Be honest with yourself while also offering unconditional love and support.

It means focusing on who you want to be in the relationship, how you want to behave and what you want to bring to the connection, as well as where your boundaries are and why.

Stepping slightly out of that comfort zone just enough that you can feel the stress response without feeling overwhelmed.

When tackling a difficult conversation, careful thought and preparation in how you will approach the conversation is more likely to go smoothly than allowing frustration to lead the way with a stream of criticism and contempt.

Low mood increases any self-criticism or self-attack that we already do.

Courage comes first, confidence comes second.

When we do that, we are choosing to stop living life by the first thoughts that pop into our head. Our choices become more consciously thought-out.

Basing our decisions instead on personal meaning and purpose can offer a shift from an emotional focus to decisions and actions based on our values. When

tools in place to build resilience and the ability to tolerate distressing emotions safely.