Quiet River Counseling

04/23/2025

The earth is slowly awakening,
Stretching its limbs towards the sun;
Gathering stored energy
Minutes more each day.

Bits of green emerging
through winter's fallen leaves.
The Mayapples rise in triumph,
amidst the softening understory.
White blossoms of dogwood flowers
lighting up the forest,
Participating in this beautiful showing
of rebirth and renewal.

As you slowly awaken and stretch, have grace for yourself within this season of change. Animals don't pop out of hibernation suddenly. Buds don't suddenly produce fruit.
This is a gradual process. It takes time and proper nourishment. A slow walk each day, a little more effort towards some projects, pace yourself with reasonable expectations and support your mind and body during spring season. Give yourself permission to rest more if your body needs it. Change is not an easy process and can be draining. Be kind, be well and happy spring.

03/12/2024

I'm reminded of my own transitions this past season as I walk inside this place, tasting the smells, feeling the earth beneath, noticing the seasonal transitions of winter into spring. Never have I had so many walk and talk sessions throughout the winter! Good for you all. Keep it up. Looking forward to many more miles explored (externally and internally ☺️)

04/08/2023

We had so many enormous trees uprooted from the recent wind storms. Trees to me are the best representation of the word "grounded". Their tall branches swaying in the storm, yet remaining firmly rooted. I think of that often when under stress...remaining grounded even when there's chaos knocking us around. But no matter how strong and connected we may be, some storms completely uproot us. I try to remember that this tree will now serve as new shelter for so many critters, a host of vegetation will begin to call it a home, our family will use some to heat the house, and eventually it will nourish the earth and begin again. Even when we are taken down, with a little support and determination, we so often find new purpose. A new way to build or grow. Thanks to all of you for helping me build when I need it most.

03/14/2023

Snow has such a meaningful impact on me. Producing my own internal warmth from moving my body outside in the cold, breathing in the fresh air, the quiet. Im not one to complain about the weather, it doesn't dictate my attitude, however I have been disappointed with the lack of snow this winter. Little blessings the last few days.

03/11/2023

03/01/2023

I often see myself and others struggling to move forward, stuck in the past, focused on what happened to us and the situations or people that have negatively contributed to who we are today. Forgiveness is a touchy subject, it's delicate. It's something that often causes anger and pain just mentioning it.

But holding onto the anger, the pain, the resentment causes far too great a suffering. We may try to shut that vulnerable part out completely and then (go figure) it starts to pop up in all sorts of unhealthy ways. We may suffocate it with drugs or alcohol, with a false sense of entitlement, with blaming others or situations, masking it with more relationships, or becoming hyperfocused on what we can control (our diet, exercise, our appearance). We do this all as an attempt to avoid what's really hurting.

"Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you. It also doesn't necessarily mean making up with the person who caused the harm. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that allows you to focus on yourself and helps you go on with life"

I've attached a brief article for our exploration. Enjoy your day 🙂

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692 #:~:text=Acknowledge%20your%20emotions%20about%20the,have%20had%20in%20your%20life.

02/27/2023

Just beautiful. So grateful to have some time to get away and connect. Hoping you have time to get outside soon, find a spot to sit and restore, reflect and breathe it all in.

02/13/2023

I love this tumeric collagen elixir. Anti- inflammatory, full of antioxidants and designed to boost brain function. A great way to start the day ❤️💪

This comes from one of my favorite cookbooks by Dr Mark Hyman, "Food what the heck should I cook". Looking forward to seeing you soon

01/31/2023

Vitman D can help support positive mental health (especially depression), improve digestion and cognitive functioning.

01/25/2023

This morning walk, paths covered in fresh snow with the warm earth beneath. I couldn't help but contemplate how this relates to my own self sometimes and the many things hidden below the surface. Hope you can get outside and enjoy it.

01/18/2023

I love Quail hollow! This is a park I frequently take people for walk and talk sessions. Feel free to connect if you want to learn more. Either way I hope you get outside today!