All Words Have Power

I write my weekly blog on Tuesday mornings from the elliptical machine. While walking into the gym this morning I was pondering what today’s topic should be. The lady at the counter said, “I can’t wait to see your outfit. You always look so nice.” I turned, to see who she was talking to. Since…

The Love Bully

There are five beings in my house. Two humans, two dogs and one cat. Everyone gets and gives plenty of love. The Saint Bernard puppy insists on being part of any and all interactions. If my husband picks up the cat, Valentino will cry because he wants to be held. If I hug my husband,…

Impressive

  I love New Years resolutions! I love making a list, checking it twice. As I prepare for the new year, I am filled with hope, positive thoughts and optimism. I am convinced, this is going to be my year!!! Before I jump into 2017, I want to assess 2016 and acknowledge some of my…

Sameness

                        I think I am part robot. My preference is to play it safe. I do similar work outs, listen to the same music and eat the identical meals. Day after day. Without a push (or drag), I would remain stuck. I wouldn’t try new…

How Can I Help?

I am a counselor. Initially it is very difficult for people to pick up the phone and call me. They want things to get better for themselves and their children. But they are nervous. They are scared if they tell someone about their situation, it will make matters worse. I say to every potential client,…

Get It Out

If I’m super focused looking at my phone, my husband will ask, “Are you blogging?” He knows when I’m in the zone, I need to finish my thought or I’m distracted until I get it out. He understands the process. He’s creative, artistic and very talented. Until I started this blog I used to say,…

No One To Talk To

I’m a talker. If you look at me, I will smile at you. I am a group facilitator! I initiate conversations for a living. I look for the in. I find ways for people to connect. I chat with many people through out my day. My socialization starts with my morning work out. I have…

The Gift of Feedback

I got an email this week with instructions to read a document and be prepared to give honest input. My colleague wrote, “Feedback is a gift.” There are times this is accurate. Other people notice things about us we don’t see. When something is brought to our attention, we can discontinue spinning our wheels and…

Will Write For Strangers

I started this blog January 1st for a group of 12 people participating in a weight loss contest at the wellness studio my husband and I own. I wanted to be able to provide support to them. I knew nothing about blogging.                           …

Acting As If

My counseling position has been grant funded for 20 years. Last year our funding hit a road block and stopped immediately. It was no one’s fault. But it meant the program that provided services to children that witnessed domestic violence would cease, and I would be laid off the next day without warning. This was…

Coincidence?

When I was one, a family friend gave my two year old sister a piece of candy unbeknownst to my mother. It was 1970. People did shit like that back then. Apparently Andrea decided to give it to me, while we were sitting in our car seats, as Mom was driving down a busy city…

Taking It Down a Notch

Yesterday, I spent the day at the hospital waiting to hear what was wrong with my mother. She’s medically complicated and spends a good amount of time at the doctor’s office. But this visit to the hospital was unexpected. When I arrived, she was getting tests and I couldn’t see her. I sat in her…