SELF-HELP BOOKS CAN’T DO IT ALL HOW READING FICTION CAN BENEFIT YOU Many CEOs and other successful individuals continually espouse the benefits of regular reading. Many times, leaders read self-help books to improve their leadership skills and become more successful. This is all well and good, but even the most successful people in the world could be missing out on the unique benefits that come specifically from reading fiction. But what are those benefits exactly? GREATER EMPATHY When a psychologist analyzed 86 functioning MRI (fMRI) studies, he found that the same parts of the brain that fire up when reading fictional stories also fire up when we’re seeking to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. That’s because when the characters in the book we’re reading are thinking or feeling a certain way, we tend to think or feel that way with them. LESS STRESS AND BETTER SLEEP When we read fiction specifically, we tend to disengage from the world — and that’s a good thing! Our brains can’t always be functioning at their peak
capacity. We need breaks, or else we’ll stress ourselves out and negatively affect other areas of our lives. Stress tends to keep us from sound sleep, but reading fiction before bed engages the imagination, taking us away from the stresses of everyday life before we drift off. MORE COMFORT WITH UNCERTAINTY Even though many stories (particularly those portrayed in popular movies) have nice happy endings, most people would agree that life sometimes leaves things a little more open-ended. While this fact might stress out some people, researchers have discovered that fiction readers don’t need “cognitive closure” as much as nonfiction readers. GREATER HAPPINESS Even if none of the benefits of fiction interest you, everyone wants to find ways to make themselves happy — and for many, that is reading fiction. According to one survey, 76% of participants said that reading makes them feel good and improves their lives. So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that novel you’ve been meaning to read and crack it open!
DIVORCING A NARCISSIST
C an Y our L awyer H andle a D ifficult S pouse ?
Divorce can be one of the most difficult times in a person’s life, and things become substantially worse if your ex believes the world revolves around them. Finding a lawyer who can handle a challenging ex can be difficult. Sometimes the lawyer you hire does not seem to be handling the situation well. Before it’s too late, you can identify a few signs that suggest your lawyer is unfamiliar with narcissism, and then you can make a change. First, if your attorney fails to anticipate the opposing side’s moves, you could be in trouble. Narcissists are people with an inflated sense of their own importance who have a deep need for excessive attention. This behavior pattern is usually not new to the relationship, and you should inform your lawyer about your ex’s prior conduct. If they appear flustered or do not listen to your insight, it might be time to find a new lawyer.
outlandish even if you have proof. It’s even possible that your attorney believes you are crazy for coming up with this story. This could lead to your ex getting the upper hand in the divorce, and they could continue to abuse you throughout the divorce process. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for anyone who believes their attorney is failing them. You can find another one to help you win your case before you get too deep. The Bledsoe Firm has a long history of specializing in divorces complicated by mental illness. We have seen and navigated this situation countless times for our clients. Divorce is never enjoyable, but these difficult situations can make life unbearable. We can fix that. If you are struggling through a messy divorce and you feel like your attorney is not handling the situation well, give us a call at 949.363.5551.
Worse yet, your lawyer might not even believe you. If they are unfamiliar with narcissism or other mental health issues, they could find your story
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