When Things Don’t Go Our Way

How do you handle disappointment? We all seem to handle disappointments in various ways. Some are more passive at not having things go their way. Others are much more aggressive and explosive. As though everything revolves around them and it should always happen as they deem necessary. Last night I spent some … Read More

Commemorating Anniversaries

As the first anniversary of Steve Job’s death has just past, it is a good reminder that sometimes marking the date of an important event with a commemorative ritual can help to facilitate healing in the grieving process.  The first year after the death of a loved one is often … Read More

The Change of Season

As we enter into a new season, changes are occurring that may affect us all differently. We can see the change of leaves from green to red, amber, and yellow.  We feel the coolness of the nights and realize that football begins and jackets will normally need to be worn … Read More

The Looking Glass: Reflecting a Healthy Self-Image

Mirrors.  They are everywhere, even the news. Perhaps you saw the bride-to-be who banned mirrors leading up to her wedding day (even on her wedding day) because of the angst she felt.   Like the distorted images in a fun house mirror where our bodies seem contorted and strangely shaped, … Read More

Appreciating Our Children As Adults

As of now all of my children are adults. I’ve come to learn and appreciate them for their wisdom and understanding at what seems to me to be young ages. I say young only because of the number of years between us. To see them maturing into the persons they … Read More

Words Have Meaning

Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Really? How about “Actions speak louder than words.” I suppose both thoughts have merit.  However, our words and ways we use them can have a profound effect on those around us. The words we use with our loved … Read More

The Season of Letting Go

I have lived amongst dogwood trees for most of my adult life, but am continually astounded at the cycle of life that takes place each year.  It is particularly evident in the autumn when the leaves of the dogwood begin turning a somewhat speckled reddish brown.  (With over 60 varieties … Read More

Fear of what?

This is a series of blogs that Jennifer Wilmoth, LAMFT wrote after returning from a recent trip to Africa. A few reflections, a few lessons learned. Enjoy the journey.  Stories from Africa: Chapter 6 Fear of what? As we entered the gates of Kibera with military escorts armed with machine … Read More

Play Connects People

This is a series of blogs that Jennifer Wilmoth, LAMFT wrote after returning from a recent trip to Africa. A few reflections, a few lessons learned. Enjoy the journey.  Stories from Africa: Chapter 5 Play Connects People   One of the ways we wanted to equip the nurses and head … Read More

In Laughter We Carried More

This is a series of blogs that Dr. Dickinson wrote after returning from a recent trip to Africa. A few reflections, a few lessons learned. Enjoy the journey.   Stories from Africa: Chapter 5 In laughter We Carried More   In looking back on the trip I noticed that we carried … Read More