Posts in RELATIONSHIP INSPIRATION

Strong Series Part II: The Righteous Rescuer

I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can be heroes, just for one day

-“Heroes” by David Bowie

Just as victim hurts so good like three too many helpings of apple a la mode, rescuer soars on wings of eagles complete with the cape and mask of a superhero. Ahh, the Righteous Rescuer, a role I have often worn proudly, like a pair of killer Louboutins or something. This role is a double threat in that it temporarily feels loving on both sides of the table; from where the rescued sits as well as the rescuer. However, Strong Series part II zeros in on the rest of the story: how this role temporarily flies high, yet falls short…really fast.

DESIRE. CONNECT. THRIVE., HEALTH AND WELLNESS, LIFE PATTERNS, RELATIONSHIP INSPIRATION, STRONG STORIESKatie GustafsonSeptember 15, 2016boundaries, Christian Louboutin, Rescuer, enneagram, victim triangleComment

Strong Series Part I: Victim Pie

I am not what has happened to me. I am what I choose to become.

-Carl Jung

I am excited to introduce a three-part series this week called the Strong Series. I snaked the title from my web designer, developer, and good friend Josh Rogers, I wish I had thought of it but I didn’t. Last week before launching my post Thursday, we were texting and he asked if the Strong Series was going to kick off that week? Hmmm…I hesitantly answered no, fearing I had forgotten about a brilliant blog series I couldn’t recall. Well, no was right because I didn’t have a brilliant series, however, the name was just too good so I thought I’d go with it and give Josh credit on the back end. Josh, this one’s for you.

CREATIVE LIFE, DESIRE. CONNECT. THRIVE., LIFE PATTERNS, RESOURCES, RELATIONSHIP INSPIRATION, STRONG STORIESKatie GustafsonSeptember 8, 2016Carl Jung, Patty Griffin, Pie, Strong Series, thanksgiving, victim triangleComment

Beautiful Lies: Sexual Abuse & Body Image

The Backdrop

One of my absolute favorite things about my work is getting to witness and hold space for clients’ awe-inspiring stories. It has forever changed the way I see strangers walking down the sidewalk, buying groceries, or getting coffee in the Starbucks line. Now, I like to see those people as walking miracles carrying remarkable stories, oftentimes stories that are overlooked or brushed aside.

BRAINSPOTTING, DESIRE. CONNECT. THRIVE., HOLISTIC HEALTH, NARRATIVE THERAPY, RELATIONSHIP INSPIRATION, RESOURCES, SELF-CARE, SPIRITUALITY, STRONG STORIESKatie GustafsonAugust 25, 2016body image, hypothyroidism, sexual abuse, toby macComment

The Stories We Tell

When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending.

-Brené Brown, Rising Strong

I’m about to tell you something you may not have considered about yourself; perhaps something you are completely unaware of. Despite being introverted, extroverted, highly entertaining, or completely terrified of public speaking, this truth remains. You ready for this?

CREATIVE LIFE, NARRATIVE THERAPY, RELATIONSHIP INSPIRATIONKatie GustafsonAugust 18, 2016Brene Brown, Garrison Keillor, Star wars, Storytelling, writingComment

Rio Gold: Words on Winning

Winning is showing up, staying present in our truth, and leaning into love every step of the way.

Did anyone besides me watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony last Friday night? Well, despite apparent low network ratings (38% down from 2012’s London Ceremony), and a self-proclaimed nervy and “slow” catwalk strut delivered by the ever leggy and lovely Brazilian bombshell, Gisele Bündchen, I was totally mesmerized. The grand parade of nations proudly flying their flags, donning those thoughtfully designed and crafted costumes, one after another, oozed a colorful and unmasked joy that was completely contagious; that buzzy energy, palpable.

ACHIEVING SUCCESS, HOLISTIC HEALTH, RELATIONSHIP INSPIRATIONKatie GustafsonAugust 11, 2016belief, gisele, michael phelps, olympic games, rio 2016, Shauna Niquist, winningComment