Glossary of Terms

Welcome to the Surviving Life Lessons Glossary! This page provides definitions for commonly used terms within our community, covering topics related to mental health, life coaching, self-help, and personal growth. If you come across a term you don’t understand or think we should add a new definition, let us know by contacting us at survivinglifelessons@gmail.com

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A

Accountability Partner – Someone who helps you stay committed to your personal goals and growth by providing support and encouragement.
Affirmations – Positive statements repeated to shift mindset and reinforce self-belief.
Anxiety – A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, often about future events or uncertainties.

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B

Boundaries – Limits set in relationships and personal life to maintain emotional well-being and self-respect.
Burnout – A state of mental, physical, or emotional exhaustion due to prolonged stress or overwork.
Breathing Techniques – Methods used to control breathing for relaxation, stress relief, or focus, such as deep breathing or box breathing.

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C

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A therapy approach that helps people change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Community Support – Encouragement and help provided by a group of people who share similar experiences.
Compassion Fatigue – Emotional exhaustion from consistently caring for others, often experienced by caregivers or support workers.
Crisis Hotline – A phone number available for immediate support in emergencies such as mental health crises or domestic violence situations.

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D

Depression – A mental health condition that causes persistent sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty in daily life.
Digital Detox – Taking a break from screens, social media, and technology to improve mental health and well-being.
Disassociation – A mental process of disconnecting from thoughts, feelings, or surroundings, often as a trauma response.

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E

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – The ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.
Empowerment – Gaining confidence and control over one’s own life through self-awareness and personal growth.
Exposure Therapy – A psychological treatment that helps individuals face and reduce fear by gradually exposing them to it

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F

Forum – A platform where users engage in discussions, share experiences, and seek advice from peers.
Fight-or-Flight Response – The body’s automatic reaction to perceived danger, triggering a surge of adrenaline to prepare for action.
Forgiveness – Letting go of resentment or anger toward oneself or others to promote healing and inner peace.

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G

Gratitude Practice – Regularly acknowledging and appreciating positive aspects of life to improve well-being.
Grounding Techniques – Methods used to stay present and manage stress, such as focusing on senses or deep breathing.
Growth Mindset – The belief that abilities and intelligence can develop through effort and learning.

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H

Helpline – A phone number or online resource that provides immediate assistance for people in crisis.
Healing Journey – The ongoing process of recovering from emotional pain, trauma, or personal struggles.
Hypervigilance – A heightened state of awareness, often caused by trauma, making someone overly sensitive to surroundings.

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I

Imposter Syndrome – The feeling of doubt and unworthiness, despite evidence of success or competence.
Inner Child Work – Self-reflection exercises that help individuals heal unresolved emotions from childhood.
Intentional Living – Making conscious choices based on values and personal goals instead of reacting to life’s circumstances.

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J

Journaling – Writing down thoughts, emotions, or reflections as a tool for self-awareness and mental well-being.
Judgment-Free Zone – A space where individuals feel safe to express themselves without fear of criticism.

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K

Kindness Fatigue – Similar to compassion fatigue, feeling emotionally drained from constantly helping others.
Karma – The idea that one’s actions have consequences, either positive or negative.

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L

Life Coaching – A process of guiding individuals toward personal growth and goal achievement through encouragement and accountability.
Limiting Beliefs – Negative thoughts or self-doubts that prevent people from reaching their full potential.
Loneliness vs. Solitude – Loneliness is feeling isolated, while solitude is choosing to be alone for self-reflection or peace.

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M

Meditation – A practice of focusing the mind to improve awareness, relaxation, and emotional balance.
Mindfulness – Being fully present and engaged in the moment without judgment.
Motivational Quotes – Short, inspiring phrases that encourage positive thinking and action.

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N

Negative Self-Talk – The inner critic that reinforces self-doubt and insecurity.
Narcissistic Abuse – A pattern of manipulation and emotional control by a narcissistic individual.
Neurodivergence – Differences in brain function, including conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.

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O

Overwhelm – Feeling mentally or emotionally overloaded, making it hard to focus or function.
Online Support Group – A virtual space where people connect to share experiences and encouragement.

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P

Peer Support – Emotional or informational support provided by individuals who have gone through similar struggles.
Post-Traumatic Growth – Positive psychological changes that occur after experiencing hardship or trauma.
Positive Psychology – The study of human strengths and how to cultivate happiness and resilience.

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Q

Quiet Time – Taking moments of silence for relaxation, reflection, or prayer.

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R

Resilience – The ability to recover from setbacks and keep moving forward.
Reframing – Changing how one views a negative situation to see it from a more positive perspective.

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S

Self-Compassion – Being kind and forgiving to yourself, especially during difficult times.
Self-Care – Activities that promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Survivor Mindset – The belief that one can overcome obstacles and thrive despite challenges.

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T

Therapeutic Writing – Using writing exercises to process emotions and heal past experiences.
Toxic Positivity – The idea that people must always be positive, even when experiencing genuine struggles.
Triggers – Situations, words, or events that bring up past trauma or emotional distress.

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U-Z

Unconditional Support – Offering help and encouragement without expecting anything in return.
Vulnerability – Allowing oneself to be open and honest about emotions and experiences.
Wellness Practices – Daily habits that promote mental, emotional, and physical health.
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