The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

Perhaps you’re familiar with the concept of validation, however, often when we think we are validating someone we are actually invalidating them (and might not even know it). Did you know that there are two rules for validating emotions and six levels and it’s not as easy as it might seem at first glance.

Although my dad in 2002 died at 55 years and 10 months old, he used to say he was “double nickels”. Now it’s my turn to be the age of double nickels at my next birthday in October. There’s always been this dark cloud hanging over my brother, sister, and I since our dad and two other close extended family members died relatively young around the same time.

I'm can't speak to the weather in other parts of the country, but right now, here in North Alabama, the weather is glorious! Warm and sunny during the day and just a hint of chill in the air at night. Perfect for getting out during the day and snuggling up in front of the fire pit at night! But, lest we forget...winter is coming!

Parents, are you ready?  Ready for what, you may wonder.  Most parents in Alabama and in the south in general are preparing to get their children ready to go back to school. 

I recently saw a post shared on Facebook by a mom that featured her two children in a photo with the intro, “Looks can be deceiving.” It went on to discuss that from the outside it looked as if she had the perfect little family- a boy and girl, a beginning child and an end.

My kids have been super excited about Summer’s arrival (for the last few months!) and kept asking me, “Is it Summer, yet?” I’m fairly certain they weren’t the only ones excited about Summer and that there were a lot of adults out there that have been excited about the warmer weather and sunshine as well!

I am deep into the process of becoming a Yoga Teacher and am loving the experience. I’ve practiced Yoga for years and love to teach so this seemed like a logical next step in my yogic journey.

A counselor friend of mine said she dubbed her client seating area as “the crying couch” and I’ve referred to the loveseat in my own office as that many times over.  One of the most vulnerable moments in therapy is when a person sheds tears while sharing their hurts, regrets, guilt, shame, and other emotions.

This week is a BIG week at my house. And by BIG, I mean, BIG….our daughter becomes…drum roll please…a TEEN-AGER!

No, this is not a singles ad, so if you’re looking for love, this is not the blog post for you. 

Here we are in 2021! We made it.  As many have written before me, 2020 was a year unlike any other.   We faced a global pandemic, a divisive election, and a myriad of social issues.  While these events were beyond our control on a personal level, it forced many to reflect on themselves and subsequently seek mental health treatment.

Most people are probably with me when I say, I’m looking forward to a new year! Possibly more than I ever have before. This year has been extra-challenging, to say the least. And while we still may have a ways to go before things are “normal” again, we have had time to adjust and stabilize to a certain degree over the last 10 months and things seem more hopeful with the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine. I, for one, am optimistic that there’s a light at the end of what has seemed to be an interminably long tunnel.