By Jackie, A JBD Client

Sadly, I knew very early on that my marriage was in trouble.  There were small, short lived breakthroughs in our time together but I frequently had a feeling more was amiss; what...I did not know. Counseling was not bearing fruit. My fun loving always gregarious, thoughtfu...

By Karen McMahon

What causes us to lose our peace and joy?

Financial instability.  Complicated health issues.  Sudden unexpected loss…of a loved one…a job…a relationship. Frustration or disappointment around raising teenagers or caring for elderly parents.  Actually, it is more general than that...

We discussed Awareness as the first step toward peace…a practice of mindfulness or witnessing our thoughts, feelings and actions.  Instead of seeing things as happening to us, when we are aware or conscious of our part in every circumstance, we realize we have choices.  Awareness Enlightens us so th...

A guest post by Sara Klar.  Her personal journey

It happened just rounding 4 years ago this summer that John, my long term partner of 12 years, checked out of our relationship.  Suddenly he stopped calling throughout the day to share, plan, and relay goings on as he had always done. Suddenly he tol...

By Karen McMahon

When our marriage falls apart we understandably find ourselves filled with fear and anger.  Learning how to grieve and to grieve well is one of the many challenges we face.  According to Tad Blackburn, a Family and Marriage pastor, we have three primary emotions, fear, anger and ...

By Karen McMahon

Fear, much like a circus mirror, distorts our view of reality.

We each have fears as we go through the divorce process.  Our fears are often based in the unknown.  Everything is so uncertain, it is impossible to see around the bend to know what your life is going to look like...

By Karen McMahon

fear |fi(ə)r|
noun

1. an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat
2. (fear for) a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone
3. the likelihood of something u
...

As you go through divorce and feel the ground moving beneath you…so many aspects of your life shifting and changing, it is easy to hold on tight, to stay within your comfort zone.  That feeling of knowing what you have and what to expect SEEMS the best choice compared to venturing beyond the borders...

By Karen McMahon

What is co-dependence and how can I know if this is something that I need to look at within myself?

Answer the following questions and you will see where you fall on the codependence spectrum.

1. Do you place your partner's needs ahead of yours?
2. Have you ever hit or been hit by
...