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My name is Courtney. I am a Substance Abuse Therapist training to be a Mental Health Counselor. I desire to possess a sense of wonder each day. Join me.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Toronto Immersion


The past weekend was FANTASTIC.
I smiled and laughed so much more than I have in quite a while.
The four days we spent in Toronto for the TIFF felt so good.

I met many new people and learned more about those previously known as acquaintances.
A very passionate, smart, witty, creative group of young adults.

Highlights:

THE FOOD. (Basically, I spent more than I ever do on a month of groceries)
-  Auth. Indian dishes
- Spanish Tapas
- falafel
- french almond croissant and teas
- holy basil chicken w/ crispy mee krob lettuce wraps
- coconut curry squash soup

THE FILMS. (these are just the six that I experienced)
- How Strange to Be Named Federico: Scolo Narrates Fellini
- Burts Buzz
- The Square
- The Promise
- Oktober November
- Bad Words

THE PLACES.
We walked from morning 'till night. Thursday evening, we happened to come across a fantastic jazz orchestra in a little pub. Friday night we attempted to go up in the tower (failed).
We wandered, and wandered some more.
We watched the sky and the sights on top of our hostel at night and chatted about the films and themes floating through our minds.
A cute french man made my day with his compliments as I nibbled my delish croissant in the sun.
I felt fashionably inferior in the massive Eaton Center (and then purchased a grey H&M scarf to make myself feel more legit).
Saturday night we found ourselves watching killer improv at Second City. Loved it!

In connection with the series at Mars, we were prompted to keep this prayer fresh on our minds as we explored the city and engaged with the films:

Here I am.
Here you are.
Here we are together.

Friday, September 6, 2013

equals

 
"Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity."
 
-- Pema Chodron
 
 
 
Just something that I'm thinking about as I begin Counseling Practicum!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Disclosure

Brene Brown's Checklist for deciding whether or not something is appropriate to disclose through books, blogs, fb, ect:
 
 
Why am I sharing this?
What outcome am I hoping for?
What emotions am I experiencing?
Do my intentions align with my values?
Is there an outcome, response, or lack of response that will hurt my feelings?
Is this sharing in the service of connection?
Am I genuinely asking the people in my life for what I need?
 
 
 

Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly (pp. 162-163). New York, NY: Gotham Books.