Everything has changed and I guess we don’t know what that means until we know what that means.  When it is first said you come with a head nod or understanding “ok” I get it, everything has changed. And of course, everything is going to change because we are going through something that we have never experienced before. So yes, everything will change because we will be changed. It is our memories and experiences that creates the perception and understanding of the world we live in.  Our adaption to this new experience will change just that, our perception and understanding of the world.  What that is will be individual.

So, I wonder what your answer is to the question Who am I in response to this pandemic?  You are in control of that. Please be kind to yourself and others as you re-assess the values of your new world. Please remember to always look on the bright side of life and we all will get through this If we stick together.

If you are struggling through this time Animal Assisted Counseling is accepting new clients.  Please call 708-224-8528 or visit mychildtherapist.com to schedule an appointment.

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to post to say that both Sadie and I are thinking of everyone during this unusual and trying times.  Remaining safe is important so listen to all recommendations that are being given by the CDC and WHO.

As for Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana we are remaining open according to recommendations as long as possible.  Even though humans cannot come in close contact with each other Sadie can provide the loving touch and comfort that is needed, especially now.

Every session is individual so there is not chance of contact with others during our meeting time.  All distances between individuals that are being recommended are withheld.  All cleaning that is being recommended is also being done on a consistent basis.

Please remember to stay home if you are not feeling well, and keep your distance from other individuals along with washing your hands.  Try to keep a schedule to remain as normal as possible and reach out to others to keep in touch and not feel isolated.

Remember this too will pass.

Warmly and with Healthy Thoughts

Dr. Juliann and Sadie

Take time to smell the roses and have some fun. This may be one of the best ways to relieve stress. Engaging in things you like or enjoy are a natural way to de-stress and allows your body and mind time to reset.  So the next time you feel like you are too old or have too many responsibilities to go out an play remind yourself that you are being a responsible adult by taking care of yourself.  Go Have Some Fun!

What kind of dog chases anything red?

A bulldog

How can you train your mind? Well meditate. There are few activities that have shown as much influence on working with your mind thought, emotions and physical response as meditation.

Clearing your mind, regulating your breathe and directing your thoughts not only produces a physiological response of promoting muscle repair, decreasing your heart rate, and increasing your lung capacity it also has potent effects on your self-esteem, self-confidence, relationship dynamics, and ability to achieve goals.

Meditating is a simple way to influence your life and is not just for the yogi masters.  There are a number of ways to meditate, leaving the when and how up to you.  You can meditate in the morning, before bed, after a workout or by taking small moments of meditation throughout your day for a mental boost.

The only thing you really need to remember is like Nike “just do it”.

I hope you enjoy many Gratitude Moments this holiday.

Self-acceptance can be one of the most difficult things to embrace but it doesn’t need to be.  Self-acceptance is allowing yourself to be human with all it’s frailties and mistakes.  Not seeking perfection but progress allows you to be OK with every step you make along the way.  By doing your best and rising to challenges instead of shying away from them helps you to realize how strong you are without regrets.  By remembering and accepting that your current actions and thoughts are from a past place allows you to make mistakes, change from them and continue to get better and better. Self-acceptance doesn’t need to be a quasi-spiritual, out there experience, it is as simple as accepting, embracing forgiving, and living your life as the best person you are in the moment and then putting that on repeat.