Finding Joy in the Middle of Difficulty

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You don't have to wait until difficulties disappear to find joy in life. You can find joy in the journey by opening your heart to the wholeness of life, noticing the good around you, and taking time to slow down.
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Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
About Me:
I’m Emma McAdam. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I have worked in various settings of change and growth since 2004. My experience includes juvenile corrections, adventure therapy programs, wilderness therapy programs, an eating disorder treatment center, a residential treatment center, and I currently work in an outpatient therapy clinic.
In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.
And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love www.churchofje...
If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at suicideprevent... or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.
Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC
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[@ewalk22]

Love your authenticity and vulnerability!! Amazing!

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Thanks :)

[@pinkpetal489]

The way your daughter confirmed “yeh” to being a good girl was a treasure - I found myself repeat watching that part 💫

[@eileenforaker394]

Instead of resisting the wholeness of life... wow. Exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you.

[@krystalkellymusic]

I watched this a second time straight away after the first time, and then started to cry/sob during the second time. I shared it on my Facebook after. Thank you so much for the love you exude, this video helped lift a LOT of pain 💗 Thank you

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Thanks for your kind words

[@christopherscotellaro]

Luv who you are. Lean into the darkness of the firestorm. Let go at the same time youre leaning into the forests of the soul. Peace n joy to you all! I luv you. A’ho

[@catsymousie7611]

The voice of your baby melts my heart!

[@Just2SistersSeekingJoy]

Life has so many challenges. Living in the gap instead of the gain. Love your message. Thank you!

[@joeker50]

Welcome to the real world. With kids it's different. You have so many moments where you get frustrated 😤 and 1 minute later my daughter smileys at me and I forget the world. Those little moment makes me keep going. I have Panik attack for 10 years now and it's very very hard but telling myself that it's very hard won't make it easier.. Thanks for the reminder. We tend to forget the nice little things.. Our brain is constantly looking for danger so our bad can protect us and that's why I guess we miss the little nice things in between..

[@jozefff7911]

10 years is a long time. Did you ever get treatment for panic attacks? I've been struggling a lot with anxiety and distraction is key here. At nights it is difficult however. Hours with beating heart and wanting to crawl out of my body. Rest of family is sleeping and peaceful. Those are rough times.

[@joeker50]

@@jozefff7911 I had treatment. Lots of different meds which dindt help or had to bad side effects. Psychotherapie a few years now. As soon my heart rate goes up or my nerves are on the edge I panic and I can't focus on anything. I tried alott in calm situations to be prepared but my mind goes blank everytime. No matter how many times I looked my fears in the eye, I still can't overcome them.. Cbt has done nothing for me.. I'm clueless

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Try the book "get out of your mind and into your life" amzn.to/2uYXO5f distraction and avoidance, trying to control anxiety lead to panic attacks (Among other things)

[@MsCissyBlue]

You're just the best. You and that baby made me want to cry happy tears! WOW!

[@LatifoMudallali]

God Bless your family, Emma!

[@crazeechrisee]

This is very moving Emma.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

thanks :)

[@shirleykaye4344]

Lovely video, message, scenery, everyone’s faces with smiles and awe. Thanks for the reminder that focus on the negative makes you miss all the positive and the beauty. Emma, you must be a superwoman, carrying all that weight on a hike in the mountains! My feet hurt just from watching it! Your little girls are adorable and so full of love.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Thanks Shirley

[@kapro9909]

You are one part of that visualised future, that is needed so much for humanity. Your presence feels so accurate, friendly to yourself and at the same time to all of us, thank you

[@AkashGGMU]

Your videos Changed my life... You are a proof that good people exist in this world

[@The_davinci_man]

As I am watching you more and more your growing on to me, such a graceful and modest personality you are .. thanks for being there 🙏🏼😌

[@cyndidavis7575]

“You’re a good girl, Riv” 😪

[@spencerbrown6214]

Cyndi Davis 🥰🌎

[@slimshany4602]

😁

[@creative-community-cafe]

If l got to the top of the mountain.... I would stay there.... Iol

[@TracyEliasonTracyLane]

Such a simple yet inspiring video! Thank you!!

[@LB-ku6ry]

This video brought me to tears. Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@vivivusik9909]

Thank you for this … this is what I needed … and your kids are amazing! 😊

[@andreas4268]

Amen, thank you Emma and your kids are adorable 😊

[@ryanneyoshimura126]

Thank you so much you are helping me a lot in these last days, i'm feeling so sad, but i've been watching you and studying your course "how to process emotions"... you are inspiring me to not give up. God bless you ❤ i wish i could give you a real hug

[@kelligray1848]

You are such a blessing. I only found you the other day and I’ve already learned so much. My daughter gets back from Center Cor Change next week and can’t wait to watch your videos with her. I sent her a couple. I LOVE the personal way you help others by putting yourself out there. This lesson is just what my husband and I were talking about the day before yesterday, We call it “Looking for your blessings” everyday or our daily Treasure Hunt.💗Your baby is darling! Thank you! You’ve already helped us.

