by dlb916
Each New Year, I choose a word or phrase to live by for the next 365 days. When I sat down to write this blog, try as I might, I could not recall my word for 2022. I wondered and pondered and strained my brain, all to no avail. Finally, I gave up and looked …
by dlb916
This is a post I created a few years ago. Given the heartbreaking prevalence of suicide in our society, the epidemics of loneliness, addiction, illness – all the things that may impact a person’s emotional well-being, I thought it was worth updating and repeating. If it saves one life, it will be worth feeling like …
by dlb916
As Hallmark is announcing ad nauseam, the holidays are upon us. Thanks for that; I had no idea😒. I can’t imagine anyone needs a reminder every fifteen minutes given the fact stores have been decorated for Christmas since THE FOURTH OF JULY! I feel sorry for those of us who must endure the annual onslaught …
by dlb916
Evidently, it’s gift giving season, or so I’m reminded by the relentless holiday commercials. I don’t know what’s worse, the political ads or the ad nauseam marketing that suggests a new car wrapped in a bow or a diamond necklace will bring lasting joy. Read the collective room; Scrooge and I have our doubts. If …
by dlb916
Anyone else stuffed? My son, Matthew, hosted our Thanksgiving dinner this year and it was wonderful. My daughter, Kate, and her family were there, along with my mother who was visiting from Missouri. It has been years since we were all together. Along with my immediate family, there was a plethora of Matthew’s friends, many …
by dlb916
Back in the day, many, many moons ago, there was a television show called The Waltons. A few, but not many, may remember it, the reasons for which we shall not disclose here 😊. I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday so recalling a TV show that aired in 1972 is monumental. …
by dlb916
Do you make “To-Do” lists? I’ve done so for years. I find scratching things off the list to be ridiculously satisfying. In fact, I will add an item I’ve already finished just to be able to scratch it off. It’s the little things that keep me sane(ish). I usually start my list on Monday and …
by dlb916
My graduate students are in the final stretch of completing their Social Work Skills course. I’m always impressed with the students’ ability to begin the class with no previous social work experience and finish the quarter capable and confident. I also caution them that some unlucky student will probably be my social worker in the …
by dlb916
Anyone who lives with chronic pain, or lives with someone who has chronic pain, knows the devastation that ensues. Often invisible, unpredictable, and misunderstood, pain has the ability to impact every aspect of a person’s life, and the lives of those who bear witness to the suffering. At its best, pain is a nagging annoyance; …
by dlb916
I have been listening to a series of podcasts about grief hosted by Anderson Cooper and I’ve found them to be mesmerizing. He is so honest and raw when he talks about the loss of his father, mother, and brother. When his voice cracks (which it does often), my heart aches for him. If you …
