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.*

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.*

Are you emotionally paralyzed?

The English dictionary defines paralysis as “loss of voluntary movement as a result of damage to nerve or muscle function” and “failure to take action or make progress”. People often think of physical paralysis when they hear the word paralyzed. But this can take place emotionally as well. As individuals, we may have been hurt emotionally. Hurt due to rejection, abandonment, lack of emotional support, criticism, abuse, etc. This causes emotional damage, which can result in lack of progress in our lives.

Ever wonder why sometimes women are so bitter/cold towards each other? Why some women, even teenage girls often say they prefer male friendships over female?  Or why some men have difficulty committing in relationships? It’s easier to distance ourselves or remain detached than to risk being hurt again.  Anger is sometimes used as a shield to protect us from feeling vulnerable.  When an individual has difficulty forming meaningful relationships, there may be an underlying fear. It is scary to consider exposing your true feelings and risk experiencing that hurt again. So in turn, we become emotionally paralyzed, stagnant, and fearful of experiencing more hurt or damage. But, to remain in this emotional state prevents us from growing.

As a result, we also risk loosing the possibility of forming a loving, meaningful relationship. We risk loosing the possibility of receiving love, loving others, and loving ourselves. And there is no greater feeling than the feeling that you are loved. This holiday season, take the necessary steps to release any fear that may be hindering you from accepting love or loving others.

 

*Blog contributed by Shaketa Robinson-Bruce, LPC. Shaketa is a therapist at New Vision Counseling Center, LLC who works with children, adolescents and adults providing individual, family and couples therapy. Info in this blog is strictly 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. To learn more about Mrs. Robinson-Bruce and the services she offers at NVCC, click here.*

You must stretch yourself in order to grow!

This is the first on many blogs to come. As I am new to this entire process, something said, "why not give it a try, you will reach so many people this way". Then , that thought reminded me of the many tasks, dreams and hopes that we put off because we are not sure of the outcome. Many times, we like to live in our comfort zones, areas of limited stress, but it is when we step out of our comfort zones, that we truly grow and learn our potential. My goal is to provide weekly, if not more often, blogs that offer information, hope, moments of "ah ha" and what ever else that may be needed. I welcome posts, discussions and times of enlightenment. So, welcome to my blog! And as I stretch and grow, I challenge you to grow with me!

Now, for those who don't know me, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia and a National Certified Counselor. I work with "at risk" children and adolescents in a residential facility as well as own and provide therapy at my private practice, New Vision Counseling Center, LLC; located in Georgia, providing counseling services to children, adolescents and families. I plan to offer blogs on various "self help" topics as well as other areas of interest.

Please understand that if you need professional help, contact your doctor, therapist, or in the case of an emergency, dial 911! The information discussed and posted by myself and/or others is in no way intended to treat or diagnose you!

Again, welcome and I look forward to "blogging" with you.