Selfless or selfish spectrum, continued...

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I think, when I was a young mother, I was selfless and this was probably not very smart. I was sick a lot because my immune system was compromised from a lack of sleep, and from being overworked. At the time, I didn’t get a lot of support at home and I was also working full time outside of the house. I have two boys 17 months apart and they kept me moving.  It really wasn’t until I was in my 40’s (I’ll be 45 years old in a few days) that I started putting me on my priority list without feeling guilty about it.

I do not consider myself selfish because I am a sharing person. But, there are times, depending on the situation, when I choose it is in mine and the other person’s best interest not to enable them by providing an offering of some sort; some might call this tough-love.

When I think of selfishness, teenagers come to mind; I think most adolescents go through a period where they are self-centered and the world evolves around them. People can drop around them and they will still take on the victim role. Thank God most of them grow out of this stage; my experience is usually by the time they are about 18 years old, these young adults start to realize their impact on others.

What are your thoughts about selfless and selfishness? Where are you on this spectrum?

The power of you, continued...

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In the world of counseling, people come to therapists to get answers to their most hurtful dilemmas but what they do not realize is that a counselor works with them to create a safe place for self-discovery.

Once a trusting a relationship is established, the counselor encourages the client to quiet the outside noise and to listen to the voice of self. It is different for each of us. My journey is not the same as yours; we can go through the same experience and take away very different perspectives.

It is only when we can embrace spiritual clarity, when we can gain and grow from such experiences.

Today’s counseling is brief, and therefore it helps you connect to and or understand core blocks and then gives you the coping mechanisms to work through and deal with such issues. It treats behavioral issues but remember, behavior starts with thought and it is reinforced with the energy of feeling.

Ultimately you hold the answer inside; the power of self can be a healthy guide for you. All you have to do is learn to listen intuitively and use self-reflection as a tool to achieve success.

What are your thoughts about self?

Lost hope, continued...

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If you follow my column you are probably aware that I am in year 2 of my Master’s degree for Mental Health Counseling. This past week I have spent some time in the Children’s Psychiatric Ward at a local hospital.

As I looked into the eyes of some very sad children, I could feel their pain. I also saw some parents who seemed to be exhausted both emotionally and physically; teeter-tottering in their child’s darkness (dipping into hopelessness while trying very hard to hold on).

Experienced staff offered hope and tried to instill strength by serving this population from the heart hopeful they will see the light and open a path to healing. The energy was daunting because the stay for each child is brief while the work critical to combat the severity of suicidal tendency.

It was hard to interface in this environment but as a shift took place and I saw the brightness of the spirit come alive within, hope was once again ignited.

I believe the path of each of these children will be difficult but with loving support at home and community help, I have hope this experience is one of growth that will be overcome and left in the past.

I applaud anyone who works with adolescents in Mental Health Counseling. Thank you for your contribution to our world!

Lightning safety refresher, continued...

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The NOAA offers these statistics:

“If you can hear thunder, you are within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of a storm—and can be struck by lightning. Seek shelter and avoid situations in which you may be vulnerable.

Use the 30-30 rule, when visibility is good and there is nothing obstructing your view of the thunderstorm. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within six miles (ten kilometers) of you and is dangerous. Seek shelter immediately.

Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter.

…stay away from windows and doors and avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity including landline telephones.

If a person is struck by lightning, medical care may be needed immediately to save the person's life. Cardiac arrest and irregularities, burns, and nerve damage are common in cases where people are struck by lightning. However, with proper treatment, including CPR if necessary…

Avoid washers and dryers, since they not only have contacts with the plumbing and electrical systems but also contain an electrical path to the outside through the dryer vent.

Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.

Victims of lightning do not retain the charge and are not "electrified." It is safe to help them.

Rubber shoes will not give you any meaningful protection from lightning.

Lightning can—and often does—strike in the same place twice. Tall buildings and monuments are frequently hit by lightning.

A motor car with a metal top can offer you some protection—but keep your hands from the metal sides.

An umbrella can increase your chances of being struck by lightning if it makes you the tallest object in the area.”

A refresher course in weather safety never hurts. Pass this detail along, who knows, we may save a life in the process!

Bad mood, continued...

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This past week seems to have been a week from hell for me. You know the old saying, “When it rains it pours,” this has come to mind often over the past few day. I am emotionally and physically exhausted. And, it isn’t over with yet; tomorrow I go for a brain scan to rule out neurological concerns causing the tremors I’ve been periodically suffering. If you’ve ever been tested for something major, the unknown is pretty frightening but I need to push myself through this and, hopefully, when it is said and done, it will feel good to rule out the scary stuff or face it and overcome if necessary.

This process reminds me of the courage it takes to face the past, to challenge core beliefs and to tap into the uncertainty of the unconscious mind. This is what inspired tonight’s article.

When you think of someone who goes to therapy, do you believe this individual is weak or strong? I believe people who seek therapy are strong; they are making an effort to face their demons and improve their wellbeing.

Not everyone has to seek professional help but we all need some sort of support when we’re coping through challenge, a friend, partner, religious leader etc., whatever you are dealing with, gather your courage and face it but don’t do it alone!