Try Something New

Six months ago I bought an easel and canvas. It sat in the corner of my office for the past six months untouched. Today I set the intention to paint a picture, and I finally did! I wondered why it took so long for me to paint my first masterpiece, and then I realized it was because I did not want to "ruin" the perfection of the white, blank canvas. So why is it we are afraid to try something new? Why do we have the idea that if we don't do something perfect the first time it is not worth trying? Don't be afraid to take a chance at trying something new because you might mess up, look stupid or fail miserably. You might find that the something new is something that you have been missing in your life.

Being Your Own Hero

When we set goals in our life we often feel defeated when we do not succeed. Many of us look for the "hero" to assist us or save us during the struggles that we endure in the journey of reaching our goals. It is important to remember to honor yourself and be your own hero. We cannot rely on others to assist us in reaching our goals. If we lived life like this we would never be fulfilled. Take time to think about what your own superpower is and how you use it best. Is it the power of organization? The power of integrity? Whatever it may be; be sure to use it to your optimal level and don't hesitate to exercise your superpower on a regular basis. When you keep this in mind you will find that your goals are more obtainable and less defeating! Give it a try!

A New Year

At the beginning of a new year many people feel they need to set "New Year's Resolutions." Often these "resolutions" are followed for the first couple of weeks of the new year and then they fall to the wayside. Why is this? Many people set unrealistic New Year's Resolutions. Yes, we may want to change bad habits, but when we set too big of a goal we often set ourselves up for failure. How can we avoid the feeling of loss and failure? Simple. Start out by setting a small obtainable goal. For example, many of us decide that we are going to lose weight. We hit the grocery store the first day of the new year and purchase all healthy food. We also sign up for a great new gym membership. We eat "healthy" food and hit the gym every night for the next three weeks, but then we realize we really want to eat that chocolate Santa leftover from Christmas...so we do...and we eat the leftover cookies and other treats and before we know it we decide that we can no longer do it and we quit the gym and go back to the poor eating habits. We are left feeling defeated and like a failure. So start small. Go to the grocery store and purchase your regular food items, but instead of getting the bag of cookies replace it with a yogurt. Do this every time you buy groceries....before you know it you will have replaced your junk food with healthy food. This principle can be applied to any goal or resolution....just take a few minutes to break the big goal down into smaller goals that will assist you in obtaining your final goal!

Strong Foundations Conference in Minnesota

As we end Prematurity Awareness Month, a month that is near and dear to my heart, I begin to look toward January 2011 when I will be presenting at the Strong Foundations Conference in Minnesota. This conference is designed to target a healthy start for little ones. Specifically, I will be presenting on Infant Trauma and Healing. Many of us forget that even though infants do not speak or have conscious memories, they can still be traumatized by events. In relation to prematurity just take a minute to think about how many medical procedures are done on a premature infant in just five minutes after they are born? These medical procedures are necessary and life-saving, but when the child is discharged from the NICU there is a possibility that other healing needs to take place. An emotional healing that relates to trauma and somatic body memories. You can learn more about this during my presentation at the Strong Foundations Conference in Minnesota in January 2011. Visit www.TheCreativeTherapyCenter for a link to register!

Time for Reflection

I find that the more time I take for self-care the better I feel. I know this is an obvious comment, but I find that self-care often gets put the on back burner...one of those things that "I'll get to when I have time." That is ironic in itself. Take time each day to do the things you enjoy such as meditating, reading, exercising or just sitting quietly. I find that I feel much better when I have taken time for me!

Summer and Relaxation

Taking care of yourself is the best thing that you can do for you and your child! When you are in better spirits, you have more energy, you feel better and you have motivation to play! Remember, taking time to play with your child each day is important to their development. In the busy adult lives we have, we often forget to stop and play with the little ones who count on us most. Your child will grow up before your eyes and the laundry, cleaning and bills will still be there, but your child will be long grown. Let the chores sit for a little bit and take the time to enjoy the simplicity of playing!

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! As parents, educators, counselors...adults...we need to make sure our most innocent people are protected. Teach your child about abuse. Educate them on good touch (hugs, handshakes), bad touch (punching, hitting, kicking), and secret touch (sexual, touch that is to kept a secret). Give the the words they need to have a voice!