How To Forgive Yourself For Past Mistakes
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How To Forgive Yourself For Past Mistakes

Part of being human means we have made mistakes in the past or done things that we wish we would have done differently. Sometimes, those things can carry on and feel like a heavy weight that stays on our shoulders.

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Navigating New Horizons: Journey Beyond The Uniform
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Navigating New Horizons: Journey Beyond The Uniform

In 2018, my ascension to the rank of Chief Petty Officer was not just a milestone but a realization of my ultimate dream. This achievement was the fruit of relentless dedication and myriad sacrifices, borne not just by me but also by my family.

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Debunking Myths And Embracing Change: The Evolving Landscape Of Mental Health
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Debunking Myths And Embracing Change: The Evolving Landscape Of Mental Health

In recent years, the conversation around mental health has taken center stage, marking a significant shift from past attitudes and beliefs. This article aims to dissect common myths about mental health, highlight the factual landscape, and delve into the current transformation in how mental health is approached, particularly in industries like the military.

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Use This Tip To Become A Good Listener In Your Relationship
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Use This Tip To Become A Good Listener In Your Relationship

Some couples find themselves having issues with their communication. The conversations start off calm and then all of a sudden it turns into an argument. There might be fighting and some yelling. In the end, both partners end up feeling upset. One of the reasons why we may struggle with communication is because we have a hard time understanding each other. We feel hurt when it seems like our partner is not actually listening to what we are saying. We might get stuck in this loop where we feel like it is going in circles without any resolution. Healthy couples are able to listen to their partner’s worries or concerns. So how can I become a better listener in my relationship?

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How To Boost Your Self-Compassion
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How To Boost Your Self-Compassion

As humans, we all can struggle with negative thoughts. Many times, these negative thoughts are about ourselves and make us feel even worse. We might judge ourselves for saying something awkward, or for making a mistake. Instead of judging ourselves, we can use self-compassion to help us heal. However, we often struggle to show ourselves the same type of warmth that we give to our family and friends.

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Navigating The Uncertainties Of PTSD Recovery
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Navigating The Uncertainties Of PTSD Recovery

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that poses unique challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. Unlike diagnosing and treating a physical ailment like back pain, where X-rays and MRIs offer concrete evidence, PTSD exists in a realm where the lines are blurred and healing is not always straightforward. So, when are you truly "healed" from PTSD?

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Old School Vs. New School In The Military: Embracing Change
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Old School Vs. New School In The Military: Embracing Change

In the military, the debate between “old school” and “new school” approaches has been a topic of conversation for generations. As someone who has served since 2000, I’ve often found myself leaning toward the “old school” perspective, thinking that the military of today is softer compared to my own experiences. However, reflecting on the evolution of the military culture, I’ve come to realize that every generation has its unique strengths and brings a new approach to the battlefield and garrison.

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Crafting Authenticity: Retirement Reflection On Choosing Family-Centered Celebration Over Tradition
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Crafting Authenticity: Retirement Reflection On Choosing Family-Centered Celebration Over Tradition

As I approach the culmination of 24 years of dedicated service in the Navy, retirement looms on the horizon. A decision weighs on my mind – whether or not to hold a retirement ceremony. Well-meaning voices suggest that such an event is not for me, but for my family who have stood by my side through countless deployments and sacrifices. Their endurance and strength have been unwavering, even in the face of separations and uncertainty.

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Navigating The Paradox Of Seeking Help With PTSD: A Contoured Journey To Healing
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Navigating The Paradox Of Seeking Help With PTSD: A Contoured Journey To Healing

Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often feels like traversing an intricate labyrinth, where seeking help becomes both a necessity and a formidable challenge. The complexities lie in the paradoxical nature of confronting traumatic experiences that you desperately want to leave behind. This intricate cycle requires one to open up old wounds to eventually find closure, creating a tumultuous journey towards healing.

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The Importance Of Love Languages
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

The Importance Of Love Languages

Love languages are used to connect you to people that you love by showing them what you enjoy and how you enjoy it. Love languages can also be different when dealing with friends, families and your spouse/partner. Love languages helps you communicate with those you love. There are 5 love languages which are detailed below.

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What Is Self-care, And Where Do You Start?
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

What Is Self-care, And Where Do You Start?

Self-care starts with you, putting yourself first with engaging in activities you enjoy on your own. Self-care doesn’t always have to be about spending money on extravagant things. Self-care can include aspects such as reading your favorite book, going for a walk/ run and also spending time by yourself and engaging in things that you enjoy that brings your joy.

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The Unspoken Battle Within: A Warrior’s Journey to Seek Mental Help
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

The Unspoken Battle Within: A Warrior’s Journey to Seek Mental Help

For 23 years, I've walked the path of a warrior, enduring multiple combat deployments, where I witnessed friends and comrades transition from vibrant individuals to names etched on the memorial wall. Those mornings when you see their faces and hear their laughter, only to receive their lifeless bodies in body bags by evening – it's a reality that stays with you, haunting your dreams.

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How To Use The Breath To Conquer Anxiety</a>
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How To Use The Breath To Conquer Anxiety

What can we do to help us relax when feeling anxious? Many research studies demonstrate that one of the best ways to help conquer anxiety is through our breath. Breathing techniques can help ease our mind. This post will explore how mindful breathing exercises can support us in coping with anxiety.

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Nutrition And Mental Health
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Nutrition And Mental Health

Are you what you eat? French lawyer, Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, in 1826 was quoted with saying “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are,” known now as the proverbial saying, “you are what you eat.” What does this really mean in today’s world? How does this 200-year old saying affect us in what we now know today with our mental health?

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How To Provide Self-Care To Yourself While Caring For A Sick Loved One
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How To Provide Self-Care To Yourself While Caring For A Sick Loved One

Have you ever had to care for a loved one that was sick or have you ever had to assist someone that cared for a loved one that has been sick? This may be an overwhelming time for you to even think about, but it’s quite important for you to do. It’s time for you to finally take time out for yourself with self care activities. Here are a few things to keep in mind while caring for a loved one:

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Coping Skills To Use When Helping An Anxious Child
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Coping Skills To Use When Helping An Anxious Child

There are many ways to help with an anxious child without feeling overwhelmed or anxious yourself. There are many different tools to utilize to make an environment fun, safe, kid friendly and also free of anxiety. As you keep reading, you will learn how to use coping techniques to help with anxious child that's dealing with anxiety, worry and fear.

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How To Relax Before Bedtime</a>
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How To Relax Before Bedtime

Have you ever had a difficult time trying to relax before bedtime? Do you bring work issues home with you and consistently think about them? Are you having a hard time just find the time and space to relax? Have you ever thought what you need to complete the next day and when you get home? Well if you have, I have some tips that may be helpful for you to unwind and relax before bedtime.

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How to Cope With Burnout</a>
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How to Cope With Burnout

Having work-related burnout:

This is a common experience that can affect any of us, regardless of the occupation. Burnout can occur when there is excessive and prolonged stress from work. It can affect you on all levels including our physical, mental, and emotional states. Burnout may make you feel unengaged, overworked, and unmotivated. It might even feel like the work becomes more meaningless.

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