Lisa M. Kelsey, MFT

12/10/2025

Reflections Day 1888: The day started with a brrrrr at 28 degrees, our coldest of all days. Our plan was to walk to Central Park and get a ride in the pedi cab. We had seen Central Park on our first day but this was an opportunity to see all of the famous spots in the park, especially the ones tied to many movies. The fountain and steps were gorgeous and just riding through to see each spot was nice. I didn't know about the memorial for John Lennon that Yoko had sent up to honor him, we passed by that too. Next up we were going to head to a few more Christmas markets, but due to the weather my friend suggested The Met as it had a Christmas display. We wandered throughout the exhibits, warmed ourselves up and saw one of the most beautiful Christmas trees with angels on it and the Nativity scene incorporated into the front of it. We saw an Egyptian exhibit and American, Armory and so much more. As we went back to see the tree again they were playing Ava Maria, I almost got a bit teary as I am always reminded of my Nannie when I hear it. I found a unique ornament of the clock at Grand Central and I'm excited to put it on my tree today. Next up was our subway ride where we found out while on the train we were heading in the wrong direction. Thank you to the first women we called her our angel that gave us directions on how to get off and get on the 4 or 5 express and go 2 stops. Then we had to find the N or R train as we wanted to see Macy's windows on 34th St. The next woman was angel 2 for us and she helped us find N or R and then lastly another woman got us to the right area to go down to the N or R. Wow was that a lot of coordination and we were so grateful for the help. We walked right up the subway stairs and Macy's was right there. Macy's windows did not disappoint, they were beautiful. We took pictures and went into Macy's to check out the shoes and boots, wow so many options. We had a little time before the Rockette's and so we had an Expresso Martini in Carnegie Diner and Cafe, it was so yum. It is the Rockette's 100th Anniversary and the show was spectacular. Every scene was choreographed and executed to perfection. To see 36 women dance in synchronization like that, I just kept saying wow. There was also a beautiful storyline with so many talented dancers and singers. The orchestra was incredible too. I loved the show from the moment it started to the very end. I got a little teary as they did Hark the Herald Angel's sing and reenacted the Nativity scene. Everyone was in awe of the whole show. The theater is gorgeous as is the architecture. On our walk to the Palace hotel we stopped in a Christmas store and there were so many cute items to look at. I got teary in there as we heard the song Snowman by Sia and then another Christmas song, it made me think of someone very special and how much I miss her. We ended the evening making it into the Palace Hotel and having a late night drink at the bar. The lobby trees were incredible in gold glory. Every time we had tried to get into the hotel we couldn't go in unless we were a guest but we found out after 8 pm you can go in. It was exciting to make it in there. A fun filled packed day of so many first and so many beautiful things to see and experience.

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12/08/2025

Reflections Day 1887: Yesterday was another fabulous day in New York! The Bryant Park Christmas market was so much fun to walk through and I found a to die for ring, purple of course. We took the subway and made our way there, yay to my friend for her navigation skills. Next up was the subway to Brooklyn for Grimaldi’s pizza. We made it there easily and saw some cool sites especially the Brooklyn bridge. The pizza was to die for and the old building was gorgeous. We explored Brooklyn and then took on the wind as we walked back across the Brooklyn bridge. It was just starting to get dark and the lights on the bridge as well as the city scape were breathtaking. Next up was Times Square, and the trifecta of Christmas trees. First we saw the Wall Street tree across from the Stock market, gorgeous. Next up was the famous Rockefeller tree, also gorgeous. Last up was the Lotte tree and accompanying trees in their courtyard and lobby, gorgeous. Each and every tree had its own special nature and each were magical in their own way. We visited the oldest and first church of New York. The stained glass panels were so pretty especially at night. The Lotte hotel lobby was cozy and a great place to rest in between our site seeing. We ended the night in front of Radio City Music Hall and the decorations around there. Last but not least we finished our pizza in the rooftop lounge at our hotel. Another great day. Can’t wait I head out today.

