I stopped writing blog posts in December of 2022, as my practice became quite full, and in the subsequent year my personal life became quite full, too! I may return to posting, or may focus my energy elsewhere. For now, I am keeping this page active so that you can read past posts. Thanks forContinue reading “A Long Pause”
Author Archives: Angela Dora Dobrzynski
Coping with Grief Through the Holidays
Over the past two months I have had the privilege of presenting this workshop in person and virtually across the region. Friends Life Care has made a recording available, and I hope you find it to be a helpful support through your holidays while grieving.
The Freedom of Community
In community, we share the burden of life. We share joys and we share trials. When we are committed to others outside of ourselves and our nuclear families, life becomes more complex, but enriched. At times you may feel burdened by your community. You wanted to go to the pool today, but a close friendContinue reading “The Freedom of Community”
When a Friendship Ends
You’ve been dumped by a friend. Or are baffled by a friend’s slow withdrawal. Or you are beginning to recognize that someone you thought was a friend was in fact not. Or you just noticed one day that life has changed and that a friendship that was once dear to you is now… past tense?Continue reading “When a Friendship Ends”
“I Regret Nothing”
“Live life with no regrets.” “Regret is a form of punishment itself.” “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” “No regrets in life, just lessons learned.” “Appreciate everything, regret nothing.” “Regret” has become a dirty word in our culture, or at least in my generation. To look back and regret poorContinue reading ““I Regret Nothing””
“Don’t Send Me Flowers When I’m Dead”: The Gift of a Living Eulogy
In 2003, when I was 23 years old and my Nana was 79, I wrote a humorous piece about her that I titled, “Nana Banana.” Half-ode, half-roast, it served as a living eulogy to honor one of the women who raised me. Nan talked about death a lot. It was alarming to me as aContinue reading ““Don’t Send Me Flowers When I’m Dead”: The Gift of a Living Eulogy”
Relax
This coming weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and I’m already noticing a different pace of life. More “out of office” alerts. Slower response time. Shifting schedules. And every year I think how good this is. To have a season that feels inherently more leisurely and provides opportunities for things like weeknight dinner gatherings,Continue reading “Relax”
Secrecy Vs Privacy
Secrets make you sick. In therapy, we know that holding secrets can cause profound distress, emotionally and physically. Repressed memories, suppressed shame, and ignored guilt can all weigh on us until the stress comes out sideways. Irritability, cognitive malfunction, somatic complaints and other side effects can erupt from keeping secrets. We all benefit when weContinue reading “Secrecy Vs Privacy”
Unmoored: A Guide for Grieving People
My new book is out and available! Take a look inside and order here: https://www.amazon.com/Unmoored-Angela-Dora-Dobrzynski-LPC/dp/B09ZCQPKZC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZOBG4IQE7L7X&keywords=unmoored+a+guide+for+grieving+people&qid=1652106567&sprefix=unmoored%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1
Why Nature Should Be Part of Your Plan
“Try to get out for a walk today.” “See if you can get a few minutes of sunshine on your break.” “Sit by pond for a bit after work.” These are the sort of gentle suggestions I give my therapy clients as one part of their treatment plan. They are not formal assignments or mandates,Continue reading “Why Nature Should Be Part of Your Plan”