5 Signs You're In A Codependent Relationship, According To A Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Jasmine Williams
May 24, 2024
codependent relationship

Experiencing rough patches with your partner can make you wonder, "Am I in a codependent relationship?" — especially when those arguments revolve around feeling like you're responsible for their problems. It's something I've asked myself several times throughout my relationship before my S.O. and I chose to go to couples therapy. (It happens, and it helps!).

It's obvious that therapy speak has become popularized (and sometimes weaponized) on social media, but it's better to rely on a licensed professional's insights than always take matters into your own hands. That's where licensed mental health counselor Jessica Lamar, Psy.D, LMHC, LPC, CPTT comes in. She has all the info you need to recognize the difference between a healthy relationship and a codependent, how to recognize if you or your partner have codependency tendencies, and more.

What are signs of a healthy relationship?

Image via Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Before we jump into how to recognize you're in a codependent relationship, I think it's important to talk about what a healthy one looks like.

Lamar says, "Healthy relationships are all about mutual respect and support," before outlining the five components they're made of.

  1. Strong Communication: You feel comfortable talking openly and honestly with each other, even about difficult topics. You listen actively and try to understand each other's perspectives.
  2. Trust and Respect: You trust each other's judgment and intentions. You value each other's opinions and feelings, even if they differ from your own.
  3. Healthy Boundaries: You both have a sense of independence and individuality while still being committed to the relationship. You respect each other's need for time with friends and family and for personal pursuits.
  4. Support and Encouragement: You celebrate each other's successes and offer encouragement during challenges. You support each other’s goals and dreams while also maintaining your own individual identities and interests.
  5. Healthy Conflict Resolution: Disagreements are inevitable, but healthy relationships approach them in a calm and respectful manner. You focus on finding solutions together rather than blaming or criticizing each other.
I've learned there's a huge difference between saying we want a healthy relationship and actually doing the work to build and maintain one. Learning how to effectively communicate with my partner and work towards healthy conflict resolution hasn't been easy, but I can say our bond has gotten deeper as a result."Healthy relationships involve shared decision-making, the ability to resolve conflicts constructively, and a balance between togetherness and personal space. Importantly, there is no fear of expressing thoughts and feelings, and both partners feel emotionally and physically safe," continues Lamar.

What are codependent relationships?

Image via Dziana Hasanbekava/Pexels

Now that we know more about healthy relationships, it's time to peel back the layers of codependency. It can be confusing if you're seeing the term on social media without fully understanding what it means.

One thing Lamar says is that "All relationships require some level of give and take, but when there is an imbalance, that may be a sign of codependency." The question is what does that mean exactly?

"A person with codependent tendencies is someone deeply impacted by another person's actions and can become fixated on trying to control their behavior," she explains. Ironically, this is actually really common in relationships. She further explained that an estimated 10% to 20% of people have codependent traits, but it's not easy to figure out how much it affects people due to other factors.

"...it often overlaps with other mental health conditions and varies widely among different populations. This makes it difficult to compare studies. Also, codependency can exist on a spectrum from mild to severe. Someone might exhibit some codependent traits without meeting the criteria for a full-blown issue," Lamar says.

However, she did say codependency is more common in the following scenarios:

  • People who have experienced early-life trauma
  • People in relationships with someone struggling with addiction
  • People who have specific personality traits like anxiety or low self-esteem

As with anything where we feel like we're oversharing or going the extra mile to offer reassurance, this can cause us to feel more stress than we should. Lamar agrees and says, "It's important to recognize that these relationships often feel one-sided and can lead to burnout, resentment, and emotional distress. Codependency can also develop in various relationships, romantic or not."

How can two people recognize if they're in a codependent relationship?

Image via Katerina Holmes/Pexels

So, how do you know if you're in a codependent relationship or not? Like my therapist once told me, patterns tell the truth whether we want them to or not.

"These may include a lack of boundaries, where one person is consistently giving more than they are receiving. One partner may feel a persistent need to fix or rescue the other, leading to an imbalance of power and responsibility," Lamar points out.

Remember what she said about relationships being give or take? It turns out there's a such thing as doing too much giving or caring to the point of thinking you have the power to eliminate every single problem someone has. Also, you or your partner may have been doing certain things just to keep the peace in your relationship.

Ultimately Lamar says, "If the happiness or stability of the relationship depends overwhelmingly on one person’s actions or emotional state, it’s a strong indicator of codependency."

