National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Did you know this is national eating disorders awareness week.  It may be beneficial to check out some links or stories regarding eating disorders and events.  Here are a couple to get you started.

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/programs-events/nedawareness-week.php

http://www.ourbodiesourblog.org/blog/2012/02/national-eating-disorders-awareness-week

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20120228/NEWS01/120228016/HEALTH-Breaking-free-when-food-takes-control

Hope your week is full of promise and possibility!

Missing Piece

Once upon a time in a session someone said to me “I feel like I have a missing piece and when I find it I’ll feel whole.”   The book The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein jumped in my head.  I remembered the book was about the circle Pac Man thingy rolling along and finding his missing piece.  Only, it turns out I remembered it wrong.  It is so much better than I remembered.

It is about this circle which is missing a piece.  (Think a pie slice.)  It searches far and wide for a piece that will fit it perfectly.  On the way it plays with butterflies and meets lots of different pieces it checks out.  The circle has all types of adventures and then one day it finally meets the piece that fits it perfectly.  He has so much joy because he found his missing piece.  Only, it doesn’t quite work out the way he expected.  The piece fits so well he becomes a full circle and starts rolling and rolling and isn’t able to play with butterflies or meet other pieces or enjoy any of what he passes on the journey.  The circle realizes having the missing piece isn’t better for him and separates from his missing piece.  He is able to take pleasure in his journey again.

How often are we that circle?  We think of happiness and contentment as the finish line.  I did it.  I am happy.  Maybe we think of happiness as finding that one true soul mate.  You may ask yourself “if this is the love of my life why aren’t I happy?”

It is because life isn’t about the finish line.  Life is everyday struggles and joys.  Life is sharing this with those we love – not about those we love filling in a place in our soul to make us complete.  You may not feel it but you are a whole person.  There is no missing piece.   You can grow, change and live but life is about now.  Stop looking for your missing piece.  Enjoy the journey. Play with butterflies.  Love, share joy and sorrow with those you meet along the way.  You are already worthy and complete.

You are enough!

“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Christopher Robin to Pooh

I have this quote in my office.  More than once someone has told me they read it and remembered they were stronger than they sometimes think.  Don’t sell yourself short.   This isn’t about enduring obstacles.  This is about achieving potential.  This is about jumping in with both feet.  

This is about soaring.  You are more.

A wise woman said to me...

Today I was speaking to a woman in her nineties.  She is originally from another country and her speech is difficult for me to understand but she never stops trying to connect with me.  She has had many tribulations in her life.  She told me about her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Pride evident in her voice.  The woman spoke of wishes and hopes she has for her family.  She said all her dreams for herself and her family came true.  She said if you just believe and work at it all your dreams can come true.  She said to always keep and don’t give up your dreams.

I think that is very worthwhile advice and I’m glad I had the opportunity to connect with her.

Teen Dating Rules

I was quoted in this article on this local article about Teen Dating Rules.  It was one of those times when I thought up all sorts of great tips after I finished the conversation.  I know you all have been there.  I would have probably said more about social media.  How it is important to monitor your kids use of social media but don't become all wrapped up in your kids Facebook page.  For example, don't respond to your child's friends, don't take up battle against another kid because you think they've hurt yours by a comment.  Don't make it become more important to you then it even is to them.  Your perception and your child's might be very different so if you are concerned - Talk to them and model appropriate responses.

I think my parenting advice generally boils down to this.  Trust your instincts.  Put out all the background noise, all the advice (except mine of course - whoops -even mine.) and do what you believe is right.  You know your child better than anyone else.  Trust this.  If your gut is telling you to do something, do it.  If your gut is telling you something is wrong (even if you don't want to listen,) act on it.  You can do this.  You are the expert.