All Psyched Up: Healing

By Linda Hancock on October 25, 2025.

At Westman Village, where I live, there are weekly activities for the residents. These include holiday celebrations, card and board games, sporting activities, Bible study, movies and opportunities to attend interesting presentations.

Anyone who knows me won’t be surprised to hear that I frequently contribute to these with either planned or impulsive verbal input.

Recently, I attended an educational session in the theatre that described the history of tarot reading. Many questions were asked at the end by people who wanted to know about the future for their personal lives and for the world.

I just couldn’t resist. When I stood up, without having notes or preparation time, I explained that there are many ways to heal and change things for the better. Because each of us is unique, we might turn to psychological methods such as taking courses, seeking out professional help or using our spiritual faith for comfort. Some people benefit from dancing, laughing or developing friendship groups consisting of positive people.

As a doctor, however, I recommended two specific things that will help everyone individually and our world collectively to heal:

1. Resolve unresolved issues – If you have something in your life that isn’t settled consider the fact that this is stealing your energy and well-being. You might try to push it into the back of your mind, but it is still there. Quit ignoring things that are eating away at you! People often let things fester for years and years without taking any action.

Sometimes they think that it is up to the other person to take the first step or that over time it will just disappear. It won’t. You cannot be responsible for the actions of other people, but you can do your best to apologize, make things right or clean up any mess that is still outstanding. You know exactly what I am talking about as you read this. Deal with it and you will feel so much better!

2. Avoid energy vampires – If you have someone in your life who is draining you, leaving a bad taste in your mouth or acting in an abusive fashion – get rid of them! Now this might sound harsh, and we all tend to think that it is important to meet the needs of others but when you are working harder than the other person, you are working too hard.

It does not help you or the “Negative Nellie” to just sit there and listen to complaint after complaint after complaint. This is especially true for those who are focused on speculating gloom and doom. I limit the time that I spend with those who are focused on what MIGHT happen especially if their predictions are about other countries or things that are out of our control.

You are responsible for what you do and need to be careful about the things and people you are exposed to. Unresolved issues and negativity are stealing your joy!

Healing is about doing specific things to improve your life. Try being your own doctor! Make sure that you deal with old wounds in a healthy manner. Incorporate self-care practices that will bring peace and positivity into your day. Health and happiness are yours for the taking!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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