I apologize for my lack of recent blog postings…I had some sort of viral bug last week. Anything that absolutely didn’t need to get done…didn’t. I’m back on the mend now…or at least I’ve decided that is going to be my approach this week. Here is a picture of an orientation session that Melanie is …
A Thought
“So when you are listening to somebody, completely, attentively, then you are listening not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not part of it.” Jiddu Krishnamurti
Tulip Planting Gets an "Arthur"
I’ve got tulips on my brain from my last post. So, imagine my surprise as I was catching up on some podcasts, I heard a delightful story that caught my ear about the bulbs. Stewart McLean of the Vinyl Cafe was giving out his annual “Arthur” awards. The Arthur awards don’t have any monetary value, …
Beauty After Winter
I planted hope yesterday. It’s fall…leaves are dying, the late blooms on the plant are looking dead and wilted, the windshields are frosty in the morning. A colleague commented that this was her favorite time of year. For me, it signals the long dark cold winter ahead…and the leaves crunching underfoot are a constant reminder …
Perspective…with a Belly Laugh
The ordinary, when seen freshly, can be absurd. I found myself laughing out loud watching this video which reminded me to put things into perspective, to not sweat the small stuff, to appreciate all that I have. At the end of a busy week, it was great to laugh heartily. sitellite/util/snippets (code=5812a9911ed89dc0970d9d9cf759543d) How easy it …
Relationship versus Task?? It Depends
It’s a delicate balance—relationships. In lots of ways. I’ve spent a coupla weeks talking to first year Master’s level Occupational Therapy students–teaching them how to interview clients. So, after I talked to the students about these things, they had a chance to go to the Clinical Learning and Simulation Facility at the University of Manitoba …
Uncovering the Sting
The sinister creep of self doubt has a firm hold on me…whether I want it or not (and, for the record, I don’t). Had a conversation a few days ago. A well meaning colleague decided she should set me straight on a few things. In other words, she gave me some advice on how I …
Discovering Your Own Strength
Adversity brings out the best in many. One of the privileges of counselling clients is that I regularly have the honor of watching men and women triumph over challenges: refusing to let a marriage that is on life support die. A spouse digs deep and breathes deep and with hesitation and even a healthy dose …
Turning Cynicism into Wisdom
I’ve been reading The Year of Living Biblically, by A.J. Jacobs for a book club that I will be attending. Though I’m not yet finished the book (and I’ve only got until Wednesday, so I’d better get reading), I’ve been struck by the sorts of ways A.J. has found the experience enriching. Some of …
Celebrating 10 years!
Bergen & Associates Counselling is 10 years old today! Brian, Lynn and Gary surprised us with cake to celebrate. A day with a Jeanne’s cake is a good day! What a fun way to acknowledge the day! Of course, it looked a lot different 10 years ago than it does today. September 29, 1999, …