Hip to Social Media

Ok, so I'm still trying to figure out how to get google to spot my blog and professional info. I hear google sends out spider like legs to tap into the most popular, original, cool stuff. Isn't art therapy cool? Isn't trying to get awareness to anti-bullying beyond cool? And, isn't empowering midlife women just way too cool? So, what's the problem. Maybe I have to get my cheerleader outfit out, though I was never a cheerleader, start tooting my own horn. I'm on linkedin; I'm on Twitter, though I resisted for quite some time, and, I have a blogspot. It's a whole new world out there with social media, but I think I'm catching on. Things I know that are hip:
Adam Lambert must win Idol
Susan Boyle must win England Has Talent or whatever it's called. And, she must not pluck her eyebrows!
Bo is reeking havoc in the White House - I told you they should have gotten a rescue!
Green saves money
Finally, government...stay out of my womb, out of my bedroom and wedding plans.

Bullying

Bullying has been going on for a very long time. Peer pressure can be endless and children can feel like they have nowhere to turn ,but to end their lives as two boys did recently. Schools pretty much tell bullies to stop it., teachers have so much on their plate as it is, it's hard to keep track of the bullying that takes place outside of their classrooms. So who's responsibility is it? Parents who speak up and address the issue with school administrators have to be advocates for the children nonstop to get the school's attention and then they risk being labeled trouble-makers. So, what should be happening? As a mental health professional, I believe anti-bullying education has to start at a very young age. Bullies need early counseling at the first signs of aggressive behavior and support groups need to be set-up in schools for all children to attend whether they are bullied, do the bullying, or are not bullied. Children should not be afraid or threatened if they speak up as victims or observers of bullying. So, I'm bringing the issue to my local Marriage and Family Therapy organization, CAMFT, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to address and begin going to schools and speak with parents. Parents need to check in with their children on a daily basis about their day at school and not be satisfied when their child responds that their day was "OK." Bullying needs to be talked about at home, at the dinner table and whenever possible. Book smart is one thing...emotional smart is just as necessary.
Be Aware
Victoria
Marriage and Family Therapy Intern #52087
Supervisor Gwen Lotery, MFT #37140
art & guidance 4 the body, mind & soul

Where my Art is

Everywhere I look I see elements of artistic expression at play in my home. It's important that I be surrounded by creativity whether it is my balcony garden, the art I hang in my apartment, photographs, window treatments, masks or other visual adornments. As I started to bloom in my 40's, so did my apartment. It was flat and without color while I was working as an administrative assistant. As I tapped into my creative self and more important, as I allowed it to be released, my home came alive. I painted my wood dining room chairs, I added colorful borders around mirrors and I hung fuchsia drapes that created a South West flare. I see it as a part of me and who I am being expressed throughout my home. Some might see it as clutter, I see it as self-expression. I keep my clutter in check and when I feel I'm m0vying more towards stuff versus art; I go into clearing out mode.

So, how do you express yourself artfully? Creatively? Is it important to you? Do you hang photos or keep them tucked away in an album? If you are seeking ways to express yourself in your home, begin with your favorite photos in a frame you create or buy. If you have a chair that is crying out for color, begin there. Maybe it's time you reached for a pastel or a camera and allow your creative journey to begin.