A day of no problems
“Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
Words: Maya AngelouPhoto my own...
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peacethere may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietlyand clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and the ignorant;they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourselfwith others,you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greaterand lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as wellas your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs;for the world is full of trickeryBut let this not blind you to whatvirtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridityand disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield...
Midlife, it’s time.
I think midlife is when the universe gently places her hands upon your shoulders, pulls you close, and whispers in your ear:I’m not screwing around. It’s time. All of this pretending and performing – these coping mechanisms that you’ve developed to protect yourself from feeling inadequate and getting hurt – has to go.
Your armor is preventing you from growing into your gifts. I understand that you needed these protections when you were small. I understand that you believed your armour could help you secure all of the things you needed to feel worthy of love and belonging, but you’re still searching and you’re more lost than ever.
Time is growing short. There are unexplored adventures ahead of you. You can’t live the rest of your life worried about what other people think. You were born worthy of love and belonging. Courage and daring are coursing through you. You were made to live and love with your whole heart. It’s time to...
Be a lady, they said. By Camille Rainville
Be a lady they said. Your skirt is too short. Your shirt is too low. Your pants are too tight. Don’t show so much skin. Don’t show your thighs. Don’t show your breasts. Don’t show your midriff. Don’t show your cleavage. Don’t show your underwear. Don’t show your shoulders. Cover up. Leave something to the imagination. Dress modestly. Don’t be a temptress. Men can’t control themselves.
Men have needs. You look frumpy. Loosen up. Show some skin. Look sexy. Look hot. Don’t be so provocative. You’re asking for it. Wear black. Wear heels. You’re too dressed up. You’re too dressed down. Don’t wear those sweatpants; you look like you’ve let yourself go.
Be a lady they said. Don’t be too fat. Don’t be too thin. Don’t be too large. Don’t be too small. Eat up. Slim down. Stop eating so much. Don’t eat too fast. Order a salad. Don’t eat carbs. Skip dessert. You need to lose weight. Fit into that dress....
Human First
*Deep breath* My hard learning this week ...
I am part of a wonderful trio of super-supervisors. We are women who meet monthly for a few hours of peer supervision. Between us we have decades of experience both as #therapists and #supervisors. We are knowledgeable, self aware, hard working, compassionate and funny. We hold each other accountable, we cheer each other on, we lean into the difficult conversations and we sit together to find ways forward in the 'what do I do' moments. We are grateful for each other and appreciate the input we offer as the years of experience offer fruitful guidance and knowledge.
Want to know what else we are??#HumanFirst!
Human-ness
I often say, before we are anything we are human first. By that I mean we are impacted just like the rest of the humans on earth, by our experiences, we have emotions, we have struggles and joys.
Just because we are a therapist or supervisor, it doesn't mean we are not human. In fact,...
Sometimes only a swear word will do
If you're wondering what it would be like to hear me say such a thing, just try saying it in a Geordie accent
As a fellow therapist said to me quite some time ago when we were discussing congruence, and ethics of authenticity and genuineness - "Sometimes only a swear word will do!"
Be authentic
In therapy and supervision I invite those I work with and support to be their authentic self. In turn, I offer my authentic self too.
That means, if you swear that's ok with me.If you don't swear, that's ok with me.If you use wild hand gestures that's ok with me.If you express yourself in contemporary dance or song that's ok with me.If you want to show me your pet that's ok with me.If you struggle to find words that's ok with me.If you feel really emotional that's ok with me.If you want to draw or write what's in your thoughts that's ok with me.If you want to scream that's...