Hael Women’s Center

04/17/2025

APRIL ENCOURAGEMENT:

As I was watching a YouTube video, I learned what the term, “Gaslighting” means. I have heard others say it but never really pay attention to what it meant. For April 2025 encouragement, I believe “gaslighting” is a great topic to discuss because I am sure - I am not the only person who does not or did not know what it means.

The term “Gaslighting” comes from the 1944 film "Gaslight," where a husband manipulates his wife into believing she is losing her mind. Now ladies – I know this is something that some can relate to – yes, the movie was about a husband doing the manipulating – let me add, it could also be the wife or even a friend doing the gaslighting.

Gaslighting is very dangerous because it can cause a person to have feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and isolation. Gaslighting is often difficult to detect because of how insidious it is, and it does not just happen in personal relationships, but in the workplace as well.

My main purpose for bringing attention to this subject is because gaslighting is a systematic form of emotional abuse. Gaslighting will make you question your perceptions, your memories, or worse, your sanity; and I do not believe that anyone should be victimized by this awful action.

After reading this, it is my hopes that you are be able to recognize the signs of gaslighting so that you will not fall prey. If you are the one gaslighting, I want to make you aware of the possible outcome of your actions.

Recognizing gaslighting in any relationship or situation includes examining repeated behaviors, and the effects these behaviors have on your view of reality. I understand every relationship and situation is different, but there are some foundational signs which can help you recognize if you are being gaslighted:

1. The gaslighter may minimize, belittle or dismiss your emotions, feelings or perceptions.
2. The gaslighter will frequently contradict your memory which causes you to second-guess yourself.
3. The gaslighter tries to isolate you from people who could validate your experiences and encourage you to stop believing what they are saying.
4. The gaslighter also attempts to devalue you by overstepping your personal boundaries.
Now that you have a clearer understanding about gaslighting, it’s time for YOU to take action by:

•Establishing Boundaries: Have a conversation with the gaslighter to clearly communicate what behaviors are/are not unacceptable in the relationship.

•Seek Professional Help: This is where us at the Hael Women’s Center can help. A therapist or counselor can assist you by providing invaluable tools to facilitate your personal healing; these tools will be used to validate your feelings, and develop strategies to counteract the mistreatment you have experienced.

•Relying On Your Support Circle: Confide what you are going through with trusted friends or family members who can offer a positive perspective and help you rebuild your confidence.

Finally, recognizing the signs of gaslighting early can help you take steps to protect your well-being. If you believe that someone is gaslighting you, please contact the Hael Women’s Center, we will be honored to guide and support you through your healing process.

03/18/2025

March Monthly Encouragement:

Hey You,

It’s me (Yolanda). Gotta question - What are you waiting on? Yeah – YOU! Do you remember that dream you had when you were younger? That dream to be… That dream to do… That dream to go…

Well, it’s not too late - you can still be, do or go. What’s holding you back?

When are you going to start that business? When are you going to write that book? When are you going to take that much needed vacation?

Wouldn’t you say this is a good time to start planning? Let’s get those goals written down so that you can see them – so that you can begin to speak to your atmosphere. I believe that words have power – do you? I also believe that when we begin to open our mouths and speak it – it can come to fruition. Let me share 3 things that I believe has held us back from being, doing or going:

1. Procrastination
2. Doubt
3. Other people

Procrastination. It has been said that procrastination doesn’t have to be a negative or bad habit. But in this instance, I say it is a bad habit or negative factor in you being what you were destined to be; doing what you were created to do; or going where you desire to go.

Procrastination can be defined as the habit of willfully delaying something by directing your energy toward less significant, irrelevant tasks. When you allow the power of procrastination to control you - it will eventually derail your dreams, goals or aspirations. It’s time for you to get back on course – get back to your original plans. Research has shown that procrastination may result from deeper feelings related to doing a specific task, such as self-doubt, low self-esteem, anxiety or insecurity. If that’s you – contact me so we talk about it.

Doubt. Webster defines doubt as to be uncertain or having a lack of confidence. If this is you – let’s talk about it. One way to overcome doubt is to think back to your past achievements. It’s time for you to have a new mindset that doesn’t hold you back from succeeding and believing in yourself.

I want you to understand that doubting is different than being fearful. Doubt holds us back instead of pushing us forward. Furthermore, negative emotions can cause doubt to creep in unaware; that is why negative emotions must be dealt with immediately before life start spiraling out of control.

Other people. It may be time to cut off some relationships. Especially those relationships with people who are not bringing you positive energy. I call these people – energy sappers. They will sap out every bit of positive energy you have and never replenish what they have taken from you. Take a moment to think about the people in your inner circle – really, I want you to think about it.

Does your inner circle encompass people who want to see you grow beyond your current sphere of life? If not, it may be time to move on. I believe some relationships are supposed to be temporal or seasonal and others are supposed to be permanent or continuous. I encourage you to evaluate your relationship and make some hard decisions and much needed changes.

So again, I ask you, what are you waiting on? It’s already 3 months into 2025 – It’s time for YOU to be…it’s time for you to do… and time for you to go! If you need a listening ear or plan of ex*****on, let’s talk.

02/13/2025

February Encouragement

02/09/2025

Hello Beautiful!

Just wanted to drop you a quick note:
I want you to know that “YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH!!!”

02/04/2025

If your dreams don't challenge you, they're not tapping into your full potential.

01/24/2025

Join us in February!

01/14/2025

We are looking forward to connecting with you!

01/12/2025

01/10/2025

Monthly Encouragement: January 2025

Self Love is…

Self love is a practice of honoring who you are, just as you are. It’s embracing your flaws, celebrating your strengths, and treating yourself with the same kindness you offer others. It means setting boundaries, prioritizing your well-being, and speaking to yourself with words of encouragement instead of criticism.

Self love isn’t selfish—it’s a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. When you love yourself, you create a foundation for growth, happiness, and healthier relationships. You are enough, exactly as you are, and you deserve to feel that deeply about yourself every single day.

Loving yourself is the foundation of a fulfilled and empowered life. You are worthy of self care, self compassion, and self kindness. Make it a habit to celebrate your unique strengths, forgive your mistakes, and embrace your personal journey with grace. Understand that growth takes time, and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. You deserve love—not just from others, but from the most important person in your life: YOU!