Mindful Living

The less I know. I have more questions than answers. There is more gray than black or white. More uncertainty, no one "right path" or "right one", more patience with myself and others. Less tolerance of B.S. Much more compassion for vulnerability and pain. My ability to allow people to be who they are has increased, and my desire to change others has decreased. I rely more on myself to get my needs met, but enjoy my relationships more. I am much more picky about what shows or movies I watch. Less tolerance for small talk, and seek out deeper interactions, more "realness". I have more appreciation for the "muddiness" of life, and don't expect it (or myself)to come in a neat orderly package. I like myself more and even tolerate my inconsistencies. Change in myself and others is more OK, and I don't have to insist we all stay the same. My fears are less but more real. My opinion matters the most. Conflict isn't as scary but I still don&#

I recently visited my mother’s grave over Mothers’ Day, and even though it has been almost 7 years since she died, I felt the loss of her in my life sharply, as though it recently happened. For many of us whose mothers have died, Mothers Day can be a difficult, strong emotional day. What helped me this year was to be at her grave and allow myself to feel the pain, and then to connect with my family and sisters. When I am down, connecting with people usually makes me feel better, but also alone time helps me to confront the darker mood that I am experiencing- identify what I am feeling and be present with it. When a relationship ends, whether through divorce or break up (although it can feel like a death, actual death of a loved one is a different process), there is not a time frame of when you will start to feel better. I do know from personal and professional experience that you will eventually recover from the loss, but I cannot predict how long that will take. Recovering from

From the director : We are busy expanding our offices again! In the next few weeks we will have a therapy office devoted to art therapy- for children and adults. Although all the therapists can use the office, one of our therapists (Angela Waldoch) in particular has been waiting for a place to put her art therapy supplies, and now it’s happening. If art therapy is an interest of yours- you can contact Angela at the clinic. She is accepting new clients. For those of you that have been following my “puppy chronicles”, I am happy to report she has calmed down a lot! Jordyn is now 8 months old, and besides a recent trip in a police car, she is listening much better, and is a regular part of our family. We did get the back yard completely fenced in so that she will not have anymore trips in the back of a squad! Enjoy the spring weather, and especially the sunshine. Til next time, be gentle with yourself and others, Devona Marshall Question and Answer : I have no libido, and it’s really affe