Happy October, Friends ~
I grew up looking forward to seasonal Charlie Brown specials every year. Snoopy, Woodstock, and the Peanuts Gang celebrated annual holidays in 30-minute episodes on CBS, complete with Dolly Madison commercials (I don’t think I ever ate a Dolly Madison snack cake, yet those commercials are part of my memory of the Charlie Brown specials). We helped my dad build a fire in the fireplace, and I remember the exact spot and pillow I cozied up with on the brown shag carpeting to immerse myself in these once-a-year specials.
Imagine that: looking forward to something I could access one time a year. The anticipation of checking the TV Guide to find out when the special would be on, being the one to “know” and tell others “when to tune in,” and preparing myself for this delightful seasonal treat.
In my current adult stage of life, with my attention constantly pulled by multiple distractions, the memory of experiencing life at a slower pace brings me comfort, if not nostalgia, and perhaps a bit of melancholy.
Why melancholy, you ask?
Because, my friend, while I embrace my current life with gratitude, I also hold space for all that I miss: a slower paced world, my dad’s presence in it, and a mind less cluttered with distractions.
Yet here’s why Lucy’s quote really got my attention: In this world full of information, I regularly find myself compelled to ‘try something new’. My interests are piqued continually by offerings I get via email, socials, and publications I receive in the old-fashioned (shout-out for ‘slow-paced’!) mail.
And it’s wonderful: classes, retreats, webinars! Opportunities to learn! To connect!
As a lifelong learner, as well as a mental health practitioner and provider, I feel privileged to be in the role of both student and teacher.
So while I embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth, I am also here to provide others with the same opportunities.
I continue to host an online caregiver support group on the first Wednesday of each month.
Please join me in welcoming Miriam Amzalak, LMSW, to the Karen Faith, LLC team. Miriam will provide a critically important component to our practice by offering home visits to individuals in senior living communities.
Lindsay Madison continues to lead gentle, restorative yoga every Monday at 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, November 14th, Lindsay is offering a Rest, Renew, Refresh One-Day Wellness Retreat at the offices of Karen Faith, LLC.
With Lucy's sage advice in mind, I hope you'll 'try something new' with one of our upcoming offerings, or wherever you find meaning in your life.
With care and openness,
