We All Need One of These! The Archetype of Saving the Day Serves a Purpose

Whenever it was, as very little people,  that we were first introduced to the concept of "Superheroes, " guys with capes, flying mice who circled the globe, masked riders on white horses, and others of this genre- it planted a notion in our brain of rescuers and rescuees. There is a lot of fun and wonder to be had with these images. The risk is when we start to believe that we are actually in either of these roles. I have heard women lament about wanting to be rescued, taken care of, be relieved of the burden of having to take care of themselves.  Wellll... learning how to take care of ourselves is part of what we were supposed to learn and relish... If we missed the lesson earlier, it's okay to learn it later. It's a trip! It can be fun, exciting, freeing. Try it... and it's okay to bring your trepidation with you... and your cape!

Does This Look Familiar? Yikes!

Okay, so these Grizzly Bears could be our clients, our parents, our colleagues, our best-intentioned judicial system... Fortunately, there is an alternative approach, which is modeled in the form of Restorative Justice. Check it out, look it up, google it, watch some videos of some of the Peace Circles, the "Oasis of Peace" with the folks in the middle east and consider the cost of violence- no matter what the form. "Blessed shall be the peacemaker..." No matter what faith we observe, there is truth in that mantra.

Looking at Sweet Faces Raises Mood and Decreases Blood Pressure

What a lovely way to start the Monday morning... Enjoy this cute face, make a wish, say a prayer, write down a Gratitude List, smile at ten people, wave at everyone at traffic lights, leave messages for people you appreciate, think about funny YouTube videos, kiss your spouse and any children who will allow it, sing a song, bop to the music in the car... These are all tools to lift your mood, boost the amount of seratonin and dopamine flowing through your bloodstream, lower your blood pressure, raise your galvanic skin response (now, THAT'S a great piece of news!) and contribute to your overall good health. 

E Secure Video

Genomes Are Beautiful!

What a lovely helix! It's amazing what a difference one tiny little peptide can do... If you are feeling a bit dazzled, think abut the cones and rods in your eyes... I wish that our educational system would highlight the fun and beauty of discovering science and make it come "alive!" It is almost as if their mission statement is "Hunt it down and beat every lovin' piece of fun and wonderment out of it!"

Stop Sexual Assault PSA from September 2009 Conference

Bully Prevention Program Video: Heroes in the Hallway

Silobreaker Tool

"Time's Up!": Focusing on Our Children

"Time's Up!": Focusing on Our Children

Katie Couric Speaks With Teen Violence Victims

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reBlog from annyjacoby.wordpress.com: Anny Jacoby, Personal Safety Expert

I found this fascinating quote today:

The most common, persistent and intrusive of all stalkers, the rejected stalker is obsessed with someone who is a former romantic partner or friend, and  who has ended their relationship with the stalker, or indicates that he or she intends to end the relationship.  Depending on the responses of the victim, the stalkers goals will vary, and the rejected stalker usually struggles with the complex desire for both reconciliation and revenge.   As Mullen writes,  ”A sense of loss could be combined with frustration, anger, jealousy, vindictiveness, and sadness in ever-changing proportions.”  This stalker may be very narcissistic, and may feel humiliated by the rejection.  In most cases, they will have poor social skills and  a poor social network.  They are also the most likely to try to harm the victim in some way, and may employ intimidation and assault in their pursuit.  They may become jealous if their victim enters or continues a romantic relationship with another person.  A history of violence in the relationship with the partner is not uncommon.annyjacoby.wordpress.com, Anny Jacoby, Personal Safety Expert, Jan 2010

You should read the whole article.

My Ears and Eyes Are Shocked by These Statistics...

I'm reading new research on the biomarkers and neurological differences with people who "test" and having sociopathy... and clicked on a link in the series of articles... when suddenly I came across this startling statistic: that 1 woman in 6 is murdered by acts of domestic violence. As I was researching an article about recalls on baby strollers, I came across another startling statistic: that in the US, the number one cause of death in pregnant women is from domestic violence. I will be following up to ascertain more evidence of the validity of these citations. But, they did come from professional medical and justice department sites. Food for thought, in the meantime...

Man, It is Cold Out Here!

Just gathering up my energy get up from the couch and move to cuddle up in my bed- I have been avoiding every illness that has blown by... Hey- nurses never get sick!... and then, my nose started dripping (allergies?) and I got a little fever (hot flash?) and finally, this morning, I was forced to capitulate... I had to miss my Saturday outing with my girlie-girl... She went off to visit a college with some of her gal-pals yesterday and returned today, bringing me some ice cream (since she had this bug, she remembered that was all  SHE had wanted.) Fortunately, my sweet husband person saves the day, picking up everything I (try not to) touch with mitts (I asked him where he lost his MASK!) and kind son dropped by to visit and chatted from the doorway- We are all devoted hand-washing, elbow sneezing & elbow-coughing zealots...and I appreciate them "hanging in there" with me... 

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My Happy New Year Wishes

Best Wishes to all, for a healthy and blessed new year. In the honor of the new decade (does it start with 2010 or 2011?) I have attached this photo as a symbol of my image of "hurling oneself into the fray." Fray negotiation is not for the faint of heart... Rather than avoid it, we must GREET it, RISE to the occasion, EMBRACE the difficult conversation... while avoiding any and all temptation to escalate, retaliate or lose our focus on our greatest value... that of moving the discussion forward and maintain the connection...