RiseUP Blog

Max is one of the most popular names for a male pet, and I have lobbied to name several of our animals Max, only to be outvoted. So, what did I do?

Unfortunately, people can end up bleeding in a lot of situations—whether a car accident, a mass shooting, or a knife injury in the kitchen. If more people knew how to respond to these situations, many lives could be saved...

This week I want to encourage you to be thankful for the people in your life. When Thanksgiving Day comes and you gather with friends or family, hug those around you one more time. Listen to the familiar stories one more time.

Be confident in who you are and what you can accomplish, but also know that your self-esteem isn’t tied to your present belief about yourself.

The older I get, the more I realize that I don’t need things. I’d rather have experiences with people, and I want to make sure they know that I appreciate them and am thankful for their presence in my life.

We have finally made it to that long-awaited October holiday, Halloween. Sunday night is sure to be a lot of fun. I hope your family enjoys the traditions you’ve created for this fall celebration.

The wisdom I wish to impart to you this week is about advocating for your own health needs. ... You know your own body, and it’s important to speak up if something seems abnormal.

My "tank empty" warning light came on 13 miles from the next turn of my trip, where I knew for certain I could find fuel. I had no idea if I had enough reserve gas in the tank to make it to the closest gas station...

What I want you to see is that if everyone in the world would pick just ONE THING that matters to them and then would step in and help, the world would be a kinder place.

(The presenter for  this teen workshop  was Lieutenant Daniel Francis, who has been working for 15 years in the Chattanooga Police...

The way we communicate is very important, because it gives other people one of their first impressions of us and is a key tool for building healthy relationships. Our communication skills demonstrate the level of respect we have for ourselves, our friends, our family, and others we meet.

This is the time of year when a person is at great risk of being overcommitted. I want to encourage you to either use the calendar in your phone or a physical planner and block out dates for fun activities, as well as time for just taking care of you.

The teen years are among the most challenging in life, because you feel pressed from all sides to know “right now” who you are and what you want to become.

(In our teen workshop on personal risk management, Nick Bosco explained the often-confusing lingo of insurance policies and premiums. With prior careers in engineering and telecommunications, he says that owning a Farmers Insurance agency in Chattanooga for the past seven years is the most rewarding job he’s ever had.)

Why is it that I can imagine myself exercising to be more healthy…but NEVER do it? If I were to put as much energy into walking my dogs as I do writing my next scene, I would be much farther ahead in my weight loss goals.

You want to surround yourselves with people who don’t always think like you, but instead challenge you to be your better self. You also want to be strong enough in your own thoughts and opinions that others don’t bowl you over and keep you from your own individuality.

(This is a recap of an  interactive teen workshop  by Arianne Brigner, LPC-MHSP, who provides comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy...

Happy Friday, RISERS! This is a holiday weekend, so I hope you’ll find a bit of rest from your labors. I have been very blessed to be...

Now, with Fall quickly approaching, it’s a great time to put good intentions into action. Let’s get outside and ENJOY!

This adult workshop shares practical ways to help your child(ren) have a successful school year. Most foster kids are behind in school due to the trauma they have experienced, and COVID-19 has compounded these issues. Try these 25 simple strategies to help your teens become the best they can be.