Are there steps couples can take to change the nature of their codependent relationship?

Image via Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

We're not here to scare you into thinking you have to break up with your partner if you recognize any of these signs though. There's actually hope for you to create a healthier dynamic, according to Lamar. They look like:

  • Establishing Boundaries: Clearly defining and respecting each other’s personal boundaries is crucial.
  • Developing Individual Interests: Encouraging and supporting each other in pursuing individual hobbies and interests can help maintain a sense of self.
  • Improving Communication: Open and honest communication about needs, feelings, and concerns helps to build mutual respect and understanding.
  • Seeking Therapy: Couples therapy or individual counseling can provide a safe space to explore and address underlying issues contributing to codependency.
  • Practicing Self-Care: Both partners should prioritize their own well-being, ensuring they are mentally and emotionally healthy.

She wants you to remember that "It's important to remember that change takes time and effort. Be patient and celebrate each other's progress."

Take it from someone who's been in a relationship for a decade — time and effort can make a difference if both people are committed to becoming healthier versions of themselves.

When should couples separate if they're in a codependent relationship?

Image via Keira Burton/Pexels

But, I know not all relationships have a fairytale ending. Some of them venture into harmful territory where a separation or breakup is not only inevitable, but also recommended. "Separation may be advised when efforts to address codependency are unsuccessful, and the relationship continues to be detrimental to one or both individuals' well-being," Lamar mentions.

The signs that it's time to end your codependent relationship are:

  • Abusive Behavior: If there's any physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, separation might be crucial for safety and well-being.
  • No Improvement: If one of the partners is not willing to work on the relationship or change codependent behaviors, separation might be necessary.
  • Constant Unhappiness: If the relationship is causing constant unhappiness and one or both partners feel drained, it might be time to prioritize individual well-being.
The silver lining, Lamar explains, is that a separation can be temporary. She said you can look at this as, "...an opportunity to heal and grow individually before potentially rebuilding the relationship on a healthier foundation."
No matter what you decide, make sure you're taking time to thoroughly think about your next steps. "It's essential to approach this decision with care, ideally with the guidance of a mental health professional, to ensure that it is made thoughtfully and with both parties' well-being in mind," notes Lamar.

If you feel like you're in a codependent relationship, it's best to seek the advice of a licensed therapist that can help you identify patterns that may be unique to you and your partner.

Looking for more relationship advice? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Lead image via Dziana Hasanbekava/Pexels

14 “Deep” Questions To Ask Your Boyfriend That Will Actually Make You Closer

Valentine's Day is next month, so it's time for a little tough love. Are you ready? Deep breath... You're not going to get far in your relationship by wondering, "What are we doing?" anymore. For such a simple question, it carries the weight of being vague and loaded. It's not that you shouldn't want to know where your relationship is headed, but there are better questions to ask your boyfriend.

From my first relationship to being engaged with an energetic toddler, I know a thing or two about how to broach certain topics. But, I'm no one's expert so I turned to Sean O'Neill, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Director at Maple Moon Recovery, to help you figure out how to get to the heart of your relationship.

Scroll to see which deep questions to ask your boyfriend for a better, healthier relationship!

Andres Ayrton

1. Questions To Ask If You're In The 'Honeymoon' Stage

Whenever we finally move from flirting with our crushes to being in a relationship with them, it's typically followed by a period of euphoria. You and your boyfriend likely can't get enough of each other right now which is probably making your friends playfully roll their eyes. Since everything is brand new, you can still keep it light though.

O'Neill suggests asking "open-ending questions that prompt curiosity and connection:"

  • What's one dream you've never let me in on?
  • What's one little gesture that can make you feel valued?

"These couple of queries facilitate bonding while generating enthusiasm for the goals and interests of each other," he says.

Budgeron Bach

2. Questions To Ask After Your First Big Fight

Even if you and your boyfriend are super tuned in to each other, a disagreement or argument is bound to happen. In case you're worried, your relationship isn't on thin ice because you're not seeing eye-to-eye on something. O'Neill says you can ask:

  • How do you think we handled the argument?
  • What could we do differently next time to make our future fights more productive?

His reasoning is that these questions "promote growth and empathy" so "disagreements are transformed into stronger communication opportunities."

Note: Disagreements should never turn physical. It's not okay for you and your boyfriend to become physically aggressive with each other. If you're concerned about domestic violence, dial the National Domestic Hotline at 1(800) 799-7233.

