The Whole Parent

Overwhelmed and Out of Balance: Finding Your Inner Chill

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 27, 2022
Post category:Dating Depression Health and Fitness mindfulness self-awareness Self-care

A few good INHALE and EXHALE moments, can really bring the pause back into my life. From the pause I can examine several things.

Dating Next: Quit Swiping and Get Out There

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 26, 2022
Post category:Dating Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love relationship building Relationships self-awareness Self-care Sex sexual chemistry Single-Dad

What you DO with your partner is often as important as what you say to them, or what you like about their looks. What do you want to DO with your lover? Let’s start there.

The Company You Keep and Keeping Your Own Company

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 25, 2022
Post category:Depression Health and Fitness Joy Love mindfulness Relationships Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

I can ask to be loved. I may not feel loved even when love is abundant and specific. I might still miss some aspect of being loved. I might not feel loved, even in the presence of love. And, I can want someone else to meet my needs for love and connection, while not doing a very good job of being clear about what I need. Today, I didn't ask anyone. Today, I took care of my desire to go to the beach. September might not be summer, but it's beachy enough for me and my inner smile.

Closer to the Edge: Fractures In Our Communication Skills

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 25, 2022
Post category:Anger Dating Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love mindfulness relationship building Relationships Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

As we continue to go for a lifetime lover, we've got to be prepared to learn, study, grow, stretch, and reach back to our lovers for the REPAIR. Either partner can go for the repair. And both partners should work towards the repair, even if the bridge is collapsed in smoldering ruins.

Slipping Into the Dance: A Relationship with Promise and Reserve

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 21, 2022
Post category:Dating Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love mindfulness relationship building Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad Spirituality

The immediate plan is to continue growing, learning, and communicating with an ever-evolving sense of security and trust. Then, don't start talking about rings, living together, and retirement, until you've had a chance to go through at least one cycle of the seasons.

Falling Out of The Loop As a Single Parent

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 20, 2022
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Parenting Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

My role now is very similar to my non-custodial dad role. I don't have a lot of time or opportunities to engage with my kids. I have to reach out. Keep reaching out. And let go of any outcome.

Single Mom Syndrome: Meeting Your Needs Through Your Kids

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 20, 2022
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Divorce humans of divorce Parenting Single-Dad

Let your kids go. Let your sons fall down and pick themselves back up. Let your loneliness be filled by someone other than your kids. Let your new partner into the starting lineup.

This Creative Life: A Lifelong Adventure into The Artist’s Way

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 19, 2022
Post category:mindfulness Poetry self-awareness Self-care Spirituality

Don't let a single idea pass unnoticed. If you can capture the essence of the idea in some form, some shorthand version of your vision, then capture it. If you can stop everything else you are doing and allow the creative gift to come through you, do it. Stop. Listen. Create.