The weekend is fast approaching

For many people but not all, the weekend is a time for family and friends. Many continue to work on these days and have other days off. Others have more than one job, just to make ends meet. There seems to be more of a division between the rich and poor, with the middle class not as stable as it once was. What is hopeful, is the youth of today. It is rare that I do not see some youth or other supporting some cause or other. Feeding the children seems to be more of a concern now among our youth, than it ever was in my generation. With technology today, we are all aware of international news. People from various countries may deny, deny, deny.....but eyes are slowly opening. With international chaos, and chaos in personal lives, one needs to re-nourish, stop - smell the roses and begin again the independent roles that exist. Self care is important for every one. The more stress that one has in life, the more one requires to take better care. Too much stress over two years will effect your health. Getting enough sleep for your body, food for your body and rest for your mind are all the requirements for a balanced life. This weekend, try to do something for yourself. Daily, try to spend at least a half hour of self care. It may be as simple as a walk, enhaling nature. Try to find it. On my front line, I have two bunnies on a swing. I sometimes notice, mostly children pushing the swing, while a parent tries to stop this. One early morning, I was looking out, when a jogger, stopped running, pushed the little swing and continued with his run. I smiled, satisfied, that a little swing could bring pause and a smile for so many. I am city all the way. The longer I live, the more I realize that my heart is in the city. The bigger, the better and the city that captured my heart is New York, Manhatten. I love the culture, the multi-nationalism and the variety that a city offers. In each city there is a monumental park. It is in those parks, where I stay intuned to my inner self. How do you define yourself? Where do you prefer to live? How do you find inner peace? Where do you rest your soul? Where do you re-nurture yourself? Why not think about your life this weekend and ask yourself if you feel rested and at peace? If you can stop during a run and smell a rose or push a swing and smile, you may be where you want to be. If you are not happy with your life, if you are being abused in your life or if you have no satisfication in your life, why not spend sometime this weekend asking yourself why? What can you do about it? How can you find rest and nourishment? What do you think?

I am back.........bringing you up to date

I want to thank you for your patience. I have been busy writing papers etc.... My fee is now $100.00 for a 50 minute hour. I have also been at the Oakwood Fairbanks fair and last Sunday's Word on the Street. Saturday was spent at a conference with the Ontario Association of Family Therapy regarding the new college of psychotherapy set to be in force for April. There are many exciting changes (in my opinion). I am planning to return to my writing for fun beginning tomorrow morning. It is a hobby which I love. During the weekend I was surrounded by very serious writers. I was surrounded by mystery writers, vampires and fantasy. Then there was me with my little book, "Hey Guy Buy Me." My day was made when a young woman who bought my book last year approached me and told me she liked my style of writing. I informed her that my next two books would be a different style but that did not stop her from being nice and saying that she was looking forward to my next book. Another author also bought my book and I found that very complimentary. He read it and corrected it promptly. I learned a lot watching seasoned authors sell their products. Did you know that it is good to stand? I do not know who decided that? I don't think it is a good idea to stand and tower over a shorter person. In counselling I do not tower over my clients. I am an equal party, with the same uncomfortable or comfortable chair. Eventually, I hope to have a sofa and choice is always offered to the client. That seems like such a contradiction. But I saw how effective it was in selling books. I heard the same lines which I initially thought was original. I just want to write for fun and hopefully sell some but a sales person I am not. I shall continue to sit so my book lovers can stare down at me and not vice versa. That is until I can sit no more. But I did get a lot of advice and tips and I am grateful that the seasoned writers even acknowledged me, let alone try to help me along. I was motivated however by authors and readers alike, especially my only fan that made my day. I wrote, "Hey Guy Buy Me" for pure fun. My second book is in progress with many interruptions. November I will be attending a two day conference which I am very excited about. Topics will include Helping Couples recover from Infidelity, Sex starved Marriage, Divorce Busting: Restoring Hope to "On the Brink" Couples, Couples Therapy with Individuals and of course more information about the new College of Registered Psychotherapists. Today I saw a hand written note advertising counselling and diagnosis with no qualifications what so ever listed. I am so happy that after the college is in effect people none qualified to practise will not be able to do so. This has been something that bothered me since undergrad when I first heard that anyone could hang a shingle. The college is protection for the public. With all the scams out there today, it is about time that the government takes more responsibility to protect the public.

Busy time......I am almost back

It is still crunch time, but the majority of the work is done. I have also successfully completed another test and testing is the operative word. It will be nice when all this comes together and I can focus on other things - like continue writing my second book which was almost completed when I had to put it aside. I would have had it finished by now. What I have learned however is that my office is not my creative space. My creative space is in nature surrounded by birds, squirrels and other little creatures that live in Toronto. I do not dismiss the flowers and the trees. That is all my peace. Where do you find yours? It is important that you have a space of peace and tranquility. In three weeks (21 Sept 13) I will be selling my book, "Hey Guy Buy Me" once again at the street fair at Oakwood and Rogers. Remember I only wrote that for fun. On 22 Sept, I will be selling it, at Word on the Street, Queens Park. If you have not picked up a copy, why not come and visit. I was hoping to have my second one ready but that is not the case. I will probably be returning to York University in November to sell it there again once again. I love writing for fun. I have since I was a child. What do you love to do? If you don`t know what it is, it may be time to start to discover what it is.