Julie Hines

Breaking Free from Toxic Relationships: Recognizing the Signs of Control Toxic relationships often leave us feeling emotionally drained, isolated, and unsure of ourselves. One of the most difficult aspects of these relationships is recognizing when control is being subtly (or overtly) exerted over our lives. Sometimes, the controlling behaviors are disguised as preferences or small compromises, but over time, they can become oppressive and damaging to your mental and emotional well-being. One clear sign of control is when your partner dictates what you can or cannot do, particularly in your own home. For example, imagine waking up each morning to be told that you can't do anything because it disturbs your partner. Whether it's something as simple as getting up early to start your day, exercising, or preparing breakfast, this type of restriction is designed to suppress your autonomy. Over time, you may feel as though you're walking on eggshells, living your life on their ter...

Finding Light in a Dark World: A Journey to Positivity In today’s world, it often feels like we are surrounded by darkness. From political corruption and social upheavals to rising costs and daily grind, it seems impossible to find a glimmer of hope. Many of us feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of negative news and societal changes that seem to shake the very foundation of our lives. But even in the darkest of times, there are sparks of light. This blog explores how we can find positivity amidst the chaos and why it is crucial for our well-being. Acknowledging the Darkness Before we can find light, we must first acknowledge the darkness. The world is indeed facing significant challenges. Corruption in government, societal divides, rapid changes in cultural norms, and economic pressures all contribute to a sense of disillusionment and frustration. It's essential to validate these feelings rather than dismiss them, recognizing that they are a natural response to our current en...

Protecting Your Energy: Avoiding the Trap of Absorbing Others' Illnesses and Symptoms In our interconnected world, it's not uncommon to hear phrases like "I caught their cold" or "I started feeling anxious just being around them." As empaths and sensitive individuals, we often experience this on a deeper level. We don't just catch physical illnesses; we also absorb emotional and energetic imbalances from those around us. But why does this happen, and more importantly, how can we protect ourselves from it? Understanding the Phenomenon of Energy Absorption Empaths and sensitive individuals have a heightened ability to tune into the energies around them. This makes them natural healers and compassionate listeners but also makes them susceptible to absorbing other people's emotional and physical symptoms. This phenomenon is often referred to as "energy absorption" or "energetic contagion." When someone is ill or experiencing intense e...

Unbecoming to Become:  A Journey to Authentic Self In a world that constantly tells us who we should be and how we should act, the journey to our true selves often feels more like an unending quest to add layers, accomplishments, and labels to our identity. We are encouraged to become something—someone who fits the mold, meets expectations, and aligns with societal standards. But what if the journey isn't about becoming anything at all? What if it's about unbecoming everything that isn't truly us, so we can finally embrace who we were meant to be in the first place? The Illusion of Becoming From a young age, we are taught to strive for something greater, to climb the ladder of success, and to become someone of worth. This pursuit is often driven by external influences—family expectations, cultural norms, societal pressures. We start to layer these influences onto our core selves, creating an identity that aligns more with what others want from us rather than what we truly d...