 | Dear Jim,
I don't know how this posting got past. I had not seen it until today. Wow- where do I begin? I guess going to the University of Hard Knocks, and the fact I have a very thick skull taught helped me get my degree. Yes, I have read all the books- from the of the middle shelf self help and everything on both sides. I have studied dream analysis at the Jung institute and have done extensive reading on the subject of dreams. I believe that dreams are a gift from God in providing us with insights and offering emotional balance in times of trouble. Some people think it is "unchristian" to analize dreams- I'm just glad they weren't around to stop Joseph from listening to his. (See the new testament).
As far as keeping the pendulim from swinging to the extremes- the thing You and I share is a memory like a steal trap! I have always been able to recall childhood experiences with great detail and am very close to the feelings of that time of my life. Now that my daughter is pre pubecent and going hormonal I see even more of what I was going through at her age more clearly and use those insights continue to help me guide her. I try to internalize what she is going through and be the parent to her that I wish someone had been to me. I actually see myself standing where she is and give her what I would have wanted to be given. It's been a wonderful experience.
I have attended ACA, AA support groups, gone to womens retreats, had months and years of therapy, marriage counciling, Moms groups, Church, done regression, positive thinking tapes, stress management and listen to talk radio. I like political shows (with the exception of Rush Limbaugh)and phychologists from Dr. Toni Grant, Barbara DeAngeles and Dr. Laura. I have kept myself physically fit with everything from extreme to moderate excercise. When I was in my early 20's I got into body building and found a great deal of inner strength through the strengthening of my body. I went skydiving at 25 as an excercise to face my fear. My instructors were not aware of my motivation for going... I kept it to myself I got EVERYTHING I needed from that experience and possibly more. I planned on going again when I was 40, but decided not to because I have so many other outlets for self examination right now. I may go when I'm 50.
Now I really enjoy walking in nature. It is the foundation of my spiritual and mental well being. I do yard work and home improvement projects and chase a 3 year old all day. It's a pretty good life and I am constantly reminding myself to be grateful for the things God has given me.
And a few times this last year- I have learned a thing or two on this message board that has made me a better person and parent. I hope. |
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