At the end of February, I attended the Alabama Conference on Social Work in Orange Beach Alabama. I am on the board so I might be biased, but it is the best social work conference in the Southeast! For three days I attended informative classes and workshops to increase my knowledge, skills and abilities in … Continue reading SOCIAL MEDICINE
We Appreciate Your Patience
How many times have you heard this line? "All available operators are busy helping other customers. We will be with you as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience". Patience? Thirty minutes later, I am still hearing a computer-generated female, calmly thanking me for my patience. LADY, I am here to tell you that the … Continue reading We Appreciate Your Patience
Good With Color
Growing up a middle child and the only girl (until I was almost 13 and my darling sister was born) I developed a competitive streak with my two brothers. I felt like I had to try harder, do better and achieve more than they did. To be fair, that was not pushed on to me … Continue reading Good With Color
The Thought that Counts
Share one of the best gifts you've ever received. It was 15 years ago. My husband and I had been married for one year. Our first anniversary date loomed on the horizon; and I wondered how my new husband would approach this milestone. After all, this was a second marriage for both of us and … Continue reading The Thought that Counts
The Borg
OK. I'll admit it. I am a Trekker! And I do mean an old school fan: A James Tiberius Kirk, Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy kind of fan. The original Star Trek television show, while not infused with complex or even meaningful plot lines, evokes within me a warm memory of family time. Being the … Continue reading The Borg
Coming Up for Air
I cannot believe how the time has flown. As I look back at my last post, I am both amazed and dismayed that it has been a year and a half since I tapped into my most cherished self-care ritual. Writing. When I created this blog: "Water for Camels" in 2017, I was blessed with … Continue reading Coming Up for Air
Strawberry Pillows
What is your favorite dessert? Mine is the fantastic strawberry pillow.: a buttery croissant filled with pastry cream, fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream. The top is covered with fine powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate. Mmmmmmn. The combination is unbelievably good. Eating the dessert is like dining on a sweet cloud. If I ever … Continue reading Strawberry Pillows
Mental Health Day
What is a Mental Health Day? For me it is the day I recommit to myself. I haven't posted in a few weeks now and I really miss the cathartic relief I get from putting thoughts to paper. My practice continues to grow so quickly, that I find myself as busy as I ever was … Continue reading Mental Health Day
Finding Self Esteem
Twenty-Twenty-One. New year. New adventures. New opportunities for Development and Growth. At 59, I decided to complete my life circle and retire from executive leadership to return to my first love and true calling: working with traumatized individuals. I opened up my private therapy practice, called Willow Tree Family Counseling. I wanted to work with … Continue reading Finding Self Esteem
Adapting to Change
A few weeks ago, I started a series on Leadership. Initially focusing on poor leadership (the traits that lead to staff turnover and dissatisfaction); I then began to highlight positive Leadership Styles. Servant Leadership (instrumental in staff loyalty, cohesiveness and productivity) became the first highlighted style. This week, continuing the theme on Positive Leadership Types, … Continue reading Adapting to Change
Water for Camels 