Internal Family Systems (IFS) was created by psychologist Richard Schwartz. Schwartz worked as a family therapist and noticed that people described their thoughts and feelings as different parts. Furthermore, he discovered that people’s parts often did not get along or were in conflict with one another. As a result, Schwartz began to develop a system of practice that sought to help a person’s parts work in harmony to promote well-being and balance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared loneliness a “global health threat”. They have started new programs to help establish social connection as a global health priority.
Last month we started unpacking what the term “neurodivergent” means. The word neurodivergent was coined in 1998 by a sociologist named Judy Singer who wanted to point out that each person’s brain is uniquely developed.
Healthy relationships are important for our wellbeing. We need secure bonds with people who we trust and can rely on. Romantic or nonromantic these are of the utmost importance. Feeling loved unconditionally, being treated well, and communicating properly are signs of a healthy connection. Some people find it difficult to sit with these feelings. They push that person away whenever there is an opportunity. Sometimes people can sabotage a relationship that could be good for them. Self-sabotage does not discriminate and is very common across the age and gender spectrum. Running away from relationships that are good for you is not the only option. Self-sabotage is a solution that is harmful to one's self.
“Neurodivergent” is a buzzword that came from the related term “neurodiverse.” You may have heard someone describe themselves as “neurodivergent” or being “neurodiverse.” Judy Singer (a sociologist) coined the word “neurodiversity” in 1998 to point out that every person’s brain develops in a unique way. In fact, we know that no two brains—even the brains of identical twins—are exactly like.
Making a choice for oneself doesn’t always only effect the person who makes it. But making a choice for oneself should be from a place of prioritizing yourself, not others feelings. You are not wrong for putting yourself first. You are not selfish for putting yourself first. You are providing for yourself the bare minimum. You are the sole person responsible for putting you first.
