aggressive communication is: "You never help with the dishes." A positive way to re- frame this would be: "I need your help with the dishes."

Passive communication is a form of expression that is ineffective.  A person who uses this type of communication is usually afraid or scared of confrontation and does not feel worthy enough to make their needs, thoughts, and feelings known to others.  This person is afraid of saying no or making others angry. A doormat is what comes to my mind when thinking of this communication style. An example of passive communication is: "Well, I guess I can take you to the mall even though I have to go to work."

Which communication style do you fit in?  Do you need help with learning tools to be a more effective communicator?  Call one of our psychotherapists at 954-800-0108 to develop assertiveness!

Create a "BETTER" you!

A wise person sooner or later discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victories and defeats, prosperous times and tough times, and giving and taking.
They learn that it doesn't pay to let people or things get to their goat.
They learn that sometimes they need to act like a duck... let things roll off their backs, not eat at their stomachs.
They learn that a chip on the shoulder can end up as a chip on their tooth from an angry fist.
They learn that carrying tales or gossip is the surest way to lose a friend.
They learn that the world will not end if they fail.
They learn there is always another day and another chance if they're willing to start a new.
They learn that listening is frequently more important than talking.
They learn that to have a friend first you must be a friend.
They learn that people are not anymore difficult to get along with in one place than another.
They learn that by helping others they ultimately help themselves.
They learn that humor is the best medicine.
They learn that unconditional love and acceptance makes life easier.
They learn that none of us will get out of this life alive, so why worry--be happy for now is all there really is.

If after reading this poem you identified areas of your life that you need to work on, please call our therapists at 954-800-0108.  Our goal is to help you function at your fullest potential in all life areas.  Let's start creating a "BETTER" you!

Forgiveness: The Process of "Letting Go."

Forgiveness is letting go of the intense emotions attached to incidents from the past. It is important for an individual to no longer want to punish or get even with those who have hurt or wronged him/her.  Forgiveness is not condoning the act.  It is not absolution.  The individual does not absolve the person of thier responsbility for thier actions by forgiving them.  It is not something an individual doles out when others meet the requirments for being forgiven.  One can not say not say, "now that you have apologized, I'll forgive you." Forgiveness comes from the heart not the ego.  If an individual does not forgive, then engery is vested in another negative way.  It also depletes the individual's spirit and drains vitality. Stress can also be created by placing strain on the mind and body. Are you struggling with this process?  Provide 4 Inc. can help.  Our professional counselors are waiting for your call at 954-800-0108.

Who Takes Care of You?

Taking care of you, also know as self-care, is important to implement so one does not get burned out with life. Life in this case is termed as family responsibilities, intimate relationships with friends and partner, work duties, and any other thing that you may have on your plate such as exercising, planning a birthday party or event. Individuals often get wrapped up in the lists of responsibilities or to-do-lists that he or she forgets about the most important component, You! Therefore, here are some useful self-care tips:
1. Make healthy eating choices.
2. Get a good night's sleep.
3. Take time out to do something you enjoy.
4. Learn how to tell people "no."
5. Watch a funny movie.
6. Have a good laugh.
7. Deep breathing exercises.
8. Relaxation techniques.

If you need help with implementing these tools or these tools just aren't enough, our counselors can help. Please call us at 954-800-0108.

Theme: Be Mindful of Others.

Do to others as thou wouldst they should do to thee, and

Do to none other but thou wouldst be done to.

~Golden Rule; attributed to Socrates by Richard Woodville, Earl Rivers, in Dictes and Sayengis of the philosophres, 1477

"Treat others as you would like to be treated" is often referred to as the Golden Rule. How many of you believe in this moral/value and exercise it on a daily basis? How many of you occasionally execute this belief?

As we are partaking in the hustle and bustle of life, we sometimes forget this Golden Rule. We forget how important it is to treat people the way we would like to be treated and then wonder why someone may have not treated us not so well. Could it be that we were not treating that individual as good as we should have been? And therefore, that individual decided to treat us bad.

Here are some important tips to help you exercise the Golden Rule more effectively and more often:

1. Put yourself in someone else's shoes.

2. Say to your self, Is this how I would like to be treated?

3. Think to your self, How would I feel if this was happening to me?

4. Empathize with others.

5. Think before you speak.

6. Be reasonable and show love in everything that you do.

7. Be kind to others.

If we practice these tips more often and implement the Golden Rule, then our world will be more kinder and gentler. If you need help or you know someone who does with this Golden Rule, please contact our professional therapists at 954-800-0108.

Theme: Be true to yourself.

One of the most important aspects in life is to "be true to yourself, " hence the theme for the week. An individual can become so consumed with the day to day activities such as working, household chores, being a husband/wife, taking care of the children, and squeezing in exercising that he/she forgets the most important person in the world, him/her self. Individuals often lose track of the things that are important to him/her and makes him/her happy. Here are some tips for people to focus on "being true to yourself:"

1. Take time for yourself. Do something you enjoy.
2. Always keep your word even if its something small. This will make you feel good about yourself.
3. Focus on things that will make you a happy, positive, and productive person.
4. Treat people the way you would like to be treated.
5. Create goals that you can accomplish.
6. Celebrate all success and victories.
7. Put yourself first.

Please call one of our Licensed Clinical Social Workers at 954-800-0108, if you feel like you need assistance with this component of your life.

Get rid of your Listening Deficit Disorder

The second most vital aspect of communication is Listening.

According to dictionary.com, there are four definitions that define the term listen: 1. to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear. 2. to pay attention; heed; obey. 3. to wait attentively for a sound. 4. to convey a particular impression to the hearer. Therefore, one can see the most common thread associated with these definitions are "the ear."

