At times we carry a heaviness for the pain of others, and our unknown selves. We carry it, often unaware. It’s just there. A sadness for someone we love, for a neighbor’s pain ,for our own un-named pain, for humanity. … Continue reading A Necessary Sadness!
The following article is by author Joni Edelman. Her writing does much to normalize the experiences, internal world, and often outcomes of adult children of alcoholics. There are many adults among us — many of whom you might not recognize … Continue reading Joni Edelman: Adult Children of Alcoholics I’m
One would believe that most families who adopt make this decision based on the belief they have something to offer a child who has lost his/her primary family. Just as one would believe; a birth parent wants to love and … Continue reading The Voice for Adoption Coalition: Raising awareness for adopted children and families.
It is highly unlikely that incarceration of youth, increase their capacity for becoming healthy, safe, and productive citizens. The attached article is a very sad statement to the criminal justice systems generalization (one size fits all) of consequence for youth … Continue reading The Safe Justice Act- A Start!
Self protection is an inherent part of being human. It is normal and needed, for each of us, to protect ourselves when we have been hurt. It can, left non-reflected, become a familiar and painful way of life. Self protection … Continue reading Grace and Self Protection; A part of the healing process.
Sometimes it is hard to know where the line is. This boundary between giving in and holding on! I hope you will opt for holding on, working toward, seeking what you intuitively know you need. When you aren’t sure find … Continue reading A place between giving in and holding on!
I can’t sit still. That is crazy. If I sit still; I will feel. I will feel the pain of my complicated life. A life that began with the person or people in charge who were not able to sit … Continue reading Running From Still
“If I stay awake I won’t have nightmares”. “If I keep busy, I won’t think about the bad things that have happened to me”. “I can’t close my eyes, because If I do something bad will happen”. “If I stay awake, I will see if anything is about to happen to me”. These are just a few of the thoughts that may resonate with a person (adult or child) who has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and whose sense of safety in the world has been shaken. There are as many cognitive combinations as there are individuals. … Continue reading Sleep and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
He is standing there. He is disconnected. He is hurting. He can’t allow anyone in. There has never been anyone who has felt capable. No one to see him. They have only truly seen his pain, his hurt, his behavior. The behaviors that have been so carefully and cleverly constructed to keep his truths. To keep him safe. He needs (even yearns) for someone to see him. The real him. The person underneath the pain, the hurt, and the behavior. The tiny boy, who once began (as we all do) in need of acceptance, love, protection, nurturing, and opportunities to … Continue reading Protective strategies in the absence of safe attachment!
It is painful to be seen. This very truth places its foot right in front of healing. For most of us when we think of exposing our truths (the very things most of us have spent a life time running … Continue reading Courage: Perspective on Shame
