my love

This child cracks me up each and every day. Her smile, her laughter and her personality beams. As she sprouts taller, she explores more and more of the world around her. Watching her helps me feel present and grounded. There is no better feeling in this world then holding her in my arms as she snuggles into my neck. She simply fills me with joy. She motivates me to want to succeed more and simplify my life. She helps me realize that, even when life throws curve balls, everything is going to be okay. This little being has changed me in ways I could never have imagined.

i am surrounded by love

i am surrounded by love
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

This was one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. The rock bowl in the front was given to me for Christmas by a client. She was always drawn to the rock bowl (middle bowl) I have in my office; my earth element.

She put one rock for each of my years she believes I have lived. She further explained that two of the rocks represent my parents because they "must be wonderful people since they did a great job raising you." She added the bag to represent the love that surrounds her (she is the small heart in the center. A dear friend of hers and I are the two larger hearts). I teared up when she gave this to me.

Sweet, right? However, I believe my true gift is knowing her and many of my other clients that impact my life in such positive ways. As a therapist, it is often perceived that the therapist helps the client, which is true. Therapeutic tools and techniques work, however, the therapist-client relationship is the most healing aspect. Therapists are human and as a human I benefit, albeit in a different way, as much as my clients do. I learn from each one of them. Sometimes, it is by mirroring some of my own "in need of improvement" parts (yes, I still bite my nails when I am bored or stressed) but mostly it is getting the opportunity to get to know these individuals. That are amazing people.

I am thankful everyday for the work I get to do and I hope that you, too, dear readers, are surrounded by love.