Keira Burton

3. Questions To Ask Before Introducing Your Boyfriend To Your Parents

Introducing your boyfriend to your parents is a huge step that can be scary and exciting. I was terrified when my parents first met my fiancé because they couldn't stand my ex. But, the conversation between them flowed and everyone always looks for him to be at family events.

If you're ready for introductions to be made, O'Neill wants you to "encourage the normality of preplanned talks" by asking:

  • What is something about me that you think my parents would really love to hear about?

By doing this, he says it'll "help alleviate anxiety and ensure both spouses feel comfortable and attuned before meeting the parents."

Mikhail Nilov

4. Questions To Ask If You Or Your Boyfriend Have An Illness

It's never easy to experience illnesses or health scares, but it can be terrifying if you don't know how to help your partner manage if something unexpected happens. O'Neill says to "nurture insights with queries such as:"

  • What is one thing I could to assist you better when ill?
  • Are there any aspects concerning your healthy that haven't been discussed which make you anxious?

"The conversations provide a safe space for airing concerns while building up mutual support through health difficulties," he adds.

Mikhail Nilov

5. Questions To Ask If You're Worried About Boyfriend's Spending Habits

Financial red flags are always a cause for concern when dating someone — especially when it seems like your boyfriend doesn't care about his spending habits may affect your household if you live together. O'Neill suggests asking:

  • What are your financial goals?
  • How do you see us working towards them together?
  • How do you feel about budgeting as a team?

This will "make goal alignment stronger" because "effective communication about finances can prevent misunderstandings," he says. Also, this helps "lay the foundation for a shared vision of the future."

Bethany Ferr

6. Questions To Ask To Deepen Vulnerability With Each Other

Being vulnerable isn't easy for everyone, let alone two people in a relationship. It took me years to feel comfortable expressing my sadness or fears to my fiancé because I was afraid he'd think I was 'weak.' However, this can cause more harm than good because it becomes difficult for our partners to know what's going on with us if we don't open up.

O'Neill says you can ask:

  • What's one fear or concern you've hesitated to share with anyone before?
  • How can I help you feel safe sharing with me?
These questions "create room for openness and trust between partners" which aids in "helping them connect emotionally," according to him.

Katerina Holmes

7. Questions To Help Move The Relationship Forward

If you're still wondering "what are we doing" after asking some of the above questions, you focus on asking the following "future-oriented questions," according to O'Neill:

  • Where do you see us in 5 years?
  • What's something you envision us doing together as a couple in the future?
"Thinking about what is ahead strengthens commitment to the relationship and brings both partners' goals into line," he says.
Even though my fiancé and I have been together for a while, we still have conversations about our goals, health, raising our son, and more. It helps us to either stay aligned or see what needs to be addressed as opposed to letting physical attraction guide the way we feel 95% of the time.

But that's not all! We have more advice about relationships if you're looking to build a deeper connection yourself, friends, or family in 2025!

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You Probably Missed This Luke & Lorelai Wedding Easter Egg In 'Gilmore Girls' Season 2

Every Gilmore Girls fan knows that Luke and Lorelai were always endgame. Despite the fact they had to watch each other get into different relationships (while I love Max, I'll never be able to stomach the way Christopher acts ugh). But there's one moment in an early Gilmore Girls episode that teases Luke and Lorelai getting married, and even though I've watched it countless times I never caught it before!

Here's that Luke and Lorelai wedding detail you probably missed in Gilmore Girls season 2.

Lorelai teased her wedding date way before 'A Year in the Life'

@dianaathome Caught on my 11523rd rewatch 🤯 #gilmoregirls#gilmoregirlstiktok @valeriescateyescream ♬ original sound - Diana @ Home

Gilmore Girls season 2, episode 3, "Red Light on the Wedding Night" opens with Lorelai and Rory tasting Fran's cakes at Weston's Bakery ahead of Lorelai's wedding to Max. And when Fran insists the girls stay to figure out exactly which cake flavor they like the best, sticking firm to the idea that there's nothing more important than your wedding day, Lorelai doesn't bat an eye when she says, "Well, it ain't Guy Fawkes Day." And TBH, Fran's confused response is exactly how I felt the first time I watched this episode.

