Busy times but now able to slow down - more education days to come.

I have been attending seminars, lectures etc and it has been informative and fun. I always love to reconnect with former classmates and profs and everyone else. It is a time to learn, refresh ideas and create new ones. It is a time to network and make new friends. Today I am taking a "me day" but I wanted to write to you and bring you up to date. I know I was supposed to write some notes about theology today, but it really is a free day and I want to just keep it light and easy. Next week for sure, I will be back to a normal routine. Showcase at York University was fun and I sold the same amount of books as the year before. When I look my books up online, they seem to be posted and unavailable. They are available - www.silvaredigonda.com. I have added pscyhotherapy for those who are interested in telephone counselling Canada wide or out of the country. Anyone wanting more information can email me directly at silva.redigonda@utoronto.ca or through any links I am associated with. Next month I will be taking a two day course regarding suicide. As Christmas gets closer, some feel isolated, sad and at times suicidal. There is hope and I suggest giving it a try for yourself - HOPE. I am always prepared to take names in Toronto to start up a group therapy weekly session which hopefully can turn into a support group. My interest is veterans, military and other emergency persons and I am always willing to work with other therapists to accomplish this interest. In my adventures lately I met a woman from London Ontario who has set up a support group for adult survivors of child abuse. I bought her book which I have barely started but am sure that it will be wonderful and a support for those who may want to read it.The book is Let Your Light Shine by Sheila M. Stevenson. Next month I have also been asked to keep a day free to attend lecture for providing therapy to LGBT. So next month will be very interesting for me. I have connected with more insurance companies so please feel free to ask them if I am covered by your policy. I have non disclosure contracts and will have to check with a few to see if it is ok to share. At times I am asked why certain insurances cover some and not others. I have been told that it is not the insurance companys but the employers who make that decision. Also, note that you can claim psychotherapy on your income tax deduction under health. I believe you need to spend 1000. in heath costs before claiming. I would love to finish my third book by Christmas and hopeful, I will find the time. I need about two weeks off to do it and may not be able to. I do not like to take time off at Christmas because people can become so sad. I always manage my time according by priorities but my own physical and mental care comes first, because I cannot take care of others, if I am not taking care of myself. Sounds like a cliche but it is so true. So, I shall leave you with some thoughts. Have you been made to feel less than you are? Remember that other people are just like you. Regardless of colour, nationality, culture, religion, education etc......we have basic commonalities. We love, we hate, we suffer, we find pleasure etc.....No one has the right to control you. No one has the right to belittle you. People may do terrible things to others, but they are still people with their own cross to bear. Remember that if you are being abused, you can do something about it. Children are not property to belittle, emotionally demean, physically or sexually abuse. Children are innocent of anything that happens to them by those who should be protecting them. I remember the first time I said to a client as a student, that he should not feel shame because it was not his fault. So, often shame is misplaced. Therapy does help you take control of your life and that has a ripple effect. People who control, do not like it when the people they are abusing seek help. They begin to lose control, the isolation induced becomes threatened. I advise you, the tormentor to get your own help too. Remember if you are feeling suicidal for whatever reason there is help. I ask you to please not kill yourself. You are worth so much, just help yourself to discover it. You just need to step back and have someone help you clear up the forest in your mind. I suggest all of you who read this blog today, to take some times to pause and reflect. What is it you want in life? Have you lost your motivation? Do you isolate yourself? Do you feel shame? Take a reached out hand for they are out there and walk out of the darkness. So, now I am going to enjoy the rest of my day and just have plain fun. What do you think? Next week - for sure - unless a tree falls - I will write more notes about theology. What was that you thought?