Did I agree to attend a workshop or a retreat? This thought came up less than a week before I would be flying across the country to spend 3 days in a cabin in the woods with nine perfect strangers I had never met in person. Didn’t I read a book like this by LianeContinue reading “Retreat or Workshop? Nope. It Was Magic”
Author Archives: bshort1968
Caregivers Require Care Too
Caregiving is the most stressful and difficult job there is. I remember when my son was born. I delivered him and 24 hours later, my husband and I were sent home to care for this precious human on our own. Our doctor and friends referred us to reference books to guide us. The manuals wereContinue reading “Caregivers Require Care Too”
Consistency: Built From Baby Steps
I was recently asked to share how I have consistently shown up for myself and the strategies or techniques I practice to create new habits. It hasn’t been a quick process. I only add (or subtract) one thing at a time. I have implemented change by practicing one small habit consistently. For example, getting upContinue reading “Consistency: Built From Baby Steps”
Hmm, How Can I Help?
Raising children is not easy. Caring for a child with medical needs or physical and intellectual disabilities adds to the challenges. The disease or disability can often take a family hostage, or at least that is how it feels. Your time is not your own. Your needs get kicked down the road. Sometimes they travelContinue reading “Hmm, How Can I Help?”
Exchange Excuses for Reasons
Last night I wanted chocolate. It was after 7 pm. I am not a woman who eats after 7 pm I reminded myself. My brain ignored this gentle reminder. It proceeded to recite why I should eat the chocolate. My mind provided a multitude of justifications. If you don’t eat it, someone else will. ItContinue reading “Exchange Excuses for Reasons”
Decorating My Funk With Some Live Music
“If you find yourself in a funk—don’t decorate it.” I came across this quote in one of my journals this week. It is a quote from Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic. This book is a favorite of mine. It is uplifting, inspiring, and well–magical. Gilbert warns that when you are feeling the blues, it isContinue reading “Decorating My Funk With Some Live Music”
The Beauty in A Pause
“Let’s just take a pause”, he said. As he finished the sentence, the floodgates opened. I began to cry. There I was sitting in the office of this man I had just met for the first time crying “the ugly cry”. There was something about what he said that released fear, anxiety, and frustration thatContinue reading “The Beauty in A Pause”
Are You Experiencing Caregiver Burnout?
Caregiver burnout is defined as a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Caregiver burnout can occur when caregivers are not receiving adequate support, or doing more than they are physically, emotionally, or financially able to accomplish. OftenContinue reading “Are You Experiencing Caregiver Burnout?”
The Power of a Kind Word and a Smile
“Remember that your smile alone can save a sad soul or heal a broken spirit.” -Unknown My mom always smiled at strangers. (She usually talked to them too.) The example I was shown by mom was to always be kind. Long before we all had tees in our drawers to remind us to “be kind”,Continue reading “The Power of a Kind Word and a Smile”
Looking Through the Rearview Mirror
Have you ever looked through a rearview mirror and been surprised by what you see? You wonder how you didn’t notice a tree, a person, a plant, or a house as you passed it. Sometimes our focus is on other things and we miss stuff. You also see things you would have never witnessed ifContinue reading “Looking Through the Rearview Mirror”
Conversation for Change 