Change

I love change. So much so that it is a hazard in my life. I have been described as being a change agent, an early adopter, an initiator/activator, motivated... all of these descriptors are speaking to the part of me that loves to both initiate change and jump into change in motion.

If there is one thing you can count on, it's change, so they say. I think 'they' are right. In my profession of being a counselor and as a student of counselor education the concept of the change process and motivation are a large part of my training. As a school counselor my mind is often assessing where students and staff are in the 'change process'.

Change can be hard.

Recently, I have been experiencing growth pains, professionally. Professional growth pains bleed into my personal life and create stress. Now, let me remind you... I love change. I am drawn to it. I love the growth that comes from it. I love the thrill of it. But...

Lately, I have found myself tired. The synergy that comes in my life when I push forward into change is still moving forward, yet I am not. In the stages of change this is called a relapse (I hate that word). My body and my soul are tired. I am taking time to be more balanced this weekend.

I have been teaching the 7 Habits of Happy Kids at school and recently reached the last habit in some classrooms. Each chapter has been a good reminder for me, but the last one was especially good. It is a reminder to remain 'sharp' and in order to do that, you have to take good care of yourself. Balance. If you are all work and no play... you will burn out. If you are all play and no work... you will not be successful. If you forget to rest... if you fail to work your mind... if you don't care for your body. You get the picture. We need all of these things.

I am trying to practice what I teach... because I believe in it. Balance does feel best. I am taking a breather in my change process in order to be the best I can be. I have given space for sitting and drinking coffee, for watching my kids sports, for laundry and housework, and some space for homework. This morning, I find myself a lot more refreshed than two days ago.

Next stage of change... Maintenance.

We are all in an ongoing cycle of change in various parts of our lives. Where are you? Here are some links about the Stages of Change if you are interested in learning more.

http://www.cellinteractive.com/ucla/physcian_ed/stages_change.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transtheoretical_model
http://batonrougecounseling.net/blog/substance-use/stages-change/

Time to be balanced... and move away from the computer and be a mom. :)
Michelle

Kicking Off Summer 2010

We kicked off summer 2010 a little early and with a different kind of start. I had surgery on May 24th, and spent the last three weeks of school home instead of at school. This brought with it many blessings and many challenges. One of those blessings was having Grandma's around the house for two weeks. The kids were thoroughly spoiled. Grandma Rhonda came and did some Extreme Home Makeover on the kids' bedrooms. They have all been wishing and hoping for some changes, and with my recovery lasting into the summer, it wasn't liking to happen soon without her. The second week, Grandma Betty came and did some really fun activities with the kids starting at the go-cart racing place just outside of town. During those two weeks I am finally starting to feel 'normal-like'. Tomorrow is the last day of school, and I will be going as a mom, instead of a school-counselor and can't wait to watch the kids received their academic awards. Following that.... REAL SUMMER! Can't wait!! Bring on the heat.....

Been thinking...

... about many things, but today, this post is for you Shanna! I am still alive and kicking... you just need to get on FB to keep up with my thoughts now... :) That is, Facebook! Here is a link if you need help.

A gift...

Tonight, out of the blue I was gifted 3+ hours alone. This is a gift to me!

The Life I am Living...

This post is totally copying my friend, Lindsay, but it was so simple and a great way to share. Here is a looking into the Life I am Living....

I'm reading Windows to our Children- by Violet Oaklander. It is making my heart skip a beat. I love love love it!

I'm enjoying a great Wednesday evening at home with my family. We went to the Pumpkin Patch tonight, we ate a warm homemade dinner, the kids played on www.spellingcity.com (GREAT website, moms!), we had hot brownies with cream cheese frosting, and read books together.

I'm learning how very much I have yet to learn. My PhD program is stretching me. I am learning so much from my cohort friends!

I'm watching my children grow up before my eyes! Pant legs are getting longer, vocabularies are growing, grocery bill is larger than ever, interests are broadening, my love is deepening!

I'm anticipating my 34th birthday which is just around the corner.

I'm realizing how much I have changed in the last several years.

I'm pondering the transition I am making to be a therapist... a real, client seeing therapist! Yup... two nights a week, I am seeing clients. It is bringing me so much life and energy.

I'm studying and studying. For work, I am studying to motivate the disengaged student, for clients I am studying about anxiety & trauma and for classes I am also studying about clinical supervision.

I'm wondering about the future.

I'm remembering the past. I have been reminiscing fall memories of raising these kids a lot lately. (pumpkin patch visits always bring them back)

I'm praying for joy. Last week, I felt urged by the Spirit of God to love on Him, pressing forward into a fresh experience of the joy only He can give. I am reminded that it begins with a heart of thankfulness.

Much to do with nothing...

I keep thinking that I am GOING to make a post, then I just never do it. School is in full swing here in H! We have been emersed into the soccer world with practice and games for three kids, full time jobs, the mowing business, and church activities. It's been busy and fun! This fall has been so much more enjoyable than most in recent history. However, there is a looming cloud regarding work and budgets. There is talk all the time of concern with more cuts. As someone who was told last year that my job MAY be cut, I can't help but wonder what is coming down the pipeline. Trying to keep my attitude in check and do the best job that I can in the meantime.

Classes for my doctoral program will begin again in two weeks. Last weekend, I read a novel for fun, because I KNOW that academic reading will soon take the place of fun reading. Looking at squeezing one more in before classes begin. I am ready to see my new counseling friends very soon!!! I find it interesting how quickly people can become bonded through shared experiences. I miss them!

There you have it... much to do about nothing in particular. Life.

Ahhhh....

.... a three day weekend. I can't wait to spend some time doing some things I WANT to do, as opposed to what I NEED to do. Planning to read for fun, blog a little, organize summer pictures, hang with some friends and sleep in! Fabulous.