Old School Vs. New School In The Military: Embracing Change
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Old School Vs. New School In The Military: Embracing Change

In the military, the debate between “old school” and “new school” approaches has been a topic of conversation for generations. As someone who has served since 2000, I’ve often found myself leaning toward the “old school” perspective, thinking that the military of today is softer compared to my own experiences. However, reflecting on the evolution of the military culture, I’ve come to realize that every generation has its unique strengths and brings a new approach to the battlefield and garrison.

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Crafting Authenticity: Retirement Reflection On Choosing Family-Centered Celebration Over Tradition
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Crafting Authenticity: Retirement Reflection On Choosing Family-Centered Celebration Over Tradition

As I approach the culmination of 24 years of dedicated service in the Navy, retirement looms on the horizon. A decision weighs on my mind – whether or not to hold a retirement ceremony. Well-meaning voices suggest that such an event is not for me, but for my family who have stood by my side through countless deployments and sacrifices. Their endurance and strength have been unwavering, even in the face of separations and uncertainty.

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Navigating The Paradox Of Seeking Help With PTSD: A Contoured Journey To Healing
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Navigating The Paradox Of Seeking Help With PTSD: A Contoured Journey To Healing

Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often feels like traversing an intricate labyrinth, where seeking help becomes both a necessity and a formidable challenge. The complexities lie in the paradoxical nature of confronting traumatic experiences that you desperately want to leave behind. This intricate cycle requires one to open up old wounds to eventually find closure, creating a tumultuous journey towards healing.

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The Importance Of Love Languages
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

The Importance Of Love Languages

Love languages are used to connect you to people that you love by showing them what you enjoy and how you enjoy it. Love languages can also be different when dealing with friends, families and your spouse/partner. Love languages helps you communicate with those you love. There are 5 love languages which are detailed below.

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What Is Self-care, And Where Do You Start?
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

What Is Self-care, And Where Do You Start?

Self-care starts with you, putting yourself first with engaging in activities you enjoy on your own. Self-care doesn’t always have to be about spending money on extravagant things. Self-care can include aspects such as reading your favorite book, going for a walk/ run and also spending time by yourself and engaging in things that you enjoy that brings your joy.

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The Unspoken Battle Within: A Warrior’s Journey to Seek Mental Help
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

The Unspoken Battle Within: A Warrior’s Journey to Seek Mental Help

For 23 years, I've walked the path of a warrior, enduring multiple combat deployments, where I witnessed friends and comrades transition from vibrant individuals to names etched on the memorial wall. Those mornings when you see their faces and hear their laughter, only to receive their lifeless bodies in body bags by evening – it's a reality that stays with you, haunting your dreams.

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How To Use The Breath To Conquer Anxiety</a>
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How To Use The Breath To Conquer Anxiety

What can we do to help us relax when feeling anxious? Many research studies demonstrate that one of the best ways to help conquer anxiety is through our breath. Breathing techniques can help ease our mind. This post will explore how mindful breathing exercises can support us in coping with anxiety.

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Nutrition And Mental Health
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Nutrition And Mental Health

Are you what you eat? French lawyer, Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, in 1826 was quoted with saying “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are,” known now as the proverbial saying, “you are what you eat.” What does this really mean in today’s world? How does this 200-year old saying affect us in what we now know today with our mental health?

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How To Provide Self-Care To Yourself While Caring For A Sick Loved One
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How To Provide Self-Care To Yourself While Caring For A Sick Loved One

Have you ever had to care for a loved one that was sick or have you ever had to assist someone that cared for a loved one that has been sick? This may be an overwhelming time for you to even think about, but it’s quite important for you to do. It’s time for you to finally take time out for yourself with self care activities. Here are a few things to keep in mind while caring for a loved one:

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Breaking The Cycle: Introduction
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Breaking The Cycle: Introduction

Breaking the Cycle refers to stopping an action, way of thinking, or a generational process, which then positively impacts your life or the life of those around you. “Breaking the cycle refers to not participating in dysfunctional and/or unhealthy behavior, often commonplace in one's family, to keep it from continuing through future generations. A cycle-breaker is somebody who sees an unhealthy cycle of behavior in their family of origin and intentionally works to break that cycle” (Break the Cycle, Farlex Dictionary of Idioms, 2015).

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Breaking the Cycle: Parenting
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Breaking the Cycle: Parenting

Every parent strives to be a better parent than they had as a child. More and more parents are choosing to look towards “Positive Parenting” and seeking ways to break the cycle of “bad” parenting towards their children. Parents are also looking for ways to appropriately address any issues or bad behaviors of the child, in a more positive way, thus breaking the cycle of unhealthy behaviors. Some tips to break the negative cycle of parenting between parent and child are:

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Breaking The Cycle: Addiction Or Indulgence
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Breaking The Cycle: Addiction Or Indulgence

Breaking the cycle of addiction or indulgence will be a long road, however, working with a therapist can help with this need for dependency. This dependency can be prompted by the lack of self-satisfaction or ongoing issues in one’s life. An addiction is an obsession or compulsion to a certain thing or act, that you create a need or dependency on, in order to feel satisfaction in your life.

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Breaking The Cycle: Substance Abuse And The Effects On Family
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Breaking The Cycle: Substance Abuse And The Effects On Family

Families struggle through many different hardships including substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health concerns. Usually, if left untreated, this will then begin a cycle and be passed on as a struggle for the next generation. Addiction and substance abuse dependency are contributors to family disfunction.

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Coping Skills To Use When Helping An Anxious Child
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

Coping Skills To Use When Helping An Anxious Child

There are many ways to help with an anxious child without feeling overwhelmed or anxious yourself. There are many different tools to utilize to make an environment fun, safe, kid friendly and also free of anxiety. As you keep reading, you will learn how to use coping techniques to help with anxious child that's dealing with anxiety, worry and fear.

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How To Relax Before Bedtime</a>
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How To Relax Before Bedtime

Have you ever had a difficult time trying to relax before bedtime? Do you bring work issues home with you and consistently think about them? Are you having a hard time just find the time and space to relax? Have you ever thought what you need to complete the next day and when you get home? Well if you have, I have some tips that may be helpful for you to unwind and relax before bedtime.

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How to Cope With Burnout</a>
Lawrence Librando Lawrence Librando

How to Cope With Burnout

Having work-related burnout:

This is a common experience that can affect any of us, regardless of the occupation. Burnout can occur when there is excessive and prolonged stress from work. It can affect you on all levels including our physical, mental, and emotional states. Burnout may make you feel unengaged, overworked, and unmotivated. It might even feel like the work becomes more meaningless.

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