Try, Try Again with Katherine Velez

Have you been feeling restless, guilty you haven't been more productive this last year,  unmotivated, uncertain? Perhaps this last year was not a time to get more done, but maybe it is what our ancestors knew was often necessary for the earth and for ourselves- a fallow season. In today's episode we talk about ancient wisdom and the healing property of spending time with our ancestors...right now. 

Are you feeling stuck lately?  It is a common feeling, especially this last year. If you think you've tried everything and you're still feeling there is no forward momentum in your life or relationships, consider these eleven behaviors and beliefs that may be causing or contributing to that feeling of stuckness. This examination is not necessarily easy, but some of these may resonate with you and help you regain your footing on a new path. 

Do you feel helpless when you hear of prejudice and violence and tell yourself there is nothing you can do? Do you believe you have no biases and so you are not part of the problem? Today's episode is challenging. It challenges us to look at our biases, conscious and unconscious, and how that exploration could improve your understanding and empowerment of yourself and your relationship with others.     

What is unconditional love, why is it important,  and why do some people seem to achieve more easily than others?  This episode answers questions around unconditional love as well as the one that many of us ask ourselves, "What's wrong with me?"  Listen and find out!  

If you or someone you love is feeling stuck or feeling that something is holding you back, this episode may help pinpoint and explore why.  And it's probably not only Covid!  We look at exercises to explore the feelings behind and beneath feeling stuck as well as how our loved ones can help us unearth some of our fears and practice vulnerability with more self-awareness and a growth mindset improving our relationship with ourselves and our loved ones. 

This episodes is for individuals and couples alike. Does your partner think working overtime to get a bonus is the priority and you think family dinner is more important? Do you think of yourself as quite honest and then find yourself rationalizing white lies? Do you dream of adventures, but never get to the planning stage? These are often matters of core values;  what is most meaningful and important in life to you and your partner. In this episode we look at why core values matter so much and I give you a few exercises to help explore these in yourself and, if needed, with your partner. 

When couples enter a therapist's office, one of the top reasons for being there is communication. In this episode we explore what that means and when a couple might need to find a couples therapist. Also, I provide you with a communication exercise that, while talked about in terms of a couple, translates as a template to use in any relationship. As always, you can reach me at katherinekempvelez.com with questions or concerns. 

Valentine's Day can be a celebration and recognition of love, not just romantic love. In fact, viewing that day as simply a day for lovers leaves a large number of us out and fails in acknowledging the many variations and shades and struggles that love itself often highlights. In todays episode I wax on, just a little, about the exclusionary nature of this romantic holiday and how we might celebrate all kinds of love instead.      

In today's episode I introduce you to a woman who was one of my teachers in this life. She taught me something about grief and loss and how emotions like joy, grief, fear, and longing coexist. She taught me about the importance of putting those emotions in perspective, with gratitude for all of them.      

Do you ever find yourself making unhealthy choices over and over only to sink into guilt or self-criticism? Do you wonder why you overeat or drink too much or use porn or gambling to soothe yourself? Would you like to make changes? This episode helps explain what is happening in your physiology that may be contributing to your struggles with alcohol, food or other unhealthy habits. I also provide several exercises you can use immediately to start making healthier choices and changes in your life without judgment or recrimination. As always you can reach me at katherinekempvelez.com.