We all know Lorelai gets cold feet when she realizes she's not actually in love with Max and bails on him before the wedding. After all, it's definitely more memorable than Lorelai's joke, which I've always taken to be a throwaway line (she really does have a random sense of humor). That is, until @dianaathome on Tiktok pointed out that Guy Fawkes Day, a British holiday celebrating the failed Gunpowder Plot that happened in 1605, takes place on November 5 — the same day as Luke and Lorelai's wedding in A Year in the Life.

I can't believe I never caught this! And I'm not the only one. "I don't know if I'm more impressed that someone snuck this in or that you found it!" one user commented, while another says, "It is Helen Pai and Dave Rygalski's anniversary. [Luke and Lorelai's] original wedding date June 3rd is Helen Pai's birthday!" (Helen Pai is the real-life, albeit loose, inspiration for Lane Kim!)

Now, while this is a super fun connection to find, a lot of Gilmore Girls viewers are realizing just how much they dislike Lorelai's behavior in the actual scene (as in, eating all the cake knowing Sookie was already preparing one). And it's sparked a ton of conversation.

"I felt so bad for [Fran]! She put all the effort and make all those adorable and tasty cakes and the two of them are like “Hehe screw ethics we get to eat free cake!”since Sooki was just going to make one for free," one Reddit user says. "Maybe it’s the service industry in me talking but I can’t get over how annoyed I would be."

Another goes so far as to say this scene is why they "I like to think this is the reason she wouldn’t sell the Dragonfly to Lorelai & Sookie. Revenge."

If Fran's cake tasting really was free, then eating her out of house and home just for fun is definitely not cool, Lorelai. (Although I still think it's not as unrealistic as her showing up to Chilton in a tee and shorts).

Did you catch this Gilmore Girls Easter egg the first time around? Let us know on Facebook!

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Finally, A Habit App That Delivers Results With Your Very Own Personal Coach

Ask anyone who’s found success in their career, hobby, or health – they’ll admit that they didn’t find it overnight. Instead, they’ll attribute their achievements to a simple concept: consistency.

Being consistent is way easier said than done, but it becomes less daunting when you’ve got someone by your side to keep you accountable.

Read on to learn more about Zabit, a new habit coaching app that empowers you to achieve your goals with the help of an expert personal coach.

Zabit

That’s why Roddy Lindsay founded Zabit, a new habit coaching service that relies on pairing clients with personal coaches – AKA the ultimate accountability buddies!

Whether you want to improve your workout plan, decrease your use of social media, limit your alcohol consumption, or get better sleep, Zabit coaches are there to motivate you toward your goals with one-on-one personalized messages, just like you're texting your best friend.

Zabit

“Zabit’s mission is to make accountability universal and affordable. Adding accountability to everyday habits to make them long-lasting should be as easy as ordering an Uber,” said Lindsay, founder and CEO of Zabit. “By combining the empathy of human coaches with the ubiquity of mobile technology, Zabit is forging a new paradigm for behavior change.”

Zabit

Zabit’s personal coaches are psychologists, wellness professionals, and advanced clinical psychology students with at least three years of training, so they’re equipped with all the right knowledge to help you stay on track with your goals, no matter what they are.

When it comes to your personal goals, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Pair with a Zabit coach today – you can get started now with a free 2-week trial. From there, plans start at just $8.99 per week.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on achieving your goals!

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Each Zodiac Sign Has It’s Own “Power” Colors — & They Can Actually Make You Happier!

Did you know the colors you are surrounded with can enhance your mood and energy? Think about the color palette in your closet right now. What colors are you most drawn to? Before you freak out if black or gray are your go-to colors for your daily wear (guilty!) maybe after reading this, it will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and try to work with new colors. What if I tell you that your astrological sign has a designated color palette to support your journey?

Color therapy, or “chromotherapy,” can supplement your well-being. Integrating astrology will also help you pinpoint the colors you are most attracted to and how to become more in tune with yourself. Astrology is a fantastic modality for gauging self-acceptance while also becoming your best self, and color therapy is the therapeutic means to rebalance and power up your goals.

Working with the colors assigned to your zodiac sign can support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Read on to learn how color therapy works and which color palette best suits your zodiac sign!

Here's how to make color therapy work for your zodiac sign — and feel good doing it!

What is color therapy?

