Unlocking Fórtitude, PLLC

Isn’t this just SO TRUE????!!!! Right when we’re in the eye of the storm it can be very difficult to think “this will make me stronger” or to hear from people “this builds character”. Validation is the first step to navigating storms.

We have been taught to put icing on a pile of poo 💩because traditionally humans are uncomfortable with vulnerability and pain. But even icing on poo just smells like sweet poo.

The best way for us to cope with dark times is to bring some light in. Even if initially it’s just a tiny spec of light. For believers, it soothes our soul to know that God is very present with us at our lowest points. Even when it’s super hard for us to have faith, the Holy Spirit is covering us. If you’re not a believer, are you spiritual? Can you shift your priorities to embrace strength or simply be more concerned for your soul at that time?

There is a first time for everything. Please focus in on the handles of this Yeti. Do you see what I see? Objectification…yes! Goodness gracious!!!!

True testament to these ladies for being a stand for women and especially women of color. No one should ever be limited other than recognizing one's own limits.

True sisterhood!
𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 & 𝗝𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀 in a true sisterhood gesture towards 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 who won the Gold medal 🫶 💕
👭 ❤️

Register now: www.relationaltherapists.com

This has so many potential interpretations. What comes to your mind first? I thought of feeling empowered and not caring what other’s May think of me. Also that my intentions and behaviors matter. I choose at all moments how I show up. No one “makes me” do anything.

As a survivor of abuse, this may ring true; however, eventually your vibe can be robbed and controlled. “You can’t get healthy in a sick environment” is what my clients will hear as many times as needed. How we show up may be contagious in a positive or negative way.

If someone else is trying to dull your spark, instead of letting that happen, how can you shine your light on them? It’s not your responsibility. Yet sometimes when we respond to negative vibes with compassion, it can be an immediate shift of focus and thus transformation.

We don’t know what that person may be experiencing. Maybe they just need a smile? If they are still grumpy or worse, time to step away. One of the “Four Agreements” also encourages us to “don’t take it personally”. Unless you know you are THE cause and need to clean up your mess. Otherwise, always still choose to keep your vibe: “be impeccable with your words” ( “The Four Agreements”).

I finally got to see my work wife, the choice aunt to my boys, the rock during my turbulence and the calm to my coast, Rebecca. We met each other at my first breakout to private practice as a psychotherapist in what we estimate to be 15 years ago. My amazing assistant but most of all, family. She had been nearly blood since I met her. My clients love her. Thank you God for the beautiful soulful people you have brought into our lives. My boys love her like an aunt! She helped me when I was in my worst state as a single mom and having to work the midnight oil.

Coffee on the porch with my faves.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ek_WP5E-Mb8?si=SwZXv25yvEuUy7Gf

Finally a song about women serving our country!!!!! 💙❤️🤍

People are actually saying I wrote a controversial song.. I just don’t get it.. #usa #countrymusic

CONNECTION….we all need it, even our livestock friends. Did you know that donkeys are so sensitive they need a constant companion? In fact, they can get so depressed when losing a best friend, they can fall I’ll to a potentially fatal disease.

Well, guess what my friends, so can we. Many people I work with will say “I hate people”. I get it if most of your life you have dodged abuse constantly. However, one of THE best anecdotes to healing is connection. Isolating and withdrawing from people does not do what you think…protect you. It does the EXACT OPPOSITE. Start small by finding an organization, recreational league or hobby group. You already have a passion or leisure time activity in common. When we shelter ourselves from people, we are keeping things like joy, love, fun, play and so much more away from us.

This is my favorite way to squeeze in my exercise. I prefer organized sports, classes and outdoor recreation like kayaking and paddle boarding much more over the gym. I have found every time I get that gym membership I just don’t end up using it. Nothing against gyms at all. I just need to find a way that I will enjoy exercise so I will do it AND be consistent. My love for the water also feels like this is such a mindful activity for me too. I take pictures of nature around me. I pause and just float for a bit. What do you do or can do to make sure you get the well needed and deserved activity levels for wellness? Do you truly enjoy it?

As a therapist I meet people who are “exercise” aversive. When I learn this about someone, I just tell them they have not found an activity that they can ACTUALLY enjoy and would motivate them to be consistent.

ALSO, when we think of the hard work, sweat or having to get ready for work or where will I fit it in my schedule it takes nearly ALL of the pleasure out of it. Start with the “end in mind” ( “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” Stephen Covey). Think of how much you enjoyed the last experience. Think I’m derail of the sensory stimulation: sights, smells, how you felt physically, spiritually and any pleasant memories. This time kayaking, I enjoyed all of our dogs running along the shoreline following me.

Truly what helps us live a healthy lifestyle is that we take care of the WHOLE self: mind, body and spirit. Exercise does not just support our body but it is healing as well for the WHOLE self. If you’re not incorporating it in your life, no need to shame or guilt yourself, just start exploring what works for you and then time block it on your calendar so you will follow through.

I hope all of those experiencing the storms are keeping safe. Prayers to those that have lost their lives in all of these tornadoes and high wind storms. Literally softball sized hail pounding down from the skies. If you can lend a hand to any of the devastated areas, I am sure they would be beyond grateful.

This is the road that leads off our ranch. The spillway of our 17 acres tank is at its maximum also. More storms predicted through Sunday. It’s either feast or famine with Texas weather.

“The Rest Is Still Unwritten” 🎤🎶Natasha Bedingfield…your story has not ended. It has just begun. When we are overcome and overwhelmed by life, it can feel so hopeless. This Project Semicolon 2024 is to promote hope. Also to eradicate the shame and stigma of mental health as wellness. Our health does not start from the neck down. We are human and life happens to all of us. It is important we hold each other in good times and in pain. Provide the support and do not walk away or say someone is “too much” or “too needy”. I would venture to say this is more about the person rendering that judgement than the person who is more likely going through or stuck in something beyond significant. Do we try to remove ourselves from toxicity…yes. But that is due to intentional poisonous behavior. Not those that are in genuine pain and trying to navigate in the best way they know how.

The semicolon provides hope for knowing this is not where our story ends. Who can you share the semicolon with today or any day? Who needs to hear I can be with you in the pain and know your story will get better and has so much potential to transform any time. #;

We are all on that quest for “happiness”. A vision for wellness with the mindset of doing things that love you back is pivotal. It’s so easy for all of us to get caught up in the “rat race” called life. Especially the American way. Our society thrives off of consumerism and doing rather than being.

Our bodies are not constructed for this pace for the long haul. Remember the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Often evolving takes going against the grain of mainstream.

Pushing the pause button and not gaining our worth from what we do or what we have. Making sure to make real connections with those who can be authentic and supportive. Lifting each other up instead of judging and holding each other down. Walk with each other on whatever journey we are on even if it’s different. Understanding each other rather than being understood. Work should not dictate our purpose but actually help us fulfill a purpose. Most importantly, faith and believing in something for the greater good of all.