Second Wind

How to keep pace with the marathon of life

by Cami Ostman, M.S.

Differentiation to the Rescue

One of the most important qualities you can cultivate so that you have a reserve when you most need it is something called "differentiation." This concept has to do with how susceptible the "self" is to group think or group pressure. Read More

Finding Your Team

We all need community. When you've been plugging along in this marathon of life for a while, you get tired. You've been laboring to keep your desired pace. And then, on an extra steep hill, fatigue and self-doubt set in. What you need are people who can surround you with “acknowledgement and acceptance,” as Dr. Estes says. Read More

Navigating the "Ultras" in Life

We all have "ultra" situations in life, those scenarios or relationships which are so mountainous, rugged, or messy that they make your run-of-the-mill hard day look easy. What does it take to manage the ultras of life? How do we keep going when the road seems impossibly long and impassible? Read More

Together AND Alone: A Paradox

There can be a great freedom in realizing we've got enough drive, fortitude, patience, or grace to go it alone. Read More

The First Step in Moving Forward Is Self Forgiveness

Setting goals is essential for healthy living. But have you ever set a goal for yourself and failed to live up to or reach it? Of course you have, if you're human. Read More

Why Does This Hurt So Much?

Change can be painful, and sorting through what is "normal" pain versus pain that may require you to seek help can be tricky. Read More

Midlife Crisis or Opportunity to Shine?

Wikipedia describes a midlife crisis as a period of "dramatic self doubt that is felt by some individuals during the 'middle years' or middle age of life." Personally, as I work with individuals in workshops, therapy, and coaching, I see less self doubt than reevaluation. Read More

Cami Ostman, M.S., is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Washington State and the author of the memoir, Second Wind: One Woman's Midlife Quest to Run Seven Marathons on Seven Continents (Seal Press).

more...