Depression Getaway with Wendy Love

Recently I decided to try a new therapist. I had hit a particularly low period which was lasting too long. I was desperate. Feeling depressed, vulnerable and needy, off I trotted to a stranger's office.   I figured there was no way I could feel worse than I was already feeling, and maybe, just maybe a new therapist might have some fresh insights. It turned out to be a poor choice. We often make poor choices when we are feeling our worst.

Aren't those grapes pretty and frosty? Yes, that is a picture of frozen grapes! If you haven't tried them yet you are in for a wonderful sweet surprise. Frozen grapes are so sweet they can easily substitute for candy.

Doesn't that look yummy? Can you resist? Do you experience food cravings ? Food is often the 'drug of choice' as Dr. Phil would say. It sure can sooth depression for the few moments that it is in your mouth! But does it satisfy?

Step-parenting is a tricky business. You are NOT the 'real parent'. You do NOT enjoy the same privileges or shoulder the same responsibilities as 'the real parent'. 'Step' means just that, you are a step away, a step down, a step apart from being the 'real parent'.  It's kind of like being in the passenger seat in the front of the car.  You are NOT  the driver, you are NOT  in charge. Whether things go wrong or right, it is NOT  your fault. Even though you are there, you are just a bystander. You see everything and you hear everything but you are NOT  in control.

"I am a successful business woman", did you know that about me? Let me tell you about it. For most of my adult working years I was a self-employed artist. I specialized in hand-painted signs, mailboxes, furniture, milk cans and all sorts of other neat things.  I also taught decorative painting, popularly known back then as 'folk art'. I certainly did not make much money but I enjoyed it. I could work from home, which was important to me and I could even take my kids along to craft shows. In many ways it was a family business.

Successful step parenting - easier said than done! When I married for the second time, I had already raised two daughters who were off to university. My new husband had three teenagers who lived with us half the time. I was motivated and determined and hopeful to have a positive relationship with them. Just let me set the record straight. My stepchildren, now 36, 34 and 32, are three of the nicest people I know. 

As an elementary school teacher, I was determined that children would achieve success whether they were the smartest kid in the class or not.  Whether that success was just managing to get out a notebook and a pencil and write the date, or memorize a long scripture passage, success was the goal and I made sure that I structured lessons so everyone could experience a degree of success.