Nancy Harris Blog - Psychotherapy and life coaching in Denver

Spread Your Wings

Have you ever felt a quiet nudge within—an inner knowing that it’s time to grow, to evolve, to let the next version of yourself emerge? I like to think of this moment as the call to spread your wings.

Transformation doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it begins as a whisper. A restlessness. A sense that the life you’ve been living no longer fully fits who you are becoming.

The image I’m sharing here—a peacock, wings at its sides—captures that moment just before the full expansion. It’s beautiful even in stillness. There’s strength and grace in the pause, in the waiting. It’s not any less magnificent because it hasn’t fully opened. In fact, that’s often where the most profound growth begins: in the quiet space before the unfolding.

Like the peacock, you, too, carry within you the potential for radiance. Even if you’re not quite ready to show it all. Even if you’re still gathering your courage. There is power in simply standing in who you are, right now.

Your Dreams Are Alive and Well

by Nancy Harris Leave a Comment

Life can be disappointing. People let us down. They lie, cheat, betray our trust. Unexpected events knock us off course, draining our energy and breaking our spirit. It can feel almost impossible to pursue what we want when most of our time is consumed by obligations, responsibilities, and putting out fires.

But what if—beneath all the chaos—your long-forgotten dreams are still alive and well?

If that feels hard to believe, let’s just pause and suspend disbelief for a moment. Let’s peer into the corners of your heart and brush off the cobwebs. Let’s uncover the dreams you tucked away when life got too loud, too busy, too painful.

Take a moment.

Close your eyes. Breathe. Drop into your heart and listen.

What do you hear?

Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt: How to Navigate Life’s Most Difficult Emotions

by Nancy Harris 1 Comment

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or anxious about what lies ahead, you’re not alone. Has there ever been a more stressful time on earth? Hard to know, but we sure are in the thick of it right now and most of us are feeling the stress. Many of the clients I work with come to me in the midst of what I often call these difficult emotions “The FUD Trio”—fear, uncertainty and doubt.

These difficult emotions can be powerful, and at times, completely paralyzing. But the good news is: they don’t have to control your path. With the right tools and support, you can learn to navigate these feelings with clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.

What Is Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt?

Fear is a natural response to perceived danger—physical or emotional. Uncertainty arises when we face the unknown. Doubt steps in when our confidence wavers. Together, they can make even small decisions feel monumental.

Instead of curling up into a ball and shutting off the lights, perhaps there’s a better choice. How about getting support to move through these difficult emotions, rather than avoid them. Why? Because fear, uncertainty, and doubt aren’t signs that something is wrong with you and these emotions often don’t go away on their own. They’re signs that you’re human—and likely on the edge of something profound and meaningful. With the right support, your FUD may lead you to make very valuable positive life changes.

Feeling Stuck: How to Break Free and Move Forward

by Nancy Harris 1 Comment

We’ve all been there—trapped in a cycle of uncertainty, feeling stagnant in life, work, or relationships. Feeling stuck can be frustrating, but it’s also a signal that something needs to change. Here’s how to break free and move forward with confidence.

1. Identify the Source

Before making changes, understand what’s causing you to feel stuck. Is it your job, routine, a relationship, or your mindset? Often, internal barriers like fear and self-doubt play a role. Reflection can provide clarity on what’s holding you back.

2. Shift Your Mindset

Your thoughts shape your reality. If you constantly tell yourself that you’re stuck, you reinforce that belief. Instead, shift your dialogue to something more empowering like, “I’m in a phase of transformation” or “I’m figuring things out.”

3. Take Small Steps

You don’t need drastic changes to create momentum. Even small actions—updating your resume, starting a hobby, or seeking advice—can make a significant difference.

Are They Gaslighting? How to Recognize and Protect Yourself from Manipulation-Part 2

by Nancy Harris 1 Comment

How to Protect Yourself from Gaslighting

If you recognize signs of gaslighting, (see Part 1), in your relationship with a partner, boss, friend, or family member, it’s important to take action to protect yourself:

Trust Your Gut – If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Your instincts are valid.
Keep a Record – Write down conversations, events, and incidents to refer back to later if the gaslighter tries to twist the narrative.
Seek Support – Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or support group to gain an outside perspective.
Set Boundaries – Don’t engage in arguments that go in circles or try to prove yourself to someone determined to distort reality.
Educate Yourself – Learning more about gaslighting can help you recognize it and respond more effectively.
Consider Distance – If possible, reducing or cutting contact with the gaslighter may be necessary for your mental well-being.

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