[@nickvantastiq1848]

We all do the best we can!! You are doing the best you can, and helping us with your video's!!! thank you!!

[@ronnie4863]

Such simple but so profound.

[@Vineeth..v]

Lesson is what the kid said in the end.. "Ah I see trees!" Beautiful...

[@shawnaweesner3759]

Thank you for sharing your lovely children, and such wonderful thoughts! You and your family are truly a blessing! Beautiful country!

[@jozefff7911]

Great video, thanks for creating it. It is true, life is a rollercoaster of emotions and we have to get joy out of the small things.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

well said :)

[@danwohlslagel1277]

Brilliant! and thanks for your authenticity!

[@pangalanko4617]

Bravo Emma McAdam ❤️❤️❤️ well said and well done.

[@peterwycka7222]

Thank you for just being a mom.

[@judico5525]

You're the BEST!!🌟 Thank You So Much for this Video! Sending You & Your Family Endless Blessings 🌈💕💖💖💖

[@marcieheiner3934]

Kids ARE pretty good at this ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@marmaz57]

This is so beautiful. Thank you from my heart.

[@Butterfly-re9pe]

Ahwww so emotional. 🥺 thanks for sharing the “life struglles”. This is life with everything that comes with it. Thank you for sharing! New subscriber to your channel.

[@amitsinghnegi1237]

You are awesome!! Thank You!!

[@ashley6777]

I needed this today more then I can ever tell you. Thank you ❤️

[@Calopteryx0]

I hear you! Thx for sharing your experience with life when things are a bit rough, kids dont demand flawless parents, just real ones! Its okay to be mild to yourself😀 Still think you are great🙏🏻

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

yes :) still working on self-compassion :)

[@candicemariebeadco]

This is a beautiful video, thank you for sharing your heart! ♡

[@judymarkel8029]

Thank you. You have a beautiful family

[@marjoryrainey5761]

Thank you for talking to us! I personally needed this! Really!

[@jennoury249]

I’d like to see more content on how to survive parent/child estrangement, it’s a really big epidemic right now. I belong to a Facebook group for parents of estranged children and we are all beyond heartbroken. I am convinced that it is the cruelest form of torture you can inflict on another human being. I have no idea how to get through this. I am no longer a mother 😔😔😔

[@MegF142857]

As someone who struggled with infertility and never was able to have kids, then find this video to be a bit difficult. But... I basically had the same realization in my failure to have children. That ultimately I had to find peace and acceptance and to appreciate the small moments. I began to do mindfulness, which helped me in the final attempts & accepting that my husband also did not want to adopt. So... years later when in that time your children will have grown, then I still remain childless. I still look to find the peace and most of the time can find the moments each day. I then run across a video of someone complaining about their kids... and glad that at least you realize that you should appreciate your blessings. Trust me... you don't want to change into my shoes.

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

It’s such a good perspective.

[@marsireid]

My favorite video - brought me to tears. I believe everything you said! 💞🌻✨😘

[@barbarabaker7138]

Thank you 💕

[@NatachaWasylykVinette]

I really needed hearing this. Thank you. ❤

[@adinubila]

helpful perspective !

[@conniekitzinger53]

Well you know what they say - "The journey is the outcome". Thank you for sharing... what a beautiful video.

[@Fistbear]

Thank you! Really really thank you. I needed to hear that so much. I think sometimes you feel so caught up in everything that you need someone else to tell you to stop and even if it’s just for a moment. Thank you!

[@timmeshiawilson4859]

Thank you for all of the help you offer this community 💜 You are appreciated!

[@tarajoan8315]

You are so gifted at this - such heart and you’re a great teacher - thank you!!!

[@agrav2474]

This is beautiful

[@jameseckman530]

I needed this… badly 🙏🙏🙏

[@phoebe2234]

Same

[@emmadeveto4236]

You made me smile !!!😃

[@ernienieves3229]

Needed this…

[@MirandaQUEENofFISHROCK]

What a wonderfully uplifting and inspiring video! Thank you for helping me see more in this miserable moment ❤❤❤

[@audaciouslyaq]

Thank you for this video, I needed to hear this today!

[@Reverie305]

Lovely video! 💕

[@slimshany4602]

Thank you so much for this genuine and lovely video. This is exactly how I experience life, and it's almost impossible for me to stop the fight to improve myself/my life. I'm exhausted, can't focus, can't enjoy the ride. But now, thanks to therapy and grit, at least I'm aware and trying through ACT therapy and meditation to put this to a halt, and let go of my escapism. 😉 I haven't found any video that addresses this topic/coping in this way. So thanks again, great work, you have such integrity, wishing you, yours, and all around the very best! 🍁🦗

[@sweethaven5]

Thanks for sharing, I needed that. "JOY IN THE JOURNEY "!!!