Helena Lopes

Color therapy is a holistic, non-invasive modality used for the body. Historical figures such as Pythagoras (circa 2,500 years ago) applied “color light” therapeutically, while “color halls” were used as a means of treatment in ancient Egypt, China, and India. The modern medical pioneer patron of color therapy was Niels Finsen of Denmark in 1877. He discovered that visible light was how ultraviolet or red light energy could heal wounds, bacterial infections, or scars. Sounds familiar? In this present, infrared light therapy is used for pain relief, improved sleep, inflammation, facials, detoxes, and more. Knowing this, you can see why color and light restores our mind, body, and emotional needs.

There are many ways in which you can work best with color therapy. To implement physical changes, you can update your selection of colors in your clothing, nail colors, makeup palette, or home decor. For the mind and emotional system, you can work with colors through visualization practices like art, meditation, or a color therapy lamp.

How Can Color Therapy and Astrology Work Together?

let mous

Color therapy works by frequency or wavelengths of colors, which can have a physiological or psychological impact on our well-being. Using appropriate colors guided by your zodiac sign can rebalance or harmonize your body’s energy centers. How can color therapy integrate with your zodiac sign? It begins by knowing and working with your Sun sign, granting you more confidence and understanding regarding your direction. It extends our overall vitality and spreads endless radiance in our lives. It fuels our well-being and emits light wherever it touches in the birth chart. In principle, our Sun sign is our destination point, our identity. Now, the Sun Sign is where we can reach that higher level of understanding about our process and how we will experience fulfillment in this life. Incorporating color therapy guided by astrology can help you obtain confidence, and when you feel balanced, you make sound choices.

​How Colors Align With Zodiac Signs

Brit + Co

Observing the astrological signs, they are all categorized within the elemental values. Starting with fire, the signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are placed within this element. These signs hold precedence over the esoteric realm of spirit as they are meant to initiate, inspire, and teach. Fire tones are within the spectrum of golds, reds, and oranges.

The signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn reside within the earthy realm. They are supportive, detailed, and persevering in nature. The earth element enables humanity to take a firm stance involving patience or consistency. Deep greens, grays, and navy are colors that hold a grounded energy for these signs.

The signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius inhabit the air element. Those who hold this element strongly have the skill to circulate a constant flow of ideas, remain stimulated, and effectively communicate. Air energy guides humanity in the exchange of information, negotiation, and evolution. For clarity, the colors that best support these signs are yellows, pastel blues, or electric blues.

Ending with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, these signs embody the water element. Natives with a strong water element are receptive to others' feelings and can be intuitive. They can also conjure creativity, withstand intensity, and dive deep into the world of dreams. Colors such as purples, deep reds, or soft greens can help these signs invoke self-love and confidence.

