Happy Mother’s Day Mother – and Thank YOU! My remarkable mother died in 2007 at the age of 86, right before Christmas. I miss her. I wish I could again thank her and tell her I love her. I would especially like to give her a hug. Without her parenting and influence I would be a totally different person today. Her name was Millie, short for Mildred, and she was beautiful, … [Read more...]
Teens, Messy Rooms and Parental Frustration
Teens, Messy Rooms and Parental Frustration Third of four articles from the American Counseling Association - Honoring April: Counseling Awareness Month Somewhere, there might actually be a teenager who doesn't have a "messy room." Most parents would doubt that. A teen's messy room continues to be the source for ongoing parent-teen disagreements in many families. While we … [Read more...]
Sin – What do you think?
Sin – What do you think? (Opinion piece - I am a Christian - not a religious counselor) I researched SIN on the internet and reaffirmed that we have all sinned. Adam began with original sin and we all inherited it. Jesus died for our sins and gave us a second chance. But, then again, we have all sinned since then. We can say we are sorry and mean it sincerely, but then … [Read more...]
Not being satisfied is okay – even good
Not being satisfied is okay - even good Using a nasty voice, someone once asked me, "Are you ever going to be satisfied?" Without a thought, I snapped back, "I hope not!" That memory is not particularly pleasant, but it does make me smile; I was surprised at my response. Not only did the words come out of my mouth without thought, it was true. It was a good example of how … [Read more...]
Team Up For Success
Team Up For Success Second of four articles from the American Counseling Association - Honoring April: Counseling Awareness Month Yes, it can be hard to try to lose weight, exercise more or make other lifestyle changes for better health. But a recent study out of England has shown that the odds for success increased dramatically when you make changes for a healthier you … [Read more...]
Professional Counselors Offer Help
Professional Counselors Offer Help First of four articles from the American Counseling Association - Honoring April: Counseling Awareness Month Yes, the month of April is more than spring showers and blooming flowers. It's also Counseling Awareness Month. Okay, not that exciting, but still a great time to learn more about professional counselors and the services they … [Read more...]
Normal? What’s that?
Normal? What’s that? According to my Word Thesaurus, synonyms for the word normal include usual, regular, standard, ordinary, typical, customary, common, and average. I don’t think any of those words describe me, and I am glad. Who would want to be typical or average? I want to be unique and individual. It is counterintuitive, because if we are not normal, we must be … [Read more...]
Positive Playfulness for Mental Health
Positive Playfulness for Mental Health Spring Breaks are upon us, and it reminds me of watching my son and granddaughters compete in a double-elimination Mud Volleyball Tournament. All participants showed up with bare feet, shorts, tee-shirts or swimming suits, and a smile. The muddy water was twelve to eighteen inches deep and the day was perfect; sunny and warm with no … [Read more...]
UNITED WE STAND – I wish
UNITED WE STAND – I wish "United we stand, divided we fall" is a phrase that has been used in mottos, from nations and states to songs. The fable seems to have originated with Aesop who was a slave in ancient Greece during the 6th Century B.C. I believe we all need to examine and live by those simple words. Our Republican and Democratic political parties, those made up of … [Read more...]
Why I write
Why I write I saw this quote by Shannon Alder on www.goodreads.com/quotes and loved it. It is true for me for sure! Enjoy and keep writing; it is good for our mental health. “I write to find strength. I write to become the person that hides inside me. I write to light the way through the darkness for others. I write to be seen and heard. I write to be near those I … [Read more...]
Final thoughts on Fifty Shades
Final thoughts on Fifty Shades As promised - I went to Fifty Shades of Grey. It was a little boring and seemed to drag on in time. I wanted to leave before it was over. The actors, Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, playing Christian and Anastasia were easy to connect and relate with. I enjoyed the book far more than the movie, but the story of a successful man falling in love … [Read more...]
Thoughts on Fifty Shades
Thoughts on Fifty Shades I have read blogs and interpretations of the movie, Fifty Shades of Grey, and I have mixed opinions. Most of what I have read reveals authors disgust with the movie and the upside down message it gives to women and girls about healthy relationships. I read all three books and enjoyed them. They were well written and totally held my interest. I grew … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day – love from the heart
Valentine’s Day -love from the heart Valentine’s Day certainly can be lame, or a headache, and it can be very costly. But, it doesn’t have to be! Let’s make it a LOVING February day of pink and red fun with hearts, flowers, candy and chocolate for our friends, wives, girlfriends and family. The day created to recognize those we love risks turning into a day of pressure, … [Read more...]
When there is loss there is grieving
When there is loss there is grieving Loss is a hurtful condition that occurs when we lose someone or something. Grief is the emotional response to loss. Loss can be personal, such as losing a job, income, or freedom. Loss may also have to do with significant life events such as death of a loved one, divorce, chronic illness, drug addiction, infertility, disasters, or … [Read more...]
Trust – the only true means to success
Trust - the only true means to success Merriam-Webster defines trust as the belief that someone or something (person, product, or organization) is reliable, good, honest, effective, etc. I believe good mental health is more attainable if we are personally trustworthy. It is also unlikely that we will attract trustworthy people if we have opposing traits of inconsistency, … [Read more...]