[@shellebel1]

I need to have this on repeat ❤️ Why is it so easy to forget something so true and simple?

[@DarkS1ayer100]

Because of our own views. Our upbringings, etc. I've been having the same discussion with several people about the concept of joy & happiness. Why we deny it for ourselves. We feel we haven't earned it or don't deserve it. But we do. No matter where, when or how we find it. (so long as it doesn't hurt others) We all deserve these moments of peace & happiness. Same with love, joy, serenity... all these uplifting parts of ourselves. We put ourselves through enough in life. Taking a moment to indulge in what makes your happy, or be grateful for what you have, shouldn't be shamed or make you feel guilty, no matter what's happening around you. As the old saying goes... "The joy is in the journey, NOT the destination."

[@ariyana4321]

You are such a Magnificient Beautiful Being~ Eternally Grateful for the Love Wisdom Help you share here with this World~ What a Great work you do~ You have helped me so much~Wow~ I wish I could find the right way to Thank You as I don´t think it will never be enough~ Thank You so much~ & God Bless you & Yours Eternally~ Much Love

[@neilfamily2653]

Thank you so much Emma, I appreciate all your beautiful messages and free therapy. I needed this when my kids were young. But I can take this message to heart now that my kids are teens. Would love an insightful and encouraging message for this time period too. Bless you and sending Love !

[@laurieleacobb]

This channel has added such value to my life and journey. Thank you. ❤️

[@lauralucchesi-wright1097]

Yur a good therapist and mom !!! Luv yur videos !!!! ❤👍😍🤩

[@carlailenogueira3473]

I really appreciate you sharing this using this point of view! Thank you a lot for all you content. ❤️

[@MizBee28]

Absolutely beautiful, stunning. Thank you.

[@chirpyfish]

You are such an awesome, amazing and a brilliant person !! Love u...seeing u so raw n still inspiring others...hats off to u....u jus ignited sumthin positive in me !! Thank u soo much 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@kirancsk]

What a lovely video and message...the journey is the destination. Thank you.

[@ultimatestar705]

*tears of joy*

[@kathysteele4303]

I love this Emma... thank you for sharing parts of your journey

[@jiaensim3343]

This is absolutely beautiful ❤️

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Thanks :)

[@terriensberg5487]

Excellent video.

[@Hamza-GH-Hofmann]

So very well put dear Therapy in a nutshell. Amen

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

thanks :)

[@aliciawashburn5451]

This really spoke to me. Thank you!

[@ashleyprater3640]

Such a sweet and inspiring video! Thank you for sharing!

[@johannaquinones7473]

Lovely!

[@oidodsonidosonido2754]

What a wonderful soul. Is that Colorado by the way?

[@someone18879]

Just watched this with my wife - we can totally relate to what you said Emma! Thanks for this content, subscribed for more, see you on Udemy, too! :)

[@hussnainshah4914]

Beautiful

[@McLori00]

LOVED❣

[@jreverie7018]

Thanks for sharing all the videos you do :) they are very helpful! Subscribed :) keep up all the hard work

[@hannahdavis7]

Not even a mom and this made me happy af

[@soulstrong14]

I cried the whole video.

[@stjinnova]

Lovely and encouraging.

[@yaldaarya5596]

Thank you

[@johnmaggiorino4493]

Nice!

[@muertadelarisa]

You are aaaaaaa-wesomeee❤️

[@phillipsantana2633]

So used to seeing the sunnier side of these videos not realizing that therapist need their happiness. We lose sight of that. Doctors get sick firefighters get burned police officers get shot.A All the while we think of our needs the ones who provide their services could use our help as well.

[@mariesantos6041]

Beauty in nature💕🌹🌍🌈

[@blondethai1956]

Beautiful!

[@zhannas3033]

So touching made me cry :)

[@bh-qf6rc]

Great video.... beautiful kiddies

[@melissahoover1147]

You are a therapist I pray I find , a Christian who through therapy recites the Bible and lives it as best you can ,because your only human. In Jesus name , may Jesus bless you and your family. With Heath, and prosperity. Amen

[@dishankgupta6451]

Great!

[@DanielAlvarez-sl6yh]

Awesome

[@josephedwards8604]

"Stop resisting life and find the beauty in it." You said it as your daughter was doing it! Talk about the proof being in the pudding? 😊

[@cliffwilliams2616]

"Finding moments of joy in the suffering." Yes, though sometimes the suffering is so intense it is nearly impossible to find any joy. I am interviewing people who have lived through trauma or experienced something unique and meaningful so as to tell their stories online or in a book. For information about being interviewed: www.youtube.com/@cliffwilliams2616

[@aubreyterron9910]

Goodness, what poor 5 souls thumbed this down?!

[@hohjieshengmoe9380]

Deserts:

[@sneakerbabeful]

Only results matter. The journey is irrelevant, beauty is a lie.