Dr. Toni Falcone is a licensed psychologist located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, providing therapy and treatment for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship conflict, and trauma resolution.

You’re always just one decision away from changing your life. Why not start now?

Relationships are essential building blocks of life.

Oftentimes, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, fear of rejection, or other insecurities prevent us from feeling confident in building and maintaining healthy, satisfying relationships.

These feelings and fears show up in our relationships, sometimes without us even noticing.

Patterns like people-pleasing, putting everyone else’s needs before your own, avoiding conflict at any cost, assuming the worst, and being excessively cautious in getting close to others can feel protective; however, these patterns reflect our own internal struggles and prevent us from experiencing the connections we desire.

Building better relationships starts with you.

We seek out situations that reflect how we feel and what we believe about ourselves. Even when it’s not what we “want” in our life.

When was the last time you considered your relationship with yourself?

If you’re like many of the clients I work with, thinking about how you treat yourself is the last thing on your mind. There is always something more important to put your energy towards. You might not even realize that you’re neglecting your own needs while taking care of everything around you.

What are the things you say to or about yourself?

I bet you wouldn’t hold anyone else to the standards you set for yourself. When was the last time you acknowledged your successes? Or praise yourself for a job well done? Rather than celebrating your accomplishments, you’re already looking towards the next goal to achieve.

How well do you know yourself? Do you know what motivates you and why? Do you prioritize your values, desires, needs, and interests?

You’re so used to putting yourself on the back-burner, focusing on a task that needs to be done or helping someone else. There was a time where you knew why you started on the path you’re on, but now you’re not so sure. You’re just doing what you’re supposed to do, hoping that eventually everything will fall into place.

Maybe a better question is, when did you lose touch with yourself?

The world around you is moving so fast, it can be hard to find time to prioritize this type of reflection. So you keep moving and keep doing, you keep achieving and work even harder to do better. To be better. To feel better. Along the way your relationship with yourself becomes distant. You might not have even noticed that happening until trying to answer those questions.

If you’re like many of my clients, taking time for yourself is way at the bottom of your to-do list. You know it is important, and you really want to prioritize yourself… eventually. You place unrealistic expectations on yourself in so many areas, and still, you wonder why you feel tired and defeated at the end of the day.