My first official blog entry, in a blog that is about staying in the present, should probably not be written when all I can do is focus on what will life be like for the next 6 weeks. I leave tomorrow for what I anticipate might be the greatest emotional, intellectual, and spiritual challenge of my career. I have always said that it is very difficult to tell the difference between anxiety and excitement. Like most things in life, we have a choice what lens we put on the camera. So in service of being radically honest with myself, I think I am both, anxious and excited. Vulnerable and Resilient.
Let me try to be in the present, for a moment. The intention for me writing this blog is for me to stay in the present with my trip to Israel. I will be teaching, training, consulting, throughout the country. In the blog I will share my daily adventures and growth. This trip has been a dream I have had for years, to go back to Israel and share my work on Family Violence, Trauma, and Compassion Fatigue. With all the kids gone, my dream and hard work is coming into the Present. So I begin this Blog with gratitude to the Center for Contextual Change, to Dennis, to my kids, my friends, my family and my clients, who have provided me with the love and support, freedom and confidence to begin this incredible adventure.
As I wrote that last line, I was in the Present, very much in the Present, with love and gratitude for the support I receive and my ability to share what I am most committed to; providing healing, restoring peace and connection to families and communities torn apart by violence and trauma.
be safe- we'll be here sending you positive thoughts and love as you continue making the world a better place
ReplyDeleteMary Jo,
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence, I am so very excited and anxious about your trip as well. I know how much this trip means to you, and hope you have the experience you envision. I couldn't be sending out any more positive energy to you than I already am, and hope to hear about it when you get back. נסיעה טובה
have fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity Mary Jo! You have so much to share.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I am so happy for you, on so many levels. I look forward to hearing about your adventure, how lucky for you and how fortunate are those who will benefit from your wisdom, integrity, and commitment to healing. I have so much respect for you because, as therapists of so many modalities, we are all about internal healing, but not everyone has the passion and drive to make a social impact, Tikun Olam. You are always an inspiration and I congratulate you and wish you the most amazing experience, ever.
ReplyDeleteYou know, years ago, Olga Silverstein talked about applying to grad school at Colombia when in her 50's. They wrote her back ( so illegal these days....) and said " Although you exceed our requirements for admission, we feel that you are too old to make a contribution to the field." I always remember that... as she was publishing and teaching and at that point, probably in her 60's. There is a different energy at this age; I do think, as I said, 50 is the new 20, with less ahead, but that time to really think about who we are in a different way. Enjoy yourself and I will vicariously read your blog...
With much love,
Wendy
PS
We just planned a retreat 1/2012 in Guatemala!!!
okay, if anyone can tell me how to post a comment...all my tries failed until I used a friend's account. Thanks. wkopald@aol.com ( wendy)
ReplyDelete