by dmackinnon | May 22, 2013 | Healing Choices, Process
“When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” That’s how I feel about Brene Brown. I’ve heard about her from many people over the years, but didn’t start reading her books until earlier this year when I was researching gratitude. Then I met the woman—she is...
by dmackinnon | May 15, 2013 | Coaching Tools, Healing Choices
Recently, I talked to a group of people about healthy habits. I spoke about what I believe are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. For the record, they are good food/hydration, good sleep, good relationships, and play. While I shared tips and strategies that create...
by dmackinnon | May 8, 2013 | Healing Choices, Process
One day a few weeks ago I met with a group of friends to work on finding a solution to a problem we are all very passionate about. In the process of the conversation, I got really defensive with one friend, who I’ll call Jane. For a while there, I reacted to...
by dmackinnon | May 1, 2013 | Healing Choices, Process
I just spent a few days in New York City and it made me realize how necessary nature is to my soul. I love to be outside, but it really struck me that being outside in nature is different than just being outside. On Monday it was raining, so my plan to take my son to...
by dmackinnon | Apr 24, 2013 | Coaching Tools, Healing Choices
On Marathon Monday, 2012, in the mid-afternoon, I was on Boylston Street, near the finish of the Boston Marathon, waiting for my cousin to run by so I could cheer her on. On Marathon Monday, 2013, I was at the Franklin Park Zoo in Dorchester, MA, celebrating my...
by dmackinnon | Apr 10, 2013 | Healing Choices, Process
I recently went to hear Brene Brown speak on the topic, “The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting.” Brene is a shame researcher and a best-selling author. The biggest point Brene wanted to make was that we, as parents, cannot give our children the gifts of self-love,...
by dmackinnon | Apr 3, 2013 | Healing Choices, Process
The day before Easter I was at the grocery store early, hoping to avoid the crowds. After I got home and put the groceries away, I pulled out the carton of white eggs I’d bought earlier in the week so I could dye eggs with my son. I was surprised to see only 2 eggs in...
by dmackinnon | Mar 27, 2013 | Healing Choices, Process
“Why can’t I get ahead?” Because you keep thinking, “I can’t get ahead.” The mind is very concrete. It will believe anything you tell it over and over. A client recently told me that he worked hard on himself, in many different ways, but he still “couldn’t get ahead.”...
by dmackinnon | Mar 20, 2013 | Coaching Tools, Healing Choices
I have been keeping a gratitude journal on and off for years. I tend to write in it most nights, but not every night. If my husband goes to bed before me, I don’t usually turn the light on to write out my gratitude list. Sometimes, if I’m feeling especially grateful,...
by dmackinnon | Mar 13, 2013 | Healing Choices, Healthy Habits, Process
Last year a woman who had been babysitting for my son regularly for months didn’t show up one morning. At first, I thought I mistook the time and I called her, leaving a voice mail message. Later, I tried again. Once I realized she wasn’t coming at all, I sent a text...
