The Warriors Refuge Headspace February 2025 - Volume 21
Three things will last forever – faith, hope and love – and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
Sandra McQuinn is a new Counselor at the Warrior’s Refuge in West Columbia. She has worked in the field for over 15 years at the prison, a residential treatment center, equine assisted psychotherapy center, and a Suboxone clinic, with both adults and children. She was also a teacher and school counselor for 12 years.
She was the director of a non-profit Equine rescue in the Texas Hill Country for many years rescuing and rehabilitating over 500 horses. She authored an equine book, “Horse Owner’s Guide to Toxic Plants”, which won a Best Seller’s Award.
Her love for animals also extended to caring for dogs and working part time for General Mills as a pet food specialist introducing pet parents to GM’s brand. While working there she won their Employee of the Year Award for her service. She is a passionate advocate for pet therapy and animal rescue.
McQuinn resides in Lake Jackson with her husband Jim, retired from the Coast Guard, and Nathan, her 7 year old rescued Weenie dog she adopted from All Texas Dachshund Rescue in September.
February 8th
"Safer Internet Day"
Safer Internet Day is a great reminder to pause and think about how we navigate the digital world. It’s not just about protecting ourselves from scams or hackers—it’s also about being mindful of how we interact with others online.
The internet is an incredible tool that connects us, but it can also create risks if we’re not intentional. For me, this day is a chance to reflect on how I use technology, whether I’m setting a good example for my kids or creating a safe space for open and respectful communication online.
So, here’s a challenge: What’s one small change you can make today to create a safer, more positive digital experience for yourself and others?
Christiin Ariceaga – LPCA, LCDC
February 17th
"Random Act of Kindness Day"
Have you ever been the recipient of a nice gesture just because, like finding out someone paid for your coffee in the drive-thru?
You find your favorite treat on your desk at work and it’s not even your birthday?
That’s a random act of kindness and there’s even a day for that!
February 17th is the official Act of Random Kindness Day. It doesn’t even have to cost a thing. You can leave a note of appreciation for someone that has been helpful or offer to do something that lightens another’s daily work load, like taking out their trash. Even the smallest of gestures can mean a lot to a person. And it doesn’t have to cost a thing. In the spirit of love, since it is February, show those around you that you care by practicing a simple random act of kindness.
Now, let’s get out there and make someone’s day!
Terri Brunt M.S., NCC, LPC-A Rally Point-Alvin
Activating the same regions as physical pain: Rejection activates the same parts of the brain that are associated with physical pain, such as the anterior insula and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). This is why rejection can cause both emotional pain and physical symptoms.
Increasing activity in areas associated with rejection sensitivity: People who are more sensitive to rejection show greater activity in the dACC and anterior insula when they experience rejection.
Altering feelings about oneself: Activity in the dACC and anterior insula during rejection is associated with changes in self-esteem.
Reducing performance on intellectual tasks: Rejection can reduce performance on difficult intellectual tasks.
Increasing aggression and poor impulse control: Rejection can lead to aggression and poor impulse control.
Impairing sleep quality: People who are routinely excluded may have poorer sleep quality.
Weakening the immune system: People who are routinely excluded may have a less effective immune system.
Rejection can trigger a range of emotions, including anger, anxiety, depression, jealousy, sadness, loneliness, guilt, shame, social anxiety, and embarrassment.
River Christian – LCDC
"The tale of Emma and the forgotten spark"
Emma had always been the heart of the office, a project manager who thrived on detail and teamwork. Lately, though, something had changed. At first, she was just a little more tired at the end of the day, but as time went on, the fatigue didn’t ease. She found herself zoning out in meetings, dreading her inbox, and struggling to keep up with tasks she once found manageable.
Her colleagues, including Tom, noticed the shift. Emma, who had once been eager to help, now offered short, distracted answers.
She kept telling herself it was just a tough month, but then frustration set in. Deadlines that were once no problem now seemed overwhelming, and her creativity evaporated.
The breaking point came when she snapped at Sarah over a minor misunderstanding. The guilt hit her hard—she realized she wasn’t herself anymore. That night, she sat at her desk and finally admitted to herself: she was burned out.
Burnout wasn’t just about being tired; it was about feeling disconnected from her passion, overwhelmed by responsibility, and numb to things that once excited her. The next morning, Emma spoke to her manager about how she was feeling. To her surprise, he listened and offered support, including mental health resources.
Emma took small steps toward recovery—setting boundaries, seeking support from her team, and making time for activities that reignited her spark. Slowly, the weight lifted. She learned that burnout doesn’t happen overnight, but recognizing it early gave her the chance to regain her passion and find balance.
Key Takeaways:
·Physical and Emotional Exhaustion: A constant sense of tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
·Detachment and Lack of Motivation: Feeling disconnected from your work and losing enthusiasm for tasks you once enjoyed.
·Irritability: Becoming more easily frustrated, often over small issues.
·Decreased Productivity: Struggling to keep up with your usual output or feeling overwhelmed by tasks that once seemed manageable.
Recognizing these signs early is key to reclaiming energy and joy.