12/07/2025

Reflections Day 1886: Our first day in New York was magical from start to finish. We hit the ground running at 8 am and didn’t stop until 12:40 am this morning. First time taking the Long Island train to get to our hotel, we made it yay! Every tree and decoration were so beautiful. Walking on 5th Ave seeing Saks and all its windows decorated to Central Park oh so beautiful. We saw so many animals (birds, squirrels, cute dogs) as we walked through the park. The biggest surprise was when I saw a flutter of orangish red and it was a red cardinal, I was blown away, first time seeing one. Stopping in the French building to look at their trees and The Palace Hotel with their gorgeous trees in red. St. Patricks Cathedrals architecture and holiday decorations were grand and it was so peaceful in there. We tried to get into The Plaza hotel but without being a guest there you cant enter, maybe next time we have to stay there. We passed the Rockefeller tree, can’t wait to see it in its glory tonight. We hit Times Square, walked by Bryant Park. We had lunch at Juniors, had the pastrami sandwich and of course their famous Cheesecake. There were several signs throughout the day of animals, hearts, names like Gabriel, Josephine and Julian that meant something to me or to my friend, pure magic and meant to be. Then it was nap time and getting ready for the night. We went to the public library right before closing and their tree was one of our favorites, so beautiful. We walked to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar to have a drink and enjoy the views. We ended up staying for hours enjoying the music downstairs, maybe a few more drinks and actually starting up the crowd in dancing, so much fun. Night ended with a snack and off to bed. My friend just shared that New York is a feeling and not just a place and wow is she right. I’ve wanted to come for years to New York for Christmas and here we are, yay us. Can’t wait to see what today will bring!

12/05/2025

Reflections Day 1885: Thank you to everyone who reached out today to wish me a happy birthday! Your kind words and well wishes meant so much. My day started out with a nice walk on the block listening to some Bob Marley! Next up I had a great hot stone and CBD butter massage. Those hot stones make all the difference. I then had a great facial. The esthetician made my day when she thought I was her age of 44, I was so happy. Super nice to pamper myself. Thank you to my coworker that suggested taking the day off from work on your birthday many years ago, it is a great tradition. Next up Genentech threw a Casino Ho Ho today in my honor lol, it’s like they knew it was my birthday and how much I like to get my gamble on. It was so much fun with my friend, coworker and fellow casino fan. We played blackjack, roulette, 3 card poker, Texas Holdem. The top 4 winners were to receive a $500 donation to their favorite charity. We had so much fun playing and the prizes were going to go to a great cause, way to go Genentech and thanks for setting it up for my birthday, yay! Ended the day with a birthday dinner with my mom and my brother who are my ride or die. Thank you to them for always being in my corner. I can’t let today go by without also sending a big hug to my Nannie up in heaven. It was 34 years ago she passed away on my birthday. So grateful for every moment we had together love you! This is 52!

11/25/2025

Reflections Day 1884: This week caught up with me yesterday morning and today. One year ago something so hard happened and my body and my mind reminded me of it yesterday and today. I didn't want to get up and do my walk. I didn't want to go to the gym, and this morning I didn't want to go on my walk. My body was remembering how awful the beginning of the Thanksgiving week was last year. I logically knew it would be a hard week as it was coming, but wow the hit to my body, to my mind and my motivation is really hard. I have to be kind to myself and do what feels right. I went on my walk yesterday and the movement helped. I cancelled the gym yesterday and that felt right. This morning I barely got out for short walk and it was hard. It is so important to pay attention to what our body is telling us and honor it if we can. I am going to give myself grace, compassion, kindness and permission to do what feels right for me in the moment. For those that know me well, the holidays are one of my absolute favorite times of the year. There is a part of me that is loving having my decorations up and enjoying them every day. There is also a part of me that is struggling. Both of these are happening at the same time and it's ok. I am going to embrace both and navigate each day as it comes.

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11/18/2025

Reflections Day 1883: Tonight my mom and I decorated my Christmas tree, thanks Mom. This was kind of a big deal for me as last year I didn't decorate my tree. That was the first year ever of not decorating my tree. It was too hard to and yet so sad to see it undecorated. My friend was going to help me decorate, my mom offered, even my niece offered but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. This year I knew I couldn't let that happen and I was ready to decorate it. My favorite part of decorating the tree is reminiscing about every ornament. They each have a story, from the person that gave it to me, to the place I bought it from, and to what it reminds me of. It has been forever since my mom helped and she too was enjoying seeing all of the ornaments. She has given me so many ornaments and also given my daughter so many ornaments. There was one party foul where I broke an ornament, my mom was relieved it wasn't her as so many of them are breakable. We also had another funny moment where my mom commented on the state of my tissue paper and how some of the pieces were barely staying together and we were laughing so hard and I had to run to the bathroom to not have an accident lol. It reminded us of so many of those funny moments at my aunt's house on game nights, miss you Auntie Gilda. I hung a heart that my cousin gave us to be from my cousin/godmother that passed away. I hung a guitar that reminded me of my dad. I hung all the ornaments that my daughter made growing up and all the ornaments she and I made together. I hung ornaments that friends had made for me. I hung all the ornaments from our travels. My whole house is now decorated and all the decorations are so special to me and they too have a story as well. The holiday's are a special time and putting up the decorations are a big tradition in my family. Almost every nook has some sort of decoration, including the kitchen and bathroom. Last spot to decorate is outside, hope to finish this weekend. I couldn't have done this without my mom, love you mom, and love that you always have my back.

