I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. Maya Angelou Everyday brings with it potential and promise.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Perspective
Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. Helen Keller I have resumed use of a simple exercise in my coaching. The exercise quickly demonstrates the power of perspective. I invite you to give the exercise a try. Raise your dominant hand, index finger pointing skyward, aboveContinue reading “Perspective”
Healing Continues
No one heals herself, who wounds another. Inspired by Saint Ambrose “We are safely on the opposite shore of another Christmas.” This is the message I sent to my sister acknowledging the emotional challenges of the holiday. Christmas is a perfect storm for survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Heightened expectations for family gatherings, listening toContinue reading “Healing Continues”
Integration
Now, every time I witness a strong person, I want to know: What darkness did you conquer in your story? Mountains don’t rise without earthquakes. Katherine Mackenett Conversations at work have shifted dramatically. It may be pandemic reckoning, but I think it is more fundamental. I coach and consult in a global organization where integrationContinue reading “Integration”
Growing Through Pain
When it hurts, observe. Life is trying to teach you something. Anita Krizzan, poet I’m a survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse and a survivor of recovering from CSA’s festering wounds and their exquisite pain. Yes, recovery and healing hurts before it sets me free. The pattern in my healing journey plays out like this….I getContinue reading “Growing Through Pain”
New Beginning
Every moment is a new beginning. Elie Wiesel, Author – Holocaust Survivor – Nobel Laureate The start of a new year can happen each day. Every moment that we connect to the world with equanimity we allow ourselves to begin again. Life lived in the long-shadow of trauma obscures the choice to begin again. AdverseContinue reading “New Beginning”
Action
Action is the antidote to despair. Joan Baez, singer, songwriter, activist Today I was reminded of the power action has to lift despair. Living through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) the ability to act, to escape, or to get help was limited. As children we had no power to take liberating action. Often children who experienceContinue reading “Action”
Patterns and Change
When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge. Tuli Kupferberg, poet, peace activist Lately I’ve been up against persistent patterns of numbness and distance. I know where they began. I understand their destructiveness. I see them and feel them. I see how they injure others. Yet, the grip of these patterns remains powerfully paralyzing. As aContinue reading “Patterns and Change”
Kindness
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. Oscar Wilde Today, encouragement to slow down to notice and offer kindness. The lingering harm caused by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) like Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) at times feels overwhelming. What helps me when I sense these feelings of residual oppressive negativity isContinue reading “Kindness”
Wisdom
Turn your wounds into wisdom. Oprah Winfrey Today, acknowledge and celebrate your earned wisdom. Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse is a journey of steep hills and deep valleys. Recovery brings moments of searing grief as we realize the profound loss and broad impact the abuse has had on our sense of safety, confidence and identity.Continue reading “Wisdom”
Daily dose of encouragement 