Meandering Thoughts of a Psychologist

Since becoming a mom, this is the first time I remember feeling anxious being away from one of my children. Although I felt a little sad about always returning to work after maternity leave, I mostly felt “ready” to return to my normal routine. Leaving the kids at a small home daycare in Baltimore and with family/sitters in Georgia has felt "comfortable." I knew they had loving caregivers with lots of attention to provide for my little ones.  This morning, however, felt like something entirely new. I sent my baby off to school on a big bus with only a name tag to help direct her. It felt so strange writing her name, my phone number, her teacher’s name, and bus number on a tag. It was like applying an airline tag for the possibility of lost luggage – but this isn’t just luggage. It probably brought up some of my own anxiety about getting lost on my first day of school. My brother found me in the hallway and directed me to my class, but Hadleigh doesn’t have an older...

During morning huddle with my co-workers, we spoke about the negative reaction some patients have to group exercise. This is where Acceptance and Commitment therapy is very useful!  You will continue to have thoughts/feelings that make group exercise uncomfortable, do it anyway! Be curious about your thoughts/feelings and observe them, but don't allow them to dictate your behavior. Connect with your values - your desire to grow and change, your desire to be fearless! Think about the experiences as a child of when you (maybe) weren't good in gym class or sports (I can relate...our gym teacher used to circle me saying "911" because I fell all the time) - how would you encourage your 10 year old self to be fearless and participate anyway? We need to encourage ourselves with the same gentle encouragement we would use with our kids! Put a picture of your 10 year old self in your mirror & every morning do something to challenge him/her! Don't allo...