Tag: #counsellortalk

The Artist Within

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Since 2013 I have been discovering the artist within me. Growing up I was into sports playing hockey, lacrosse, ringette, and so many other sports. I continued to play lacrosse until the age of 60. I loved sports they brought me great joy, nurtured wonderful friendships and they allowed me to release my pent-up feelings. There were so many fabulous memories created as a result of playing sports that I will treasure forever.

I never saw myself or even considered that I could be an artist of any kind. But in the last few years, I have come to love art as much as I love sports. Art allows me to go to a place that takes me away for hours and hours at a time. A space where I am free of any negative feelings, a place where I do not worry about anything or have any cares. I am focused on the process and am grateful.

My grandfather who loved to dabble in artistic endeavours encouraged me to expand my mind and keep learning which I did throughout my life and continue to do so to this day. I love learning thanks to my Papa. He did not invite me to join him in his art, which I love to do with my own adult children, but I am grateful for his influence. I hope that someday my children will look back and see that I modeled a way to have fun, play, escape the worries of the world, and be their own kind of creative whatever that means for them.

Today I get to enjoy some sort of artistic endeavour almost daily. I am rereading The Artists Way on audio this time, which I read when it first came out over 30 years ago. If you haven’t read it, it’s a wonderful inspiring book that allows the artist in you to come out. Even though I was not an artist at the time I can see that the book influenced me in many ways throughout my life.

So for those of you who think I am not an artist, I am not a … trust that you can and believe that the gifts you have are meant to be shared. I am no longer afraid of failure, as a result of my etmooc experience in 2013, now I focus on the process and enjoy the journey. If you overcome your fears in one area ( join an online group focused on tech) you will overcome your fears in all other areas of your life with the collaboration and support of others. I keep learning and am constantly growing open to knowing that I am a work in progress and will be until the day I die.

The artist within me is alive and knows that I must continue to stay centered allowing new ideas and creative experiences to flow through me. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I hope you will too. Nurture the artist within.

Who Doesn’t Need A Counselling Skills Toolbox?

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We all have our unique paths to walk, and sometimes, we could use a little help. That’s where Counsellor Talk can step in, providing the tools to navigate your emotions and experiences and help you to understand yourself better.

Being open to counselling as a way to transform your life is a good idea and we have loved helping those that have crossed our paths over the years.

Counsellor Talk Is written with counsellors in mind. However, teachers and those working with youth or adults can utilize the ideas too. Several handouts will work with people at every age level. There is no shortage of ideas to get those counselling ideas flowing to help others.

Who doesn’t need a counselling skills toolbox? A few ideas you can put in your toolbox are:

Just for Today

Start each day in a positive way. Accept yourself exactly as you are, knowing that you are enough.

When we celebrate our shared humanity and think of ways to help not only ourselves but find ways to help others and make the world a better place, we heal. All of us can do anything just for today.

Life is Better When…

We focus on gratitude rather than grievances. We treat ourselves with the same compassion and care that we give to others. So let go, embrace your flaws, and listen to the whispers of our intuition guiding you on your journey.

Challenge Yourself to…

Be more, do more, live more. Try something new, and learn to play more. Remember, by focusing on your strengths, you gain personal power. By reframing your thoughts, your worldview can change. By listening with an open mind and an open heart, you learn more.

Something You Might Need to Hear Today

You matter. You are a unique and valuable individual, worthy of love, respect, and acceptance. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, you are continuously evolving and adapting to change.

Something I Need to Understand

Feelings aren’t facts. They are neither right nor wrong; they just are. Self-awareness is the first step towards personal growth. Exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can help you better understand yourself and your needs. Challenging negative thought patterns and cultivating positive affirmations can lead to a more positive outlook on life.

Remember, you are meant to be here; you have a purpose.

Well-being Tip

Treat yourself right; it’s time for a spa day so go ahead and take one. An economical version, relax in a bubble bath and let your worries unwind. Make time to have friends over for dinner. Enjoy the moments, make memories, and bring more joy into your day.

Rediscover simple pleasures and leave your phone behind. Find solace in simplicity; it’s your special place.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t like your story, rewrite a new chapter. Create the life you desire. Strive to thrive rather than just survive and shower yourself with self-love.

As Ronna Jevne says, “Hope is the small voice in our heart that says yes to life.” As your journey continues, remember, that you are not alone. Counsellor Talk, hopes you connect and collaborate with others every step of the way.

For more insights and tips, you can check out our book.