Colleen Johnston Counseling

12/07/2025

Counter-culture alert ⚠️ I'm not here to sell you anything. I just came in from a run with some ideas to share. I'll be doing a series for the rest of 2025. As a mental health therapist for 30 years (😳) I have gleaned some wisdom. Topics will include:
✅️ Personal goals
✅️Curiosity vs Judgment
✅️Emotional Health & Physical Movement
✅️Ageism
✅️Body Dysmorphia

That was a long run to think about all of that, lol! Today's topic: Drugs! On my run down a country road, I could smell w**d. At 10am on a Sunday. That got me thinking about how our culture is very drug focused. We use substances to calm down, to regulate ourselves, to let down the walls, to control our weight, etc. My encouragement for the day...if you are using w**d or alcohol regularly, be mindful when you are using it. What is your "why"? What are the consequences of it, if any? If you drink, keep track of how much. Like literally write down how much each day you drink. Just for your own information (and even wake up call!). If you are prescribed weight loss medication, are you mindful of moving your body? Making new routines of movement to create strength and endurance?

It is possible to empower ourselves with healthy habits. We can start with asking the Why of each choice we make. Let's finish 2025 with even baby steps towards being healthy and strong!

11/09/2025

In his book, "Can't Hurt Me," David Goggins challenges us to do what we're afraid of. I took his challenge personally. I knew right away...I need to face my avoidance of swimming. The kind of swimming where you breathe rhythmically and powerfully. The kind of swimming that could lead to doing triathlons! Yesterday I faced that fear. I got uncomfortable. I panicked a little when I was asked to put my face in, as I swam. But I kept trying. And guess what? I started to relax! I'm excited to keep learning and improving. I also learned that Natalie Grabow, the 80 year old woman who just broke the record for oldest female finisher of a full triathlon, taught herself to swim at age 59, and did her first triathlon at 60. Lightbulbs went off in my head! 💡What inspires you? What are you afraid of or uncomfortable trying? And what's stopping you?

10/29/2025

A little humor of the season! If you're in Hall on Halloween night, watch out for the witch handing out candy at my office! She may look frightening, but she's nice! 🧙‍♀️🍬🍫🦋

10/26/2025

My favorite part of this race was meeting different people on the trail. Young, old and in-between. Some were wicked fast runners, others walked the whole way, others were in the pain cave. We were all connected to a shared experience of being uncomfortable, yet having perseverance to get to the finish line. I had the joy of encouraging a young man in the home stretch, who was ready to give up. We ran across the finish together!! Awesome experience. ❤️

10/26/2025

Hey guys! Well, I did it!! I finished my first Ultra yesterday, and even got 3rd in my age group! Thank you all for your support and belief in me. Here is a video of the trail in Kansas. It poured cold rain all day!! It took me 7 hours and 25 mins to accomplish this goal. This video is to show you a bit of the scenery. Enjoy!

10/23/2025

Many of you know I've been training physically for the ultramarathon, which is this Saturday. I have also been a student of learning how ultra athletes train mentally. I've watched cool documentaries, interviews, and podcasts. A few days ago I finished David Goggins' first book, pictured here. His story is powerful, inspiring, and gives me more places to go in my mind, when the pain gets too hard. Some points resonating with me...the challenges we face are opportunities to grow, and it's vital to do what we're afraid of in life. Keep stretching that window of tolerance!! 💪

10/15/2025

I'm a few days late posting for "Mental Health Day," but every day is Mental Health Day for me! Lol. My life's work is around helping others find their own path to a healthy emotional life. It is also something I work on myself, continually. Today, I invite you to pause, look up from your phone, and check in with your own body. Are you clenching? Slumping? Biting your nails? Now perhaps, take a few deep breaths. Turn your head and look around your environment. What catches your eye that is pleasing to you? Tiny practices like this can really help change old "tunnel vision" patterns. Being more present and enjoying the little things is something to be grateful for. I'm grateful for fall daisies and fuzzy bees. 😊🐝

10/09/2025

I am feeling a bit "slumpish" today. 😔 Then I realized I have been in such a training grind over the last 5 months and now I'm in what we call "the taper." Intentionally less miles, more rest and recovery to prepare for the big race in a little over 2 weeks. Apparently, it is normal to experience a drop in dopamine, and other feel good chemicals during this time. Now that I recognize what's going on, I can allow myself to embrace the slump! Lol. It's a testament to how hard I've been plugging away.

In those times when it feels like we're "not enough," it's helpful to remember that sometimes less is more. And seemingly small things are big. Acts of kindness to humans and animals are huge! This week I've recognized how my choice to keep a water source out for insects, birds, and animals is truly impactful! In fact, this dove's presence had a profound effect on my client during a recent garden session.

What many people consider "w**ds," I consider lovely asters and allow them to flourish. The honey and bumblebees have certainly appreciated them this fall! Each "small" kindness you do for yourself or another living thing MATTERS!! 🥰🐝🌻🐦‍⬛

10/02/2025

09/28/2025

I just realized it's been exactly a year ago, when I was face down for a week after my retina detached. That sure was a challenging time, and little did I know, more challenges were yet to come! I am SOOO grateful that is behind me. And it is amazing to have run 2 marathons a year later! Wow!! And a big ultramarathon is coming up in October. Sometimes going through the hard stuff, motivates us to do better. Rest and recovery are important. Challenging our limits also makes us better people! 💜💪

09/24/2025

View from the front porch this morning. The bees and I can't get enough! 💜💚💛🐝

09/23/2025

In case you've been following along with my healing journey from the retina trauma last year, here is an update! I hope it gives someone, somewhere hope and inspiration to believe in themselves. Creating goals and crushing them one little step at a time is a way to build resilience. 😄💪🦋

Last year was super challenging for me as I experienced multiple eye and retina emergencies and surgeries. Today, I'm following up to share my progress! I ho...