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Posts by Jill Dahl

Jill Dahl is the founder of Secondhand Therapy, an online resource for people who desire emotional wellbeing, but cannot commit to working with a licensed therapist. Secondhand Therapy provides down-to-earth methods to achieve a happier and more authentic life. Click here to download the free eBook: “Start Investing in Your Emotional Wellbeing: 25 Practical Tips to Move Beyond Survival Mode”

Jill Dahl's Website

You Are Not Responsible for Anyone Else’s Emotions

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“Rather than being your thoughts and emotions, be the awareness behind them.” ~Eckhart Tolle

“I don’t believe you,” I jutted out my chin like a petulant toddler. Collapsing back into the tufted leather loveseat, I conceded, “I want to believe you, but I can’t.”

My therapist had just explained to me that I am not responsible for regulating other people’s emotions. My mind couldn’t process this truth.

There were too many decades of owning the moods of those around me.

In my younger years, if a parent was stressed, I felt it was up to me to calm them down. …

5 Childhood Mantras That Are Poisoning Your Happiness

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“So, like a forgotten fire, a childhood can always flare up again within us.” ~Gaston Bachelard

I woke up to the sun peeking through the bedroom curtains and I cautiously opened one eye to check if my little brother was still asleep on the other side of our room.

I was excited about the day. The sun was shining and we were meeting up with some family friends for a picnic in the park later that day. All I cared about was we would be having lots of treats at that picnic and the park we were going to had …