My blog that I am creating is intended communicate my thoughts and reflections as a psychotherapist and to provide mental health information that you request. I will also provide good wellness tips for living a balanced, positive, healthy life! If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know. Overall, this blog is for you. We are in the holiday season now, which can be a very happy time for some but also a very sad or stressful time. With that in mind, I challenge you to reflect on giving and being compassionate.

Regarding giving, ask yourself "what am I giving, and when I give, am I expecting anything in return? What is the intention and motivation behind the giving and am I truly thankful?" I had a client say to me this week in session that even though she is frustrated she can't find a job, she is keeping everything in perspective because she has a home, plenty of food, and nice things. I thought that that was profound especially regarding her high skill level. Be a cheerful giver.

With regards to compassion, extend more patience for those who try your patience, perform a random act of kindness to someone, and most of all forgive yourself for your shortcomings. Compassion is contagious and healing.

We Americans are being consumed with commercialism and consumerism right now, and it has become apparent that we have lost perspective between needs, wants, and should haves. Since when did having 10 pairs of shoes become the norm when we walk past people on the street who are barefoot? Not to say that you should not enjoy your success but when is enough, enough?! Therefore, now that we are approaching Christmas and Hannukah, I challenge you to take a personal inventory of all of your things and your "emotional things" and deglut what you don't need or want! Keep the things that bring you meaning. I think of a handkerchief that belonged to one of my mother's childhood friends, Aunt Elsie. She passed a year ago suddenly. I carry it in my purse everywhere I go. I have many sweet memories of Aunt Elsie and love to smell the handkerchief for it smells of her. I will pass along books that I have finished and clothes that I no longer wear. I am thankful for my beautiful living space and the treasures I have collected over the years from around the world. I am thankful for my health and the knowledge I won't go hungry or unclothed. Mostly, I am thankful for the faces that are etched in my memory- my belated father, my mother, my nephew and nieces, my clients past and present, Baby Grace, my friends, and my family.
Those etchings are infinite and indespensible.

Many Blessings to you,
Kathryn James, LMFT
www.kjamesmft.com