11/06/2025

Reflections Day 1882: Last night while driving to Kohl's to complete a return my car wasn't fully accelerating on the El Camino. I am so grateful I was able to pull into the Kohl's parking lot safely and park. I went into Kohl's to do my return and came back out to my car hopeful it was just a momentary weird thing. My car started up and I was on my way home on the El Camino and all seemed ok until right before the intersection of McClelland Drive and the El Camino where again I couldn't accelerate, and was able to pull over to park right before the intersection and the car stalled. I called AAA and they now have you pinpoint your location on your cell phone, well that wasn't working so I hung up. I called AAA again and asked to speak to someone live and at the same time I tried to start my car again and was almost across the intersection and the car stalled again and now I was blocking the far right lane. I have never had anything like this happen in my life and all 3 of these occurrences were so scary and now I am blocking the lane on the El Camino OMG. They put my tow as a priority and someone arrived about 10-15 minutes later. He had me start my car and I was low on fuel so he thought it might be no gas. I was so embarrassed as this happened many years ago right by my daughter's school St. Veronica's where I ran out of gas at McDonald's and 7 11. Every family drove by us and asked if we were ok. He towed me to a gas station, filled the tank and car started right up. He followed me home and all seemed good. Today I drove to my therapist in Burlingame, to work in SSF, to my private practice in Burlingame and I was on my way to my moms and I felt the acceleration off again, but then it recovered quickly. I got to my moms, dropped off the turkey necks for our stuffing and headed down her block. As I turned onto Dennis Drive the acceleration was off and the car died in the middle of the street. It is an awful feeling when you are stepping on the gas and the car is not moving, I was scared again, what if I can't get out of the middle of the street. I turned the car off and on again 3 times and was able to get the car up the street and make a right onto Warwick and pull over and park. My car is there now and I will tackle it first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks to my mom for picking me up and lending me her car to get myself home. Fingers crossed it is something small. I was looking for a new car last year with my daughter and we had narrowed it down to 2 gorgeous SUV's and then they didn't have all the features, colors etc we wanted. I stopped looking, however the universe may be nudging me back to looking for a new car.

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10/27/2025

Reflections Day 1881: I treasured the time this past weekend, the events I attended and the family I was with. On Friday night I attended my nieces middle school play called "Box" by Lindsay Price. She was on the communications team and handed out the programs and introduced the play. She helped everyone stay on track and led like the true Sagittarius she is. We didn't know what the play would be about, in fact my brother thought the kids had written it like we did when we were in middle school. Turned out it was about the boxes we put ourselves in, the boxes others put us in and how we navigate it all. It was so powerful and so well done. Every possible middle school issue we all had to tackle was in there. Cheers to the actors and cheers to Lindsay Prices script. My mom and I went out to try Benihana's in Foster City for dinner. I had heard mixed reviews about taste and portions and Benihana's did not disappoint. Both of our meals were to die for, tasted great and same portions as Burlingame. It brought back so many memories and fun dinners at the one in Burlingame. Glad we gave it a try. Yesterday and today I hung around the house, which isn't my usual but was nice get in walk and the gym and then to stay in my PJs and not have plans. Last night I went to Winter's Tavern in Pacifica to see my daughter sing the band Magnolia Ave perform. It was their first bar gig and they did an incredible job. I was glad to have my mom join me and my cousin and her boyfriend. Family celebrating family is what it's all about. My daughter sang 3-4 songs with the band and it was so nice to see her sharing her passion of singing with the world. The band is very talented and it was great to see her sing a few songs. At one point the crowd got really into it and moved toward the stage and were dancing. That is true testament to a band when they draw the crowd forward and get them dancing, go Magnolia Ave! Take each day as it comes and make the moments and celebrate each one.