Colors for Each Zodiac Sign

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Personality Traits: Aries is bold, energetic, and daring, often leading the way with confidence and courage. They are natural-born leaders who take on challenges fearlessly.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Colors like red and orange help Aries channel their energy and passion. These colors promote confidence, courage, and an enhanced sense of purpose to match their bold nature.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Personality Traits: Known for their patience, determination, and deep connection to nature, Taurus seeks stability and grounding. They are steady and reliable, with an appreciation for beauty and luxury.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Earthy tones like green and brown are ideal for Taurus. These colors promote relaxation, groundedness, and stability, aligning with Taurus' need for balance and connection to nature.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Personality Traits: Gemini is versatile, adaptable, and intellectually curious. They thrive on communication and change, with a playful and creative side. Their dual nature makes them curious and full of ideas.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Bright yellow and light green stimulate mental agility, creativity, and versatility for Gemini. These colors foster communication and mental clarity, enhancing their natural curiosity and adaptability.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Personality Traits: Compassionate, intuitive, and deeply connected to family and emotions. Cancer nurtures others and seeks emotional fulfillment. They are protectors and caretakers.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft white, silver, and pale blue promote emotional healing, inner peace, and nurturing energy. These colors align with Cancer’s need for emotional well-being and tranquility.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Personality Traits: Leo exudes warmth, creativity, and pride. With their strong sense of self, they seek recognition and joy, and they inspire others with their vitality and passion.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Gold, yellow, and orange help Leo amplify their natural creativity and vitality, enhancing their self-expression and sense of pride. These warm colors increase confidence and fuel their dynamic energy.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Personality Traits: Virgos are known for their perfectionism, sharp intellect, and organizational skills. They are reliable, practical, and thrive on productivity and efficiency.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft green and blue are ideal for Virgo, promoting balance, healing, and clarity of mind. These colors assist in maintaining a calm and focused environment, supporting Virgo’s need for order and tranquility.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Personality Traits: Libra values harmony, beauty, and fairness. They seek balance in all aspects of life, often striving for peace and cooperation in their relationships and surroundings.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Pastel colors, particularly light blue and pink, promote peace, harmony, and emotional balance. These soft hues help Libra maintain their sense of equilibrium and enhance their diplomatic nature.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Personality Traits: Scorpio is intense, passionate, and deeply transformative. Known for their mystery and depth, they possess great inner strength and are drawn to uncover hidden truths.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Deep red, black, and maroon channel passion, power, and transformation for Scorpio. These intense colors align with their transformative nature and help them harness their strength.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Personality Traits: Sagittarius is adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical. They love exploring new ideas, cultures, and places and often share wisdom and joy with those around them.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Purple and deep blue enhance spiritual growth, adventure, and wisdom. These colors stimulate the Sagittarian desire for exploration and wisdom while supporting their boundless optimism.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Personality Traits: Capricorn is disciplined, ambitious, and pragmatic. They take a methodical approach to life and are determined to achieve their goals through hard work and patience.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Earthy tones like gray, brown, and navy support Capricorn’s need for focus, discipline, and groundedness. These colors help them stay on course and maintain a practical mindset.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Personality Traits: Aquarius is eccentric, innovative, and idealistic. They value independence and individuality, often challenging the status quo and embracing forward-thinking ideas.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Electric blue and purple enhance mental clarity, innovation, and independence. These vibrant colors support Aquarius' need for originality and their intellectual pursuits.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Personality Traits: Pisces is intuitive, empathetic, and imaginative. Known for their dreamy and artistic nature, they deeply connect to the spiritual and emotional realms.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft green, seafoam blue, and lavender promote relaxation, creativity, and intuition for Pisces. These calming colors enhance their dreamlike state and encourage emotional balance and creativity.

​Color Therapy Visualization Technique

Anh Nguyen

Now that you know which color vibrates with your zodiac sign, you can use this visualization technique to connect more with your Sun sign. Color therapy is a powerful tool for balancing energy, emotions, and well-being. By using the healing properties of colors, you can encourage emotional release, relaxation, and revitalization. Each color carries its frequency and vibration, which can help align and support different aspects of your life, from physical health to mental clarity.

This color therapy visualization technique will guide you through grounding, relaxation, and energetic renewal. Connecting with the colors that resonate with you will activate healing energy within your body and mind, clearing away any negative or stagnant energy. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that you can do daily to restore balance and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Energetic Healing Visualization Technique

Mikhail Nilov

  1. Position yourself comfortably or sit in a lotus position. Place your left hand over your heart area.
  2. Take a deep breath through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth. With each breath, feel your body becoming more relaxed.
  3. Focus on the soles of your feet and imagine an energetic pull grounding you, anchoring you in the present moment.
  4. Take another deep breath, feeling a nurturing energy rising from the ground, reaching up to the soles of your feet. Allow this energy to gently move upward, relaxing and energizing your body—feet, calves, thighs, core, shoulders, arms, neck, face, and head.
  5. Imagine a bright, glowing light in the sky above you. This light represents your Higher Self.
  6. See the light spiraling down toward you, entering through the crown of your head and flowing through your body. As it moves, it changes into a vibrant color that resonates with you.
  7. Take another deep breath and allow the colored light to fill your core center. Visualize it growing brighter and expanding with each breath, filling your entire body.
  8. Imagine the light forming a dome or egg-like shape around your body, extending outward, cleansing your physical and energetic space.
  9. Release any tensions, worries, or negative energy, visualizing them fading away into the ground. Trust the process of transformation.
  10. Continue this visualization as long as you need. When you feel light and neutral, place your hands in a prayer position and silently offer thanks.
  11. Visualize the light around you returning to its source, and when ready, gently open your eyes.

This practice can be done 1-2 times daily, ideally in the morning or before bedtime.

Adara Cox

By integrating color therapy with your astrological sign, you can tap into a powerful tool for enhancing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These simple yet effective practices allow you to align with the natural flow of your energy and support your unique traits, helping you to feel more balanced and connected to yourself. Whether you choose to surround yourself with the colors that resonate with your sign or engage in visualization techniques, color therapy offers a profound way to nurture your overall health and personal growth.