An individuals ear is not the only component that incorporates listening. Body language, posture, and eye contact are just as important.

Harriet Lerner, PH.D., the author for Marriage Rules (2012), offers some useful guidelines for listening: 1. An individual must quiet his/her mind. 2. It is important to have an open heart. 3. Ask questions to better understand what an individual is saying. 4. Do not interrupt others and say things that causes for the other individual feeling unheard or cut short.

Improving one's listening skills will help with resolving conflict and improve the chances that people will listen more openly to what one is saying.

Need help with improving your Listening skills, please call one of our expert counselors at 954-800-0108.

What's communication got to do with it?

But communication is two-sided - vital and profound communication makes demands also on those who are to receive it... demands in the sense of concentration, of genuine effort to receive what is being communicated. ~Roger Sessions.

In every type of relationship, business, partner, or friend, communication is an integral part. Just like the beginning of the quote posted, communication is two-sided. One, there is a sender. And two, a receiver. Both of these parts are equally important when communicating. Sending a message to a person can take the form of many communication styles.

Today, the focus is on assertive communication. Assertive communication is the most healthiest communication style. Here are some examples of assertive communication statements: " I would like to know when it would be a good time to discuss the finances. I am a little concerned." "I thought you were brilliant tonight." "I know you like fish, but I prefer steak tonight for dinner." I hope you noticed the sentences began with "I." These are known as I-statements. I statements allow for an individual to express their beliefs and feelings without being judged or attacked. The I-statement is about "you" not the person you are speaking to. I-statements are most effective when being with "I" because it allows for ownership. Here are some more examples: "I feel..." "I want..." "I think..."

Changing the grammatical structure of your sentence is equally as important as your tone of voice. Be careful that your tone is not reactive or intense, because this could come across as "blaming" and can "undo" your I-statement. If you need help with learning more about communicating with others, please contact our Licensed Clinical Social Workers at 954-800-0108.

Next week, the second part of communication will be addressed, listening. (I'm sorry speak up I didn't hear you. )

2012 Count What Matters!

Eating Disorder Awareness Week is from February 26th - March 3rd, this week is dedicated to drawing attention to Eating Disorders.

I am spinning the silk threads of my story, weaving the fabric of my world...I spun out of control. Eating was hard. Breathing was hard. Living was hardest.

I wanted to swallow the bitter seeds of forgetfulness...Somehow, I dragged myself out of the dark and asked for help.

I spin and weave and knit my words and visions until a life starts to take shape. There is no magic cure, no making it all go away forever.

There are only small steps upward; an easier day, an unexpected laugh, a mirror that doesn't matter anymore. I am thawing.”

― Laurie Halse Anderson, Wintergirls

Everyone is at risk for an eating disorder, regardless of their age, creed, or color. Along with National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, Provide 4 is challenging everyone to change their thinking from the counting limits to counting what truly matters! Instead of measuring your life in pounds, calories, exercise, or tangibles, choose to recognize improved behaviors, healthier attitudes and intentional gratitude for your strengths, your assets, and your personal bests!

Here are some resources for yourself or others who are struggling with an eating disorder:
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
www.anad.org
Eating Disorder Recovery and Education
www.gurve.com
National Eating Disorder Association
www.nationaleatingdisorder.org
Eating Disorder Treatment
www.renfrewcenter.com

Start today and ask for help! At Provide 4 Inc, our professional counselors are dedicated to increasing awareness of Eating Disorders and helping individuals who are battling with an Eating Disorder. Call us today at 954-800-0108.

Tips, tools, and solutions to manage your anger

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~Buddha

At some point in an individuals life, he or she may experience a natural emotion called anger. Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure aroused by a wrong. So, its normal and okay to have this feeling. The most important component is how an individual manages his or her anger.

Here are some useful tips to manage the "anger" emotion:
1. Relaxation Techniques

• Take deep breaths.


• Count to ten.


• Visualize your "happy" place.

2. Self-talk

• Say to yourself, "Just calm down, is this really worth getting angry over?" "I'm in control of the situation." "It's perfectly okay for me to walk away right now."

3. Rational Thinking

• Increase insight regarding which battles are worth fighting. Some individuals say "pick and chose your battles wisely. "


• Think in terms of "cooperation" not "demanding."

4. Behavioral Techniques

• Psychical activity.


• Talk about it with someone you trust.


• Practice using "I -statements." This is also called assertiveness.


• Walk away.


• Use thought blocking techniques.


• Distract yourself.

At Provide 4 Inc, our professional counselors can help you manage and learn ways to cope with your anger. Give us a call at 954-800-0108.

21 Suggestions for Success

21 Suggestions for Success

by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6. Be generous.

7. Have a grateful heart.

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12. Commit yourself to quality.

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possession, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

14. Be loyal.

15. Be honest.

16. Be self-starter.

17. Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong.

18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.

20. Take good care of those you love.

21. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.

These tips are located in my office as a reminder for my clients and myself to simply get through the day, week, month, or year. It is proven that if an individual continuously reads positive messages, affirmations, or quotes, then he/she will become more of a positive person and will in turn lead a successful life.

Please contact one of our professional counselors if you need help with becoming successful in your life.

Motivational Monday!

There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or OUT. There is no such thing as life-in-between. - Pat Riley

My question to you is, are you IN or OUT? If you chose IN then you are committed to make changes in your life. You show dedication, determination and motivation. If you chose OUT, then we need to establish the above characteristics to change your life to make you committed to YOU! Now, the characteristics listed above by no means an exhaustive list. There are many more characteristics that display commitment. If you need help being "IN" on your life, please call us and our counselors will be more than happy to schedule a brief consultation with you. Call us at 954-800-0108.