Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

 
 
This video shows a little girl (now a teenager) named Jessica doing her daily affirmation. She is saying everything she likes and you can even hear her say, "I can do anything!". Isn't it great to have a child-like attitude; free from fear and reservation.  Jessica is doing something here that is very powerful. She is speaking to herself with confidence, fun, understanding and truth. She even jumps down and bounces away, presumably ready to tackle her day!
 
The Disney Fairy Tale, Snow White has a similar theme (well, it has several themes but we'll focus on this one). The queen possesses a magical mirror which she asks every morning: "Magic mirror in my hand, who is the fairest in that land?". (Or you may know the version, "mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all.) The mirror always replies: "My Queen, you are the fairest in that land." This pleases the Queen as the mirror doesn't lie to her.
 
When we look in the mirror, we shouldn't lie either! What's your self talk like? Do you believe in yourself? I look in the mirror often. Not from a place of vanity, but to admire things I like about myself. Some days, I may not always feel that way but I like to remind myself that I am beautiful, smart, loved, appreciated, giving, etc. With so much negativity in the world, it's refreshing to be able to hear, see and speak words of affirmation.
 
So, try it. Take a look in the mirror and be like Jessica. "I like myself, I like my hair and my haircut, I like my pajamas." What are your messages? Mirror, mirror on the wall....
 
*Info in this blog is strictly my personal and/or professional opinion. Posts and comments are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace any medical advice you may have received. Please contact your doctor or therapist if you feel you need help, and in case of an emergency, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.*


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Taste The Rainbow


There are two drawings on my refrigerator that are from one of my god-daughters. One picture is of a rainbow and the other is of a flower budding and one that's fully bloomed. She loves to draw and when I see her, I always ask for my "masterpiece" from her. She goes through her book of drawings and picks the perfect one for me and my husband to display!

As I was doing some work today and looking for some inspiration, I saw the rainbow and smiled! It reminded me of what's to come! For me and maybe some of you, a rainbow symbolizes God's promise to us, His covenant.  A quick Google search revealed that rainbows can also symbolize creation, a bridge, love, peace and freedom.  Even the popular Skittles candy uses a rainbow in it's marketing. Any way you look at it, there's positive connotation.

I then thought of growth when I looked at the flower picture. Everything MUST grow as it is living. Everything has a season. Sometimes we must even be "pruned" to continue to reach our maximum abilities.  One definition of pruning is: Trim (a tree, shrub, or bush) by cutting away dead or overgrown branches or stems, esp. to increase fruitfulness and growth.

The storm in your life may seem like it's F.O.R.E.V.E.R but remember that regardless of what you're going through, there will be a rainbow at the end. You- Me-We are being carefully and perfectly trimmed.

I'm comforted to be reminded that a picture IS worth a thousand words and grateful for my New Vision as I look at a picture that I've seen several times a day for at least 5 months.

*Info in this blog is strictly my (or the writer's) personal and/or professional opinion. Posts and comments are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace any medical advice you may have received. Please contact your doctor or therapist if you feel you need help, and in case of an emergency, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.*

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

What Will You Gain When You Lose?



I love this question and frequently use it during my counseling sessions. It's from the Special K advertisement and everytime I see the commercial, I ask myself that question. The main concept the company is addressing is by losing weight, what will you gain? It gets viewers to think about it, to see themselves in a different light. Not only will they lose weight, but they will also gain something much more meaningful to them. On the Special K website, you see women holding various signs showing what they've gained. Words like sass, assurance, delight, peace and glow adorn the page.

This is the same in common, everyday life situations. Often times we see a loss as something bad. The loss of a job or loved one, or even losing our keys or something important can cause us a great deal of stress and anguish.

But what about those things that we need to lose? What can you gain by losing low self esteem. What about losing negative self talk? Can you stand to lose out on an unhealthy relationship?

Ask yourself, "what will I gain when I lose" and then go for being a loser! It's OK!

*Info in this blog is strictly my personal and/or professional opinion. Posts and comments are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace any medical advice you may have received. Please contact your doctor or therapist if you feel you need help, and in case of an emergency, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.*


Monday, January 14, 2013

What is your "It"?


 
 
When you first see the title, you’re probably confused. What does the title refer to? I actually changed it several times before settling on it.  It pertains to letting go! What are you holding on to? What is your hurt, habit or hang up that you are struggling to release? What is your “it”? What do you need to let go of?

At times, many of us struggle with holding on to things, be it people, places or situations that we need to simply let go of.  These things may be holding us back or preventing us from receiving what is next for us.  It may be a relationship, a dead end job, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, anger and hurt. Letting go simply involves making a choice to move from your situation, be it past or current and embrace your future.   Whatever your “IT” is, make a choice today to give it to a power much higher and greater than us and…LET IT GO!
 
*Info in this blog is strictly my personal and/or professional opinion. Posts and comments are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace any medical advice you may have received. Please contact your doctor or therapist if you feel you need help, and in case of an emergency, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.*

Monday, January 7, 2013

Under Construction: Detour Here


What do you mean, “road closed”, follow detour? This is the road you’ve always taken to get you from point A to point B.  Now, you feel confused, maybe even frustrated. You’re contemplating turning around just going back home. After all, who has the time to get lost or delayed? If you live in the metro Atlanta area, you may see detour signs more often than you’d like to!
Isn't that just like life.  Sometimes we’re on a path, simply taking it because that’s the way we’ve always gone! This is the way we know to go.  However, at times, life requires detours.  Our paths have to be altered in order to get us where we need to be. We need to be “under construction”.  This is the only way to make our good, better and our better, best!
If you’re struggling with life detours, counseling and talking to a trained professional may help. Contact New Vision Counseling Center, LLC and allow us to help you reach your life’s destiny!

*Info in this blog is strictly my personal and/or professional opinion. Posts and comments are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace any medical advice you may have received. Please contact your doctor or therapist if you feel you need help, and in case of an emergency, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.*

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

New Vision Accepts Insurance as well as self paying clients

At New Vision Counseling Center, LLC, we believe that therapy should be for those who need it, not just those who can afford it. We pride ourselves in the quality services we offer. Not only do we have evening and weekend hours at both of our locations, we also accept insurance as either an in network or out of network provider.

For those who do not have insurance, or chose not to use their insurance, we have very affordable fees. All of our clinicians are licensed, many with extra credentials and specialty areas. We offer intern rates (under supervision and direction of a fully licensed clinician) and associate level clinician rates to assist clients in receiving quality services, while remaining within their budget.

Don't let money hinder you from obtaining a "New Vision" and becoming the person you're destined to be.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!



From all of us at New Vision Counseling Center, LLC, Happy New Year to you and your family. Make your 2013, better than 2012!