Time for some updates!

Today was the last day with students for the school year! We had a party and I was able to have some meaningful conversations with parents and kids as well. This school year went by very fast, I can’t quite believe it is over. On to summer school! I have been told with the students we have it is going to be a challenge.

I have made a firm decision to refrain from drinking alcohol all together. I feel I have lots of support, and I am prepared to stay the course even though I am around alcohol a lot. I will drink unsweetened tea, Topo Chico, and water. Tomorrow I will be at two different venues with alcohol, so I have a plan in place. I am just going to tell them the truth and say that I am taking medicine that doesn’t mix well with alcohol. Since I will be among friends, I think they will be very respectful of my choice.

Another update: In my “About” section I talk about how DBT has been the type of therapy that works well for me. I haven’t been practicing it as diligently as I could; I have been focusing a little more on CBT. They share similar components; DBT has some eastern philosophy woven in, and the concept that two seemingly opposite things can be true at the same time.

I haven’t started clearing my desk yet, I will begin on Monday. I did post an artwork I am proud of on Facebook and it got a very positive reaction. It was great to feel supported for something that feels so much like an important part of me. Just a few weeks ago I was stuck in the mindset that I would never make art again, and now I am looking forward to getting back into my expressive process again. I think the impetus must have been when my husband chose our collaborative work as the cover of his CD, and it was met with several compliments. I’ll have to be sure to thank him, and let him know the impact that it had on me.

My mood feels very even and happy. It may be the end of the school year, but it is the beginning of some new changes for me! I am happy about making art, a bit nervous about summer school, and excited to be working through issues using both CBT and DBT therapy methods.

I have discovered a bluegrass band – The Brothers Comatose – and their music makes me sing and dance! Posted above is their cover of “Stuck in the Middle with You.” I love the wash board and the hand claps. Enjoy!