#NewBlog

I believe that

it's a vibe thing...

which is why I've created this place full of resources ranging from stories, to travel, to wellness techniques and more.

Lessons Learned Self-Publishing My First Children’s Book

Cristal Cook LCSW

Sep 14, 2022

Lessons Learned Self-Publishing My First Children’s Book

Edit, edit, and then edit some more! New to self-publishing my first book, I knew I needed help from people with specialized knowledge. My team and I--five of us in total--edited up until the last moment, before sending the book to production. This was AFTER multiple rounds of editing and rewriting over many months. Everyone on my team brought something to the table… but I knew that I needed someone with specialized knowledge to help me get the book all the way from “a good i

Cristal Cook LCSW

Jul 28, 2022

Self-Limiting Beliefs

What Beliefs Are Holding You Back? I wonder… how many people left this life with unfulfilled dreams? When we are children, it seems like we dream big, I mean REALLY big. Then something happens, life happens I suppose. We grow up, get busy with this and that, and think to ourselves, “I’ll get to that dream someday.” How often does that “someday” never arrive? Here I am in my early fifties and finding myself truly driven to do some of the things I have always wanted to do, and

Cristal Cook LCSW

Jul 21, 2022

Podcast with Elizbeth B. Hill

My very first podcast interview was so much fun! Elizabeth B. Hill is a terrific host and an inspiration. I met Elizabeth a few months ago when I was invited to be a contributing author in a leadership anthology being published by her company, Green Heart Living Press. We talk about my book, Hope Is a Butterfly, If You Don’t Squish the Caterpillar, my entrepreneurial journey, my own personal transformation, and what I am doing now. Tune in to get the full interview. To see th

Cristal Cook LCSW

Jun 13, 2022

Editing the Book - Hope Is a Butterfly, If You Don't Squish the Caterpillar

In this chat, Cristal Lynn Cook, Jasleni Brito, and Daniela Doncel talk about the importance of copyediting and how the final stages of the editing process proved to be quite beneficial for the quality of "Hope Is a Butterfly, If You Don't Squish the Caterpillar." A Chat with Copy Editor Daniela Doncel ABOUT THE BOOK Hope the caterpillar goes into her chrysalis - but change can be very scary - and her friend Gracie wants to help her escape! Join these lovable characters as t

Cristal Cook LCSW

Jun 12, 2022

Writing the Book - Hope Is a Butterfly, If You Don't Squish the Caterpillar

In this chat, Cristal Lynn Cook, Jasleni Brito, and Peige Rosales talk about how the story "Hope Is a Butterfly, If You Don't Squish the Caterpillar" came to be written, what editing advice brought about the greatest improvements, and what the story means for them. A Chat with Content Editor Peige Rosales ABOUT THE BOOK Hope the caterpillar goes into her chrysalis - but change can be very scary - and her friend Gracie wants to help her escape! Join these lovable characters a

Cristal Cook LCSW

Jun 5, 2022

Illustrating the Book - Hope Is a Butterfly, If You Don't Squish the Caterpillar

In this chat, Cristal Lynn Cook, Jasleni Brito, and Kat Powell discuss how Kat came to be the illustrator for "Hope Is a Butterfly, If You Don't Squish the Caterpillar" and what the project was like for Kat from an artistic perspective. A Chat with Illustrator Kat Powell ABOUT THE BOOK Hope the caterpillar goes into her chrysalis - but change can be very scary - and her friend Gracie wants to help her escape! Join these lovable characters as they learn about friendship, hard

Cristal Cook LCSW

Jun 4, 2022

A Look Into the Making of the Book & More...

In this chat, Cristal Lynn Cook and Jasleni Brito reflect on the beginnings of their collaboration, talk about the process of creating Hope Is a Butterfly, If You Don't Squish the Caterpillar, and offer advice for those on the same journey. A Chat with Intuitive Brand Coach Jasleni Brito ABOUT THE BOOK Hope the caterpillar goes into her chrysalis - but change can be very scary - and her friend Gracie wants to help her escape! Join these lovable characters as they learn about

Never Underestimate The Power of Your Thoughts

Cristal Cook LCSW

May 8, 2022

Never Underestimate The Power of Your Thoughts

Do the problems of the world leave you feeling overwhelmed, helpless, hopeless, and filled with dread? If so, then you are not alone. Everywhere we turn, it seems that doom and gloom linger around the corner. All of the makings for world disaster are present: violence, conflict, separation, political upheaval, and a worldwide pandemic. But, worrying and fretting about all that is wrong in the world doesn’t make things better. In fact, expending your energy by feeling, thinkin

Cristal Cook LCSW

Apr 25, 2022

Slowing Down Time – Is it possible?

Does being fully present in each moment slow down time? Well, it doesn’t actually change the speed of time, but it does alter our perception. When we practice being mindful and present to each moment rather than rushing through our days thinking of what we need to do next, time will feel slower. Can you relate to the following scenario? First thing Monday morning, your supervisor begins providing instruction on a project to be completed that week, but you are only half listen

Cristal Cook LCSW

Mar 21, 2022

Should I See a Therapist?

There was a time when people rarely sought the help of a psychotherapist; it just wasn’t the norm. Thankfully, things have changed, and there is much less stigma attached to seeking mental health services. Many of my peers see a therapist as a regular part of their mental and emotional health, much like getting regular massages or hiring a personal trainer. For some, therapy is an ongoing supportive element to one’s self-care, for others a few sessions is sufficient to meet t

10 Ways to Improve Communication With Your Teen/Tween

Cristal Cook LCSW

Mar 14, 2022

10 Ways to Improve Communication With Your Teen/Tween

Does it sometimes feel that your adolescent started speaking a new language once they became a teenager? Well, there is some truth to that. After 20 years of working with teens/tweens, I have conclusively found that what you intend to say or convey is interpreted much differently by your teen/tween than the same message might have been received even a year or two earlier. While it is a normal developmental stage for adolescents to individuate from parents, it does increase th

CRISTAL COOK, LCSW

I believe that

it's a vibe thing...

which is why I've created this place full of resources ranging from stories, to travel, to wellness techniques and more.

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