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10/19/2025

Reflections Day 1880: Over the past several months there have been many signs. They say loved ones that have passed can come to us we just have to be aware and see the signs. My signs lately have been animals, which is very interesting as most of my life I have not been an animal person. That all changed about 5 years ago with our puppy Lia, who melted my heart and let me love her and in turn be more open to animals. She will always have a special place in my heart. The signs lately have been hummingbirds, white butterflies, squirrels, raccoons, turkey's, turkey vultures, and cats. You are probably saying what the heck is going on and I was too. Ever since my dad passed I've seen white butterflies and thought of him. In my backyard I've noticed hummingbirds and more so in the last few months. I had a medium reading a month ago and she told me that the white butterfly was actually my cousin/godmother and the hummingbird my dad. I kid you not ever since then they are in the backyard every time I go out there. Sometimes they are just there for a few seconds, sometimes a few minutes and other times the hummingbird has sat in the tree for like 5 minutes. It feels very special to know its a sign from them and I feel the love. In my trip to Napa there were turkey's first 5 at a time one day and like 10-15 the next day. I have never seen turkey's there. At my cousins about a month ago we saw turkey vultures, frogs and feathers. On the Crystal Springs path we saw a turkey vulture circling. A few weeks ago a friend and I were in the backyard trying to fix my St. Francis of Assisi statue and 3-4 hummingbirds, 2-3 other birds, the squirrel, white butterfly and monarch butterfly were all in the backyard. Two of the hummingbirds were circling around my friend as she held the statue to let the glue dry. It was like nothing I've ever seen. St. Francis had a love of animals and I think they were all excited to see the statue get fixed. There was so much positive energy in the backyard while all of this went on. Then when I arrived home from Napa a raccoon crossed in front of my garage, and then one was across the street, and then one was about 3 feet from me. Several times on my morning walks I've seen a neighborhood cat stop and stare at me. One morning the cat laid in the middle of the sidewalk and just stared at me for several laps. Today at many booths there were hummingbirds. We go to the restaurant Johnny's on Main St. in Half Moon Bay, we are in line and there is a hummingbird sketched on the door. We sit down there is a hummingbird on the back of the menu. Then my mom says, look behind you the whole wall had hummingbirds as part of the wallpaper. You can't make this all up and some may say coincidence. I say they are all messages and signs from the universe. I choose to see each of them, think about it and take them in. The raccoons I shooed away, but I looked up the meaning after. The universe is sending animals and signs my way and I'm thankful and can't wait to see what is next.

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10/12/2025

Reflections Day 1879: The past week and a half has been a whirlwind. A last minute trip to Vegas, sun, gambling, nice meal and even a little club time. Lots of laughs, some winning and peaceful walks. Then home one day and then on my way to the timeshare in Napa for some sun, cousin time and peaceful walks. I got 2 out of 3 but the weather did not cooperate. It was cloudy and a bit chilly which was a bummer. I think the universe wanted me to chill inside. One trip was sort of spur of the moment (Vegas) and one trip was planned to get through a potential hard day (Napa). The sun of course came out on the last day in Napa ugh and I was heading out. I saw a hummingbird drinking water in Vegas on my walk. I saw turkeys on both days walking in Napa, never seen turkeys. Last night I saw two raccoons right outside my house. Today the weather was beautiful on my walk and my time in the backyard. I saw a hummingbird and white butterfly in the backyard The animals were super present this past week. Taking time with friends and family,noticing the animals and putting one foot in front of the other.

10/02/2025

Reflections Day 1878: When someone touches your heart there is no better feeling. I have had this happen several times over the past few days and it has meant so much to me. Over the weekend I hosted friends for dinner and one friend went out of his way to bring my favorite wines and had asked another friend what my favorites were. This was such a sweet and kind gesture. A friend a few days ago reached out and has been reaching out to check on me and had such kind words and encouragement to share with me. So many friends and family have reached out during these past 9 months and I thank every one of them for every time they have checked in and peeked in on me. This morning my brother sent me such a beautiful, inspirational video from instagram about how he felt about me and it almost brought me tears and really grabbed my heart. Just now I read a feedback response from a fellow people leader that I work with and her kind words about our partnering and about me warmed my heart. I know many of you have seen my posts about grief, about relationships, about trauma, and about narcissism and yes all of that is true and happening. What is also true is kindness, generosity, joy, checking in and ultimately touching my heart in your actions. Thank you for sharing that with me I can't begin to tell you how much it all means. We can go through tough things and we can move forward one step at a time, one moment at a time. My heart is filled a little bit more from each kindness.

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08/28/2025

Reflections Day 1877: The uncomfortableness is so heavy today. It started last night and it was mild and as the day progressed it just got heavier and heavier. Over the past 8 months there have been holiday's, milestone events, vacations, appointments and so much I haven't been part of. Each time they happen it's so hard to not be part of them and it wears on me. I tried to go to one to see how it would be several months ago but the rejection was really hard to deal with. Last night was another event and I decided to not go. Instead I went to a movie with a friend and while F1 was great, I did think about the event. I've missed so much and it hurts my heart but I'm trying to wait, trying to be patient and trying to grieve and heal. A few times today I thought about things I could do to distract and numb and take the uncomfortableness away. I was in and out of the kitchen several times and didn't do my usual of binge eating. I thought about the casino a few times, but didn't do my usual of gambling. Instead I sat with the uncomfortableness. I was grateful for my work meetings and work that kept me focused on something else but the breaks in between this all pops up. There's so many things I wanted to do around the house but didn't. I could have gone to a work happy hour, but I didn't. I could have gone to the gym but didn't. I truly don't know if anything will change and that is so scary, sad and still unbelievable. I take each day as they come and likely tomorrow won't be as heavy as today, I hope.

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