Author: sharon

Recently I visited my daughter.  She lives in a corner apartment on the second floor.  Her apartment has a balcony, which because of its location is an adult version of a magic tree house.  Being on the second floor her balcony is surrounded by the branches of a flowering dogwood tree.

On this day the sun was shining and there was a warm but strong breeze.  Having never had a tree house as a kid or been one to climb trees beyond the very low branches, I was amazed at what I was watching.  I have always enjoyed the sounds of tree leaves dancing in the breeze, but from this nestled perspective I could see just how much the branches and even the larger limbs move, sway, and bend with the wind.  From the ground looking at a tree it is evident how sturdy a tree trunk is but from my view from her balcony tree house I had a new appreciation for the strength of a tree’s trunk and in turn how vital solid roots are to a tree’s wellbeing. At this time of year the first signs of the changing season were starting to appear as a few leaves had started changing color.

My magic tree house experience got me thinking about CCM, our staff, our community supporters, and our clients.  All of us need solid roots and we are aware of and grateful that God’s  love, light, and promises are what we are rooted in. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

I also recognized that the leaves on the trees have lots of company; they are not alone in their dance in the breeze.  As an agency, professionals, and people who face life just like our clients we know the value of “company” of a support system to help get through life’s strong breezes. “They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.” (Numbers 11:17) 

Maybe you too have noticed the changing of the season marked by the trees changing color.  Have you also noticed that not all the trees change at the same time or change to the same color?  I don’t think it is by accident that creation reflects our experience as people.  I think it attests to our oneness with all of creation.  We too do not grow and change at the same time or in the same way.

Speaking of changes we have changed our WELLBEING newsletter format.  Starting this month we will be featuring our Wellness practitioners.  In order to make this change we have renamed our inspiration section to “I” Openers.  In the spirit of changing seasons we have included a beautiful poem in “I” Openers.  The focus is relationships: A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime.

“Autumn” the year’s last loveliest smile.

 ENJOY!

        THIS SMILE IS FOR YOU!

Back to School time!  For some of us this time brings back memories of our school days.  For others “back to school” is experienced through the eyes of children or grandchildren.  For all those who support education, the teachers, administrators, aides, bus drivers, cooks, maintenance workers, crossing guards, etc. “back to school” is a new beginning much like the rest of us experience New Years.  It seems fair to say that pretty much everyone has some connection to or memory of “Back to School.”  Marcia and I were both teachers at one time so it is very natural for us to see this as the start of another year for CCM as well.   Around the offices of CCM we have spent the last few months thinking about and focusing on THE MORE.  THE MORE means exploring an experience, scripture, or relationships at a deeper level.  So what might be THE MORE to “Back to School”?

Truth is there are many answers to that question.  Let’s consider a couple of possibilities…  There is no argument that learning takes place all the time in every part of a person’s life.  “Back to School” is an annual reminder of the value of learning.  It’s easy though, to think of “back to school” as a call to those youngsters and people entering a school program BUT what if THE MORE is that “back to school” can be a call to each of us to make an intention to learn something new, renew an old relationship, step out into a new group, or deepen and enrich our already personal relationship with God.  In the spirit of deepening your learning we are inviting you to stop by CCM Counseling & Wellness and check out our library.  We have so many good books that can inspire, teach, or are just meant to be enjoyed.   The borrowing process is easy and the book can be yours for a month.

Another way to explore THE MORE of “back to school” is to consider one of the most important accessories to the “back to school” experience….THE BACKPACK.   Take some time to reflect on what you carry around in your – backpack – of life.  Have you been carrying ideas or habits that no longer serve your highest good?  Are there hurts and pains lingering and cluttering up your backpack?  What new supplies would you like to add to your backpack?  We have all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.”  That’s why everyone’s backpack needs to include HUMOR tucked into one of its many pockets.  A client shared with us what was in her backpack pocket……

“My backpack is too heavy…it’s on the bus & I’m walking to school!”

“I’ve got more baggage than a “Mama’s boy” on his first day of school!”  

It’s your turn what does “back to school” mean for you?

Sometimes, as a person shares an insight or gives an explanation they will reassure those listening…”Hey this isn’t brain science.”  This comment is meant to reassure the listeners that they are capable of grasping what is being shared.  Today, as I write this I can guarantee you will “get it.”  In fact, you were wonderfully created to be able to fully enjoy what I’m about to share and guess what it is brain science.

This past weekend was the Outagamie County Fair.  My husband and I went to enjoy the sights and sounds plus take in the concert.  Before the concert, a young girl was introduced who only a month ago had lost her mom to cancer.  The young girl was a 4H member who was hoping to raise a $1000.00 from the sale of her pig in order to donate the money to cancer research in her mother’s memory.  Her efforts started out with disappointment when her pig did not win a prize, after all she was hoping that a “blue ribbon” pig would help her reach her goal.  Still determined to give it her best shot, she took her turn at the livestock auction.  The story of her mom’s passing and her goal to raise money for cancer research got out to those who had gathered for the bidding.  The bidding started and before too long thanks to a local business the pig sold for not $1000.00 but over $5000.00.  The young girl was so excited….but she did not expect what happened next.  The gentleman representing the business told her to keep the money for cancer research and he gave her back the pig so she could auction it again.  She was given the go ahead, so she let her pig be auctioned again.  This time the pig sold for over $3000.00.  Again the purchaser told the young girl…go ahead…take the money…keep the pig and auction it again.  The young girl explained to the crowd that by this time she was crying and very confused.  “I wasn’t sure what was happening.”  The pig was again put up for auction.  When the wonderful show of support for this young girl and the dream she had was over — just under $20,000.00 — had been raised for her to give to cancer research in memory of her mother.   The cheers erupted from the crowd gathered in the grandstands…

What are you feeling right now?  Maybe you have a few goosebumps, a lump in your throat, a smile on your face, or a sense of awe at the courage of one young girl and the beautiful response by her community to demonstrate support.  Whatever you are feeling…it is brain science.  We were created with this specific neuron that allows us to feel connected to others just by seeing or hearing their story.  In some cases we experience horror at someone’s pain such as in response to tornado destruction or random shootings.  In this case, thanks to our brain science we can celebrate the joy of a dream fulfilled.

What in our brain/body makes this possible?  It’s our mirror neurons and our Vagus nerve.  The vagus nerve has several jobs including being our compassion nerve.  Truth is we were not hardwired to operate under “survival of the fittest” but rather as “cooperation of the community.”  So today you are invited to activate a little brain science and share this story with someone in order to bring a spark to their day and celebrate the incredible oneness we share with each other.

While I’m thinking about it…”Lord here’s to one mom who — although in too short a time — raised a daughter who is magnificent.  May this mom be blessed in Your presence.”