Remember, your journey toward healing and balance is personal, and using the right colors can be an uplifting part of that process. Take time to explore the colors that speak to you and notice the subtle shifts they create in your life.

Do you wish to learn more about Lumi's work with astrology and her holistic approach? Lumi Pelinku invites you to dive deeper into your journey through an extended reading that can provide tailored insights and inspiration. Click here to book your reading today!

For more astrology advice, be sure to Ask Lumi for advice and follow the conversation on Facebook!

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17 Chimichurri Recipes To Spice Up Your Dinner

Mastering flavorful sauces is the easiest way to add some oomph to your usual dinners. You’re probably familiar with pesto, an Italian sauce that can be made with all sorts of fresh herbs, and then used to make your meals shine. Homemade salad dressings deliver extra flavor to everything from tasty Mediterranean bowls to fried chicken.

But you should also add Argentinean chimichurri to your repertoire — it’s a vinegary sauce made from herbs including parsley, oregano, and cilantro, and bold ingredients like garlic and red chili peppers. Try out these 17 chimichurri recipes to erase boring meals from your menu.

Yummy Chimichurri recipes to add to the menu this month

1. Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri

Half Baked Harvest

Enjoy this delicious skirt steak that gives each mouthful the right amount of bite.

2. Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri

Half Baked Harvest

Dive into this delicious chimichurri recipe that will satisfy all of your cravings.

3. Chimichurri Tomato Salad

A Spicy Perspective

Salads don’t have to be a side dish. Add some extras, like a flavorful sauce and a handful of fresh herbs to make them a star entree.

4. Caribbean Grilled Lamb Chops with Wasakaka

A Spicy Perspective

These lamb chops are deliciously rich, which is why it’s great when paired with a zesty chimichurri sauce. (via A Spicy Perspective)

5. Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Feel Good Foodie

Cauliflower is even better when it’s loaded with mouth-watering chimichurri.

6. Sweet Corn Chimichurri Butter Shrimp with Polenta

Half Baked Harvest

The key to making great shellfish food is using bold ingredients, like chimichurri.

Chimichurri Chicken

The Girl On Bloor

Juicy chicken and potatoes is always a delightful pairing. Along with roasted pepper and chimichurri, this meal is a a perfect dinner recipe. (via The Girl on Bloor)

8. Chimichurri Potato Salad

Salt and Lavender

Flecked with herbs and garlic, this potato salad is the perfect side dish for warm weather dining.

9. Grilled Chimichurri Scallops

Most Hungry

Quick-cooking scallops is a great weeknight option. Instead of making scallops wrapped in bacon, switch up the flavors and try this recipe instead.

10. Chimichurri Shrimp Bowls

Cozy Cravings

Spice up your favorite bowls with a fresh-tasting kick thanks to a generous drizzle of chimichurri sauce.

11. Surf and Turf: Steak and Lobster with Spicy Roasted Garlic Chimichurri Butter

Half Baked Harvest

Once you learn to make a classic chimichurri sauce, you’ll have a secret ingredient on hand that can the best surf and turf meal.

12. Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Chimichurri

Two Spoons

You can’t go wrong with a classic! Serve these delicious smashed potatoes paired with creamy chimichurri.

13. Chimichurri Curry Summer Ramen

Chef Bai

This ramen has everything you want in a meal. There’s plenty of protein, lots of fresh veggies and a dressing you’ll want to drink straight from the bottle. (via Chef Bai)

14. Chimichurri Sauce

Two Sppons

Chimichurri is anything but boring in this recipe. This pesto-adjacent is saturated with flavor and will make any meal pop.. (via Two Spoons)

15. Jacket Potatoes With Spicy Baked Beans And Chimichurri Sauce

Vikalinka

Love eating baked beans? Spice them up with smoked paprika, cumin and a homemade chimichurri sauce! You'll always want to add these toppings to your potatoes!

16. Grilled Chimichurri Salmon

Averie Cooks

This yummy recipe proves you haven't eaten salmon in every possibly way. It only takes 20 minutes to for the bold flavors of cilantro, garlic, and red wine vinegar to blend together. Once you add the chimichurri sauce on top? You'll be saying "That's good eating!"

17. Crispy Chicken Thighs With Charred Green Onion Chimichurri

The Original Dish

We never need an excuse to eat chicken, but this charred green onion chimichurri mix might replace our go-to variations soon!

Let us know whichrecipe you try!

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comfort food recipesdinner recipeshealthy recipeschimichurrifood