Another Spot

Mom had a scan last week. The doctor thinks they have found another spot. I am in prayer that they are mistaken. I am hopeful that what they have found isn't cancer. I cherish my mom. I pray for her complete physical, spiritual and emotional health.

Pray too.

Elfed Up Family

I used our family photo from last year to create the funniest elf dance (you can too at http://www.elfyourself.com/) with my siblings and mom. It will only be available until January 15. Take a look......funnnnnnnyyyyy......

The Heller's:

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/VaisEYG094JocCpB

Several Members:

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/4jXuwIZRCcG6OaDuqtBP

ENJOY!!!!

Angry Chic

I got angry today. Nothing was going the way I wanted and I did not like it. I was getting three phone calls at the same time (okay, I know that isn't possible on a mobile phone....but I need the exaggeration for my story), in holiday traffic, trying to make a quick purchase at the local wireless store (yes, I said quick and that is what I wanted!) and no one was cooperating.

I don't like anger. I don't think I ever have. I don't like to be angry, express anger or see others express it. My expressions of anger are usually either sarcastic comments or lengthy rants that I think are way too vocal but the people around me indicate are not. I get this hazy feeling in my head and assume I am talking way too loud when I really am not.

Do I have to go to therapy again? OMG.

Half Time

I am not sure if it is a mid-life moment or just one of those fear based guttural cries but I have been thinking about what I want to do with the rest of my life a lot lately. I will be graduating with my Master’s degree in 2009 (either May or August depending on how long my practicum takes). I know that will allow me to open up directions that I had not previously considered.

I love my work. I have no desire to change my career path. But there is something more urgent in my stride toward my goals. I want to be more specific in narrowing my goals. I want to ensure the path to reach them. Recently, I was told of a book called Half Time. It is apparently about this very situation. I assume I have something new to read. So, that book and a pair of crocs with fuzzy socks inside is all I need for Christmas.

Ho Ho Holidays!

I am like the weather!

Extreme.

This morning when I was packing on my layers for the below freezing temperatures I was thinking about how only twenty-four hours prior I didn't even need a jacket because it was in the mid-sixties outside. My first thought (and I think deep thoughts to myself all day long -- you should live in my head!) was how extreme the weather was...then how that extreme matches my thinking precisely.

There. That is my decision. I am extreme in my thinking because I was conditioned that way by Texas weather. How about that? (I love living in rationalization).

Have a warm day.

December Article

This article will appear in the online Recovery Today. I am excited that I will be submitting monthly articles for the online publication. Eventually it may be interactive but for now, the interaction will be on my blog.

http://recoverytoday.net/December_2008/heller-garland.html

Smart Man

When I accept the fact that I have deficiencies, many faults, make lots of mistakes, and am often ignorant when I should be knowledgeable, often prejudiced when I should be open-minded, often have feelings which are not justified by circumstances, then I can be much more real.

~Carl Rogers

Acknowledgement

The recognition of the existence or truth of something.

Doesn't that feel good? So many times in the world of counseling and recovery I have heard contradictions about selfishness. Many times I have heard that you must be selfish in order to work on you and make changes. However, I have also heard that you must be selfless and help others.

Either way, once in a while, to be acknowledged for your actions or worth is in order. It can motivate you on to greater things.

Good job.

There comes a point in your life when you realize: who matters, who never did, who won't anymore... and who always will. So, don't worry about people from your past, there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

I can talk

Recently I realized that a situation had gotten well out of control before it dawned on me that simply speaking to those involved would have set us on our way to a resolution a long time ago. So many things have turned into more drama than needed only because no one said, "let's sit down and talk about this". Some counselors we all are.

It reminded me of a song my son learned not long after he started talking....it goes like this...."I can talk, I can talk, I don't need to squeak or squawk. When I need to say something I just open up and talk". I learn more from him than the big folks (me included)!

How about that?

More funnies

Hate Em!

www.whyihatepeople.com

Treatment Kinda Song

http://www.lyrics.com/index.php/artists/lyric/tim-mcgraw-lyrics-kill-myself

Boys

Someone sent me a great email called "Why boys need parents". It described actual events out of my life as the mother of a